Lobendahn: Remembered As Someone Who Helped Many
The late Vincent Walter Lobendahn was described as someone who helped those who sought his help.
Delivering the eulogy yesterday, his son Vincent Lobendahn Jnr, was emotional as he spoke about his father.
“My father was stern, stubborn at times, disciplined and approachable,” Mr Lobendahn Jnr said.
“My father can have conversations with someone of high position and someone from the street.
“My father’s status did not affect the way he talked to people.”
Mr Lobendahn Jnr said his father would be greatly missed by those who knew him.
“My father was the eldest of six children and he was tasked to help the family,” he said.
“He worked in all the Government departments which enabled dad to understand the running of the Government.
“Dad taught us that it is the small things that count or matter. Dad was disciplined and took pride in what he had. He cherished each member of his ever-growing family.
“My father loved this country, its people and customs. This country gave him the best.”
Church sector representative, Culden Kamea said: “Mr Lobendahn walked the talk. He was a quiet man and down-to-earth. He did so much for so many.
“He was a disciplinarian and he believed in tough love. He believed in his faith and never wavered. He hardly missed mass.”
He was laid to rest at the old Suva Cemetery.
Political career
n The late Mr Lobendahn was a former Soqosoqo Ni Vakavulewa Ni Taukei Party (SVT) and General Voters Party (GVP) Government Minister. He died on September 18, 2018, at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva at the age of 81.
n He was the former Minister for Television and Telecommunication, Minister for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, and Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations.
He is survived by his wife Aggie, and children Donna Lobendahn, Pauline Lobendahn-Osborne, Elina Lobendahn-Volavola, Perina Lobendahn, Fernando Lobendahn, Jonathan Lobendahn, Vincent Jr Lobendahn, Virgilio Lobendahn and Gabriella Lobendahn-Naucukidi.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
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