A farewell befitting a leading figure of Government, full of impressive achievements and celebrated contributions to society, was accorded to Filipe Bole who was laid to rest yesterday in Suva.

It was an emotional ceremony with Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and Leader of Opposition Sitiveni Rabuka giving eulogies for the former Cabinet Minister at the Wesley Church in Butt Street.

Mr Bole, a native of Vanuabalavu, Lau, passed away on Wednesday at his home in Bureta Street, Samabula. He was 83-years-old.

Mr Bainimarama said people in Fiji should know that Mr Bole was the man who drove the free bus fare initiative for the people.

Mr Bainimarama said he was blessed to have Mr Bole as one of his advisers.

“The man that we are here to farewell is one of the greatest advisers that Fiji had. We are all blessed to have met him,” he said.

“Many times he would call my office and at the same time share some stories. Stories that he shared were lessons outlining which way I should head.

“We discussed about the free bus fare scheme. This is the man behind the concept.”

Those gathered were moved to tears by Mr Bole’s granddaughter Oripa Fuatau words.

Ms Fuatau said the support from his grandfather was always there.

“What I remember most is that he was always there to support us, whether he will support us by attending our netball games, concerts prizegiving and graduations or by being there to support and help me pay for my LTA fines,” she said.

After returning from studies in New Zealand, Mr Bole enjoyed a colourful career in the civil service before taking up diplomatic roles.

His political career spanned from 1986 to 1999 and he held many Cabinet portfolios including Minister for Education, Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Information, Civil Aviation and National Development.

Edited by Percy Kean