Love, respect and humility.
This is how many remembered the way former military Colonel Ratu George Kadavulevu lived his life.

Hundreds of people paid their last respects at the Ratu Seru Cakobau Memorial Church on Bau Island yesterday during his homecoming church service.

Many who spoke during the eulogy told of how Ratu Kadavulevu put others before himself and that his role as a traditional leader was a responsibility and not an entitlement.

Family Eulogy
Adi Tiriseyani Daucakacaka Naulivou (Ratu Kadavulevu’s daughter) spoke highly of her father.

“Ratu faced a lot of hardships during his military career, however, he never thought twice of what he was supposed to do,” Adi Tiriseyani said.

From left: Sereana Kadavulevu (the late Ratu George Kadavulevu’s widow) with Adi Litia Cakobau during Ratu George Kadavulevu’s funeral at Bau Island on September 13, 2019. Photo: Ilaijia Ravuwai

“He never looked back or felt that he needed to move for what he stood for.

“He constantly reminded me that being born into a chiefly family was not a right, but a responsibility,” she said sobbing.

Adi Tiriseyani said Ratu Kadavulevu would surely be missed by his close families, friends and people who knew or came across him.

She thanked mourners and relatives for their continuous support, prayers and thoughts.

Vanua
Speaking in i-Taukei language on behalf of the vanua, Ratu Cokanauto Tu’uakitau said that Ratu Kadavulevu wasn’t a man of many words.

Ratu Cokanauto said he was someone with “overwhelming humility”.
“Whenever you see Ratu Kadavulevu he was in deep thought. He was one who valued relationships,” Ratu Cokanauto said.

Pallbearers during Ratu George Kadavulevu’s funeral at Bau Island on September 13, 2019. Photo: Ilaijia Ravuwai

He added that Ratu Kadavulevu was someone who brought families together.

Present at the homecoming service were chiefs such as Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, close family members of Ratu Kadavulevu and Sereana Kadavulevu and friends.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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