Sattya Singh, the leader of New Life Church in Fiji, was laid to rest at Savudrodro in Cakaudrove Province yesterday.

Known to many as Pastor Koko, the former national soccer representative passed away after a short illness at his home in Basoga, Labasa, last Friday.

The 66-year-old father of five children and four grandchildren is originally from Savusavu.

Mourners shed tears in grief as they bid their last goodbye when his casket was brought in yesterday at the Kshatriya Hall in Labasa.

Many people in the Northern Division called him father because he provided comfort and help to orphans, the homeless, the broken hearted, broken families, the unemployed, and the underprivileged and disadvantaged.

His wife, Teresa Singh, described him as a humble, gentle and funny person who was always busy in doing God’s ministry.

“He sacrificed a lot in his life to provide for his family, church and anyone who needed his help,” Mrs Singh said.

“We thank the Lord for his life and believe he is with Jesus Christ in heaven.”

A church member, Emmanuel Prasad, said Pastor Koko worked in various companies.

“He worked at Fiji Sugar Corporation, Burns Philp, Post Fiji and Shell Fiji Limited,” Mr Prasad said.

“He started his church ministry in 1993 while working for Shell Fiji Limited.”

There are more than 10 church branches in Fiji including Rabi and Taveuni islands.

The Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel on the Fiji Football page acknowledged Mr Singh’s supreme contribution in the football arena.

He said Mr Singh was a former Savusavu, Labasa and national rep.

His secondary education was at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School.

Edited by Percy Kean

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