The late Ropate Varo was described by his wife as a good supportive father and a kindhearted man. Mr Varo is the latest person to have died on our road.

The road death toll stands at 34 this year compared to 15 for the same period last year, Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, said.

It is alleged that Mr Varo lost control of his vehicle causing it to veer off the road along the Queens Highway in Korovuto, Nadi.

National Fire Authority officer Puamau Sowane said NFA officers assisted in removing Mr Varo from the vehicle and transporting him via Police vehicle to the Nadi Hospital.

The late Mr Varo’s wife, Vaulina Dauwere, said she was still trying to come to terms with the loss of her husband of 27 years.

“He was a very good and supportive father. He was very kind-hearted,” Ms Dauwere said.

“When he retired after 55 years we hosted a grand celebration for the family, yet he continued to work. He loved his job,” she said.

Mr Varo worked as a steward supervisor at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa where he worked from time to time after he retired this year.

Ms Dauwere said their last talk was on Saturday morning before he left in his three-month-old car to drop off his colleagues in Korovuto.

There was a fundraising drive the night before for Vunayasi District School ex-scholars.

He was the president of the association. Vunayasi District School ex-scholar’s association vice president Laitia Kurucake said: “(The late) Mr Varo took his role well and he wanted all the committee members to be on par.”

“During our fundraising drive we collected over $58,000 and he had a great vision for the future generation that will attend the school.”

The late Mr Varo is survived by his wife, three children and three grandchildren.

He will be laid to rest on Thursday.

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