02/11/2026
๐๏ธ๐ A SOLDIERโS FINAL SALUTE โ PENI WAQAIRATUโS LAST JOURNEY HOME
FROM THE BARRACKS OF SERVICE TO THE ETERNAL RESTING PLACE
๐ NAVOCI, NADI | ALABASTER INVESTMENTS MEDIA
Today, we prepare to farewell a man who dedicated a part of his life to serving his country, a husband who shared lifeโs journey with his beloved wife, a father whose name will forever remain in the hearts of his children, and a son of the vanua whose roots stretch from Namalata, Tavuki, Kadavu, to his vasu connection in Lomanikoro, Rewa.
Peni Waqairatu, born on 11 December 1957, sadly passed away on 24 October 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, family, and memories that death can never erase.
His passing marks the end of his earthly journey, but the story of his life will continue through those who loved him, those who served alongside him, and the generations who will carry his name forward.
๐๏ธ A SOLDIER WHO SERVED
Peni served as a soldier before eventually retiring from service. His years in uniform formed part of his lifeโs story, representing a chapter of discipline, commitment, and service.
Today, the uniform may be laid aside, and the duties of this earthly life may have come to an end, but the memories of his service remain.
A soldierโs final journey is never simply about saying goodbye. It is about honouring a life lived, acknowledging the sacrifices made, and remembering the man behind the uniform.
Today, we bid farewell to Peni Waqairatu โ a soldier returning home for the final time.
๐ A HUSBAND, A FATHER, A FAMILYโS TREASURE
Behind the story of a soldier was a husband and father whose place in the family can never be replaced.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Salome Lewavai, of Navoci, Nadi, together with his children and loved ones, who must now face the difficult reality of continuing life without his physical presence.
His children, Saula Baleikaba, Joseph Waqairatu, Alisi Neomai, and Inoke Davu, carry forward the memories and family legacy connected to his name.
There are farewells that words can never fully explain. There are tears that speak of years of love, shared experiences, sacrifices, and memories that will forever remain precious.
For a wife, the departure of a husband means learning to live with an empty space beside her. For children, it means carrying a fatherโs memory into the days ahead. For the wider family, it means gathering together in grief, finding comfort in one another, and holding firmly to the memories that death cannot take away.
๐ฟ THE VANUA GATHERS โ FROM KADAVU TO NAVOCI
Peniโs identity is deeply connected to his people and his roots.
His ancestral home is Namalata, Tavuki, Kadavu, where he belongs to Mataqali Masa, Tokatoka Masa. His vasu connection is to Lomanikoro, Rewa.
Through his marriage to Salome, he was also connected to Navoci, Nadi, where she belongs to Mataqali Vunamasei, Tokatoka Vunamasei, Yavusa Noneiqoro.
As the family prepares to farewell him, this is more than the burial of a loved one. It is a gathering of family, kinship, and the vanua โ people coming together to honour a life, offer condolences, fulfil their customary responsibilities, and stand beside those whose hearts are heavy with grief.
In our Fijian way of life, the presence of the vanua speaks a language of its own. Through the reguregu, the expressions of veivakacegui, the sharing of stories, and the support of relatives and friends, the bereaved family is reminded that they do not mourn alone.
๐ฏ๏ธ THE FINAL JOURNEY HOME
At 5:00pm, Peniโs final journey begins from Nadi Hospital, marking another emotional chapter for his family as they prepare to receive him.
Tomorrowโs farewell will begin with a church service at the family home at 10:00am, before he is laid to rest at Namure Cemetery.
The journey to the cemetery will be a difficult one for those who have loved him. Every step brings them closer to the final goodbye, yet every memory reminds them that a meaningful life leaves something behind.
Today, the soldier returns to rest.
The husband is farewelled by his wife.
The father is entrusted to the memories of his children.
And the son of Namalata, Tavuki, Kadavu, is remembered by his people and those whose lives became connected to his.
๐ REST IN ETERNAL PEACE, PENI WAQAIRATU
Your earthly duties have ended. Your final parade has come. The voices that once called your name will now speak it through memories, prayers, and tears.
Though your family must learn to walk forward without you, the years you lived and the memories you created will remain part of their story.
May the Lord comfort Salome, your children, your extended family, your fellow servicemen, and all those mourning your passing.
May the vanua find comfort in unity, may your family find strength in the days ahead, and may the hope of the resurrection bring peace to every grieving heart.
Moce mada, Peni Waqairatu.
You have answered your final call. May you rest peacefully in the loving arms of your Creator.
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