The memory of former Fiji 7s and Fiji Bati player, Filimoni Seru continues to live on through the words, lessons and love he left behind for his family, after his son graduated today with a Diploma in Nautical Science just a day after laying his father to rest.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Tevita Suraki Bowman Vulimailaucala shared an emotional tribute to his late father, saying one of the proudest and most unforgettable moments of his life came recently when his father told him that he was proud of him.
Vulimailaucala says he had always worked hard in both sports and academics hoping to make his father proud, but had never heard the words directly from him until they were preparing for his graduation.
He says after informing his father that his name was finally on the graduation list and that he wanted him beside him on the special day, his father, despite battling Motor Neuron Disease and struggling to speak, used a whiteboard with the help of his wife to write a heartfelt message expressing how proud he was of his son and everything he had achieved.
Vulimailaucala says it is a moment he will carry with him forever.
He says graduating today feels incomplete without his father there to witness the milestone they had both looked forward to for so long.
Vulimailaucala says the past few days have been extremely painful for the family, especially after burying his father yesterday, but he remained strong knowing how much his father valued education, discipline and perseverance.
He thanked his late father for the sacrifices, love and support that helped him reach his educational goals and acknowledged his family for standing beside him throughout the difficult period.
Meanwhile, Seru’s family says the former rugby star will be remembered not only for his achievements on the field but for his humility, kindness and deep love for family.
Seru was part of Fiji’s historic 1991 Rugby World Cup squad before becoming one of the early pioneers to switch from rugby union to rugby league, later representing Fiji again at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup.
He also played professionally for clubs including the South Queensland Crushers, Illawarra Steelers and Hull F.C.
His family says despite his success in rugby, he always remained humble and closely connected to his people, always putting family first.
One of the most meaningful moments before his passing came recently when Fiji Rugby Union officially capped Seru at his home in Levuka in recognition of his contribution to Fiji rugby, an honour his family says meant the world to him.
