Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka paid tribute to Vinod Patel and called him an iconic man for his achievements and a hardworking citizen, as everyone has witnessed and benefited from his achievements.
Rabuka says this morning Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, announced the distribution of more than $40 million to facilitate the return to school through which thousands of students will benefit.
He says it includes the contribution of the man that we farewell today.
He further says that Patel was a man with a very simple background and we can not get rid of the sorrows however, he urges all to be thankful for his toil that has benefitted all.
Meanwhile, his son Daksesh Patel says his father, without any title was simply known to the people as he always led by example and would sacrifice many times for others.
He says his father has touched many people's lives in Ba, rest of Fiji and abroad; being one of the most recognised leaders of Fiji. Patel says his life is worthy of celebration as he leaves a legacy unmatched whereby he started working at the age of 16 and started the business in Ba Town on 2nd April, 1962.
He further says his father was also very passionate about soccer, politics, Bollywood movies and old Hindi songs and would always help and support the Ba Football Club, the AD Patel School in Ba to give better education to children and was the biggest supporter for the National Federation Party.
He says his father's legacy will forever be known.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says the late Vinod Patel never forgot his roots and he used to earn wages by working as a labourer for a hardware store.
While paying respects to Patel during his funeral, Professor Prasad says he never forgot that Vinod Patel Group of Companies rose from the ashes.
He says Patel served the National Federation Party since the party started and was the longest serving treasurer of the party.
Professor Prasad says Patel’s DNA was all about self-dignity, humility and justice and was not a man who could compromise his principles.
The funeral service for Patel was held at Vinod Patel Park in Ba, followed by his cremation at Varoko Crematorium at 1.30pm.
Hundreds had assembled to honour the memory of the late Vinod Chandra Patel while businesses in Ba Town were closed from 12pm to 2pm.
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