Emotions ran high as families, students, teachers, parents, friends and Suva Grammar School ex-students gathered to pay tribute to the late Under-18 Deans-winning coach, Epeli Osborne.
Students and members of his Under-18 team, whom he had groomed and coached since the Under-14 grade, struggled to hold back their emotions as they bid farewell to their coach.
The tribute began with a minute of silence at the school hall, with the entire Grammar fraternity observing the moment in honour of Osborne.
Suva Grammar School Ex-Students Association President Stanley Simpson was overcome with emotion as he reflected on Osborne's contributions to the school and the legacy and memories he had left behind.
Grammar Principal Iosefo Masivue thanked the parents and ex-students for their support during this difficult time for Osborne's family.
He says the school had achieved historic milestones under Osborne's tenure as coach and throughout his years of service.
Masivue says academics were a priority for the late coach, a principle that encouraged students to strike a balance between their studies and sports.
The funeral service will be held at the Grammar Hall at 8am tomorrow, and Osborne will be laid to rest at the Suva Cemetery at 11am tomorrow.
