Highlights | Farewell Celebration for the late Semi Talawadua |

Farewell Celebration Highlights for the late Semi Talawadua
The highlights included coverage from the Suva Mortuary to his sister's home in Flagstaff. He had spent his final night there with his mother Meresiana Ratumaibuca, his siblings and their families on Monday 11 January 2021.
His eldest son William Miller, in traditional iTaukei attire along with his eldest child and were brought by his mother's family, the Millers, so he, his wife Teresia, their children and their families could pay their respects 'Reguregu' with gifts in form of the 'Kamunaga' 'Sevusevu' 'Magiti' and 'Vivivi' as their contribution to the late Semi Talawadua's final journey home.
Early morning on Tuesday 12 January 2021, his body left his sister's home for the last time and was taken to his home with his wife in Navua for a few precious moments before his Resurrection Mass which was held at the Holy Spirit Parish Church in Veivatuloa, Navua. Here his 2 children Marisela Dotanoa Talawadua Boletawa and Semi Jnr Talawadua paid their respects to their father in traditional iTaukei attire and mourned their loss. His daughter Marisela was filled with so much hurt that he didn't tell her he was suffering an illness.
Mrs Filo Talawadua was the late Semi Talawadua's wife and was beside him during his final hours. They shared their final sacrament and he was on his knees before God thanking God for his life and the gift of love, life and family.
2 months shy of his 60th birthday, the late Mr Semi Talawadua passed away peacefully in his home in Navua surrounded by family and friends on Monday 4 January 2021.
He was a member of the Holy Spirit Parish in Veivatuloa ever since he moved to Navua few years ago. The remaining years of his life, he became focused on the renewal of his faith where he went through spiritual life changing events which prepared him for his final journey home.
The late Semi Talawadua hails from Naweni, Savusavu, Cakaudrove. He was born to parents Karalo Ratumaibuca and Meresiana Ratumaibuca. They are both from Naweni, Savusavu, Cakaudrove.
He grew up in Nanukuloa - Ra, Nausori, Taveuni, Savusavu. This was due to his dad’s movements with his job at the Provincial Council. He attended Navunibitu Catholic School, Draiba Fijian Primary School and Nausori Primary School. He went to start his high school studies at Somosomo District School, Wairiki Secondary School then to Savusavu Secondary School where he started his football career. After high school, he joined the Police Force and his first posting was Lautoka Police Station.
He was a national rep to the Hong Kong Sevens (1984-1985). He was a son, brother, husband, uncle, dad and grand-dad who was famously known as Kaji in his rugby days and fondly known as Tiger to his circle of friends.
*He debuted for Fiji at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane on August 10, 1985, where Fiji lost to Australia, 52-28. The side was captained by the late Esala Teleni. The former nationals 7s rep played with reps like Tomasi Cama Snr, Lemeki Koroi, Acura Niuqila, Sainivalati Laulau and Severo Koroduadua.
*The retired Police officer also played football for Suva, Lautoka and Nasinu. He helped Lautoka win the 1984 Inter-District Championship title at Churchill Park.
**In 1985, Semi Talawadua was hailed a hero by fans and match commentators after executing the famous 'Goose-step' in front of the Goose-step Master and famous Australian winger David Campese to score under the post, a sporting feat which was later repeated in the 7s Code against Campese by our Maestro and world Sevens legend Waisale Serevi in 1989 at Happy Valley in Hong Kong.
Semi Talawadua was the eldest of 12 siblings.
His siblings are:
Marisela Ditanoa
Rafaele Ramalalo (deceased)
Vikatoria Verenaisi
Maria Vitolo Valeria
Paulo Savura
Maria Inise
Epineri Sovita
Karalo Ratumaibuca Jnr
Filomena Torika
Viliame Elia
Angelina Maria
His children are; William Miller married to Teresia and they have 5 children, Lavenia Naucabalavu, Marisela Dotanoa Talawadua Boletawa married to Paula Boletawa, Filipe Talawadua married to Elenoa Lupe Talawadua and they reside in Sydney, Australia, Marisilino Talawadua who is married to Sosoli Joy Talawadua. They have a daughter named Marisela- Grace Naomi Talawadua and reside in Wanganui, New Zealand and the youngest son, Semi Jnr Talawadua.
#JiojiProductions #TheInsideStory #Highlights #FarewellCelebration #SemiTalawadua👮🏾‍♂️ #PC1457
[* Extracted from Fiji Sun article written by Sereana Salalo posted on 6 January 2021 fijisun.com.fj... ]
[** Extracted from USFT News article posted on 6 January 2021 www.facebook.c... ]
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