Rest in Peace: Papali’itele Tanumafili Toso (Tanu)
Tanu, as he was known to friends and colleagues, is missed already by those of us at pacificEyeWitness.org who worked with him.
He is right up there as one of Aotearoa Pacific’s most passionate advocates for our people. Despite being confirmed to a wheelchair, he lived with more guts than most able bodied. He was fearless in his determination to see Pacific people advance economically, socially and spiritually. We love him here at pacificEyeWitness.org and are grateful to have spent time in his shadow. He was one of our founding editor’s most ardent supporters and on key social issues affecting PI in NZ.
On behalf of our founding editor, pacificEyeWitness.org extends our deepest sympathies to his wife Jenny, their families, and all those who loved Tanu.
Tanu’s body is resting at home in Papakura. An informal family service will be held on Thursday 12th November at Fountain Funeral Home, Corner Wood and Elliot, Papakura. It will start at 6pm to 9pm.
Funeral service will be held Friday 13th November at Fountain Funeral Home at 10.30am followed by private cremation.
His wife Jenny has extended an invitation to all who knew Tanu, and wish to pay their final respects, and celebrate his wife, to attend Tanu’s family and funeral service.
Rest in Peace Papali’itele
Dear Jenny
I have just read the sad news of Tanu’s passing in our Counties Manukau DHB newsletter. I am shocked and saddened at Tanu’s passing. I had many an interesting conversation with him at Board-related events, the last being the Sustainability conference in Aug 08 (I have been on leave the past year). He was inspiring and always so positive.
Rest in peace, Tanu.
Kind regards
Elizabeth Ryan (Workforce Development Consultant)
Thank you all so much for your kind comments, your prayers and your thoughts.
Tanu would have been so surprised and humbled to know the high regard with which he was held by his peers and those he worked with. I love Tanu dearly and have always been proud of my husband but never more so than now as tributes to Tanu the man and his work have flooded in since his passing.
The empty space he leaves behind is huge and I know his challenge to us all would be to each take up our own part of his vision for health and wellbeing for our communities and to carrry on his work.
With love
Jenny Toso
From our Pacific and Non Pacific Staff and Students out here at MIT that had the privilege of hearing Tanu speak as a Guest Lecturer about his life and the impact of a physical disability.
Tanu amazed and challenged our students through his passion for life and drive to making a difference not only for those with disabilities but for pacific peoples, he was a great advocate for those of minority.
Thank you Tanu for enlightening us.
Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you Jenny and the Family.
Ofa atu