Dau maroroya vinaka na nodatou yaya (Keep our belongings safe).
These were the final words Saula Draunibaka, 53, said to his son Epineri Tubuitamana when he left home to help build a shed at his uncle’s compound in Nailega Village, Tailevu, last Thursday morning.
Little did Mr Tubuitamana know that would be his final encounter with his father.
Mr Draunibaka, aided by his wife, were welding an iron rod to extend their antenna when it accidentally tipped a live wire. Both got electrocuted and suffered major burns.
Mr Draunibaka was pronounced dead on arrival at the Nayavu Hospital minutes later.
“They were alone with mom at home when the incident happened that morning and when we heard of the incident we came and saw them both lying unconscious on the ground.”
He said his father was a man who loved his work as a mechanic and had operated his garage for more than 40 years.
“Even when we are asleep at night and there is someone knocking on our door because of an issue with their car, he would wake up and attend to their needs.”
Their mother was now in a stable condition at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Suva.
Mr Draunibaka is survived by his wife and seven children.
He will be laid to rest on Thursday at his village in Nailega, Tailevu.
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