THE Labasa Taxi Association has bid farewell to one of its long-serving members, fondly known as the association's father.
Born in Boubale on April 4, 1944, Birja Nand Sharma lived a life dedicated to family, community and his passion — the taxi business.
Nand's son, Sujit Sharma, described his father as a loving figure who would be sadly missed.
"My father led a life devoted to the community. He tried to ensure development reached those at grassroots level," Mr Sharma said.
"His other passion was the taxi business since he became a taxi proprietor in 1975.
"My father personally saw to it that Labasa taxi proprietors had a voice by establishing the Labasa Taxi Association."
A past president, Mahendra Singh, said the association would miss Nand's guidance and foresight.
"He took over the reins of president of the association in 1999 and served through till 2011," he said.
"Many of the changes that happened during the period were mostly through his efforts in addressing issues regarding taxi proprietors in Labasa.
"He did much for the association here and will always be fondly remembered as the father of the Labasa Taxi Association."