PENI Nailiko, one of the last members of the Second World War veterans who fought in the Solomon Islands, has died.
Nailiko was 93 when he died peacefully in his home at Malevu Village last week.
He was also the last surviving Solomon Island veteran from the province of Nadroga.
Former military Sergeant Lemeki Senikau said Fiji had lost a true son.
"He was one of a rare breed of soldiers who fought both in the Solomons in the Second World War and later in the 50s went to Malaya to instil terror on the communist insurgents by hunting them in deep forests and rubber plantations," said Sgt Senikau.
He said Nailiko was a hard worker and always spoke his mind.
"Despite his old age, he never failed to turn up in his wheelchair at every parade organised by the Nadroga/Navosa Ex Servicemen Association," Sgt Senikau said.
"The latest one was the 11/11/11 parade we had at Talenavuruvuru last year.
"He was a soldier from the heart and he died with his boots on."
Nailiko was buried at Malevu Village on Friday.