FAMILY and friends of Lawrie Gavin Whiteside are mourning the passing of founder of fashion label Tiki Togs, which was a household fashion name in the 1970s and 1980s. Mr Whiteside’s daughter, Tanya Whiteside, said her father passed away peacefully last Saturday.
She said her father was known to many as a quiet leader who was instrumental in the setting up of the fashion brand that grew and flourished not only in the local fashion arena but internationally as well.
The Tiki Togs brand was the brainchild of Mr Whiteside and his late wife, Cherie Whiteside, who passed away in 2001.
“Diligence, strength of character, humility and leadership, these are some of the qualities that describe my father,” Ms Whiteside said.
“His humility was endearing and staff members of the Tiki Togs that he and mum founded would have seen him and described him as a quiet leader.”
A memorial service to celebrate her father’s life will be held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Suva tomorrow at 10am.
Mr Whiteside had three children, one passed away earlier.
He is survived by his two children, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
