Goodbye Fes

I took my daughter to Fes’s funeral.

I think it’s important young people see great people’s funerals and Efeso was a great man.

He was one of my oldest friendships spanning 3 decades

We spent thousands of hours talking politics, policy and plotting.

I miss him dearly.

It was wonderful seeing many of the old AUSA Executive who worked with Efeso at Auckland University in our student activist days.

Marama gave one of the best speeches of her life, the beautiful manner in which so many could articulate how Efeso made them feel and how powerful a love he was in their life was wonderful and that should be and must be celebrated.

But for me, Efeso Collins was bigger than the love he brought into every interaction of his life, he was bigger than the space he filled between people, he had ideas, and vision and a true belief in the egalitarian promise of  New Zealand and he was prepared to fight for it.

Efeso had the vision, we were too frightened to follow him.

You can only lead the people if you love the people and Efeso loved the people.

Our thoughts with his beloved wife and treasured daughters.

Goodbye Fes.

You beautiful, powerful, intelligent friend.

Rest in Peace, we won’t let you down.

PS – Could I just give Rod Emmerson. shout out here. His cartooning covering Efeso’s passing have been some of the greatest tributes and moments that will eternalise Efeso. Many respects to Rod for his amazing art.

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