20/07/2026
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)
We will be livestreaming the Final Journey Home service for the late Penitiko Aore Taoi on Tuesday, 21 July, and Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
Penitiko Aore Taoi was born on 10 May 1962 and peacefully departed this life on 09 July 2026.
He belonged to the Vuvale Taoi of Mataqali Vunikoro, Yavusa Nauluvatu, from the village of Taira, Vanuavatu, Lau. His traditional i Cavuti is Turaga na Tui Vanua.
Penitiko grew up in Vanuavatu before moving to Suva to continue his primary education at Marcellin Primary School in Vatuwaqa, where he was raised under the care and guidance of the Marist Brothers. He later spent a year in Napuka, Vanua Levu, before attending Navesau Adventist School in Wainibuka. He completed his secondary education at Queen Victoria School and began his working career as a mechanic with KR Latchans.
His family remains forever grateful to the Marist Brothers and the many families who welcomed and cared for him while he was away from his parents. Those acts of kindness shaped the man he became. Throughout his life, Penitiko reflected those same values by opening his home and heart to others. To him, family was never merely defined by blood, but by the love, warmth, and care shared among people.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Filo Taoi of Nawaikama, Gau, Lomaiviti, and together they built a family founded on faith, resilience, perseverance, and unconditional love. Their shared experiences of hardship became the foundation upon which they nurtured a strong and close-knit family.
Together, they had four children: Margaret Jioji, Penitiko Taoi (Jnr), Makiti Raratabu, and Salote Tavo. He was also blessed with children-in-law: Kalisiana Jioji, Jotame Tavo, Stella Moresio Taoi, and Leilani Raratabu.
Among his greatest joys in life were his grandchildren, the apples of his eyes: Jannette Jioji, Niko Raikuna, Joshua Konataci, Inosi Rabuka, Nigel Taoi, Helava Taoi, Akesah Raratabu, Israel Tavo, Abel Raratabu, Margaret-Tupou Taoi, and Siana Tavo. Their laughter, achievements, and presence brought immeasurable happiness to his life.
The reguregu for Penitiko will be held at Cunningham, at a place known as Waigasau. Situated in Vanuavatu, Waigasau was once the site of the family's home and remained a place of great significance throughout his life. One of his fondest memories was watching his father write his name on the inner rafters of the house whenever he received first prize at Vanuavatu District School. Over time, Waigasau became inseparable from the family's identity, and they became affectionately known as the family from Waigasau.
Penitiko came from a strong Seventh-day Adventist family, and his faith remained a constant throughout his life. In later years, he made the deliberate decision to return to regular church fellowship and became a faithful worshipper at PTEC Seventh-day Adventist Church. Though there were seasons when he was absent from formal worship, his faith never wavered. The family believes that he encountered a message that deeply resonated with his heart one that renewed his commitment to walk faithfully with the Lord.
PTEC Seventh-day Adventist Church became more than just a place of worship; it became a spiritual home. The family acknowledges and thanks the church board and members for welcoming and embracing him with open arms during this chapter of his life.
We give thanks for a life marked by service, humility, and love for others. Serving people before self was not merely a principle Penitiko spoke about; it was a value he faithfully demonstrated through the way he lived, the way he treated others, and the way he cared for those around him. His legacy is one of family, kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.
The family has intentionally centered his homegoing service around the principle of service a reflection of the life he lived. This is not merely a day to remember a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, but an opportunity to reflect upon the values he embodied. Service strengthens relationships, nurtures communities, and gives meaning to life.
Therefore, the family warmly invites all who knew and loved Penitiko to be part of this occasion. Whether you are able to bring something or not, your presence is what matters most. Allow the family the privilege of serving you as an expression of their gratitude for the love, respect, and kindness shown to their late father throughout his lifetime.
His greatest legacy is family. While many may speak of dreams and aspirations, those who knew Penitiko would agree that he had already fulfilled his calling not through wealth or recognition, but through the lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the family he lovingly raised.
Though deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he has completed his earthly journey and now rests peacefully in the eternal presence of his Heavenly Father.
The Final Journey Home for the late Penitiko Aore Taoi will be livestreamed by the Jioji Productions Media Team.
