Fasi-moe-Afi bridegroom, Sione Valele 'Elone (43), was on his way to Ha'apai to be married to his sweetheart, Vahengalu He of Pangai. Travelling with him on the fatal voyage of the Princess Ashika on August 5 were his cousin, choir-master, Veuveuso 'Elone (34) and a friend, a North Otago rugby player, Matoni 'Aho (29).

An emotional and heartfelt memorial church service attended by over 100 people last night, August 18, at the All Saints Anglican Church of Fasi mo e Afi, Nuku'alofa, celebrated the lives of the three church members who were lost in the sinking of the ferry.

Biographies

The memorial service conducted by Rev Tu'iniua Finau, Rev 'Epalahame Vea and Rev Sione Uluilakepa brought tears to the eyes of the congregation as the biographies of the three men were read out.

Sione Tali-kihe-Matoni 'Aho, the youngest, would have celebrated his 30th birthday on August 17, his sister Metelini revealed. He was a happy person who loved rugby and played with the Fasi-Ma'ufanga Rugby Club before securing a rugby club in North Otago where he was playing before coming to Tonga on vacation.

Sione Veuveuso 'Elone, a lay preacher and choirmaster of the All Saints church was described by his sister as a loving father, husband, brother and son whose life was dedicated to his family and church. He is survived by his wife Sharon and two young boys; his mother Taina and sisters Nita, Tiale, Melemoala and brother Sefo.

The groom Sione Valele 'Elone was described as a man whose life was also dedicated to his family and the church, and he was a member of the All Saints Men Group. He was embarking on a trip to get married to the love of his life, Vahengalu He of Pangai.

The families of the three men were united last night in the memories of their lost loved ones.

Meanwhile, a Memorial Service was planned for August 20 by Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka for all those who have lost loved ones in the Ashika tragedy.