Editor,

I would like to extend my sincere commiserations to the family of Professor Futa Helu, the nation of Tonga and the large number of people worldwide, who valued and were inspired by his life story, life work and extensive writings. Professor Helu's impact and influence extended not only through his school and university that pioneered new methods and encouraged more critical values in Tonga, but also worldwide through all the scholars who had the privilege to share conversation with him and be influenced by his sharp and engaged scholarship. His writing was but a small part of his influence on this world. Every conversation or meeting with Futa left some lasting impression.

He always made time for visitors, treating them to a Helu hospitality that to me was legendary and is continued by his children. His humour was infectious and educational. I count myself privileged to have had the opportunity to listen to him whether on the sofa or while developing an argument during a seminar, such as the time when he asked the question whether Mathematics was an art. No graduation at home could be the same after attending graduation day at Atenisi, nor could any performance after witnessing his evocative introductions to performances by AFPA.

Futa was a Tongan global emissary for a grounded, philosophically open and humanist scholarship, who kept us visiting scholars aware of the implications of our research. His support of the arts for their own sake and as a tool for self
knowledge, conviviality and diplomacy were inspirational. He traveled widely, and yet was extremely modest of the inspiration he left in the wake of his talks and performances.

It will be impossible to forget Futa. One cannot but be reminded of him, and smile wryly remembering his jokes, when listening to his previous students, many of whom took both the style and content of his teaching to heart. I look forward to the completion of two documentaries on his life and Atenisi and further opportunities to listen to his ideas. I hope that we will continue to draw on both his life passion and his committed, engaged and philosophically open scholarship.

'Ofa atu,

Dr Mike Poltorak
Lecturer in Social and Visual Anthropology
Department of Anthropology