It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that our dear friend and OFC Senior Vice President Johnny Tinsley Lulu passed away last night after battling with illness. Though not unexpected, the final word was still a massive blow.
Lulu’s contributions during his years of dedicated service were many and varied. The Vanuatu Football Federation achieved a lot during his time as President and it is of some comfort to know that he was able to experience and share much of the joy football brought to the nation during the past few years.
Honoured in 2004 with the prestigious FIFA Centennial Order of Merit for his long-standing commitment to the development of football across Oceania, His leadership was instrumental in the completion of the FIFA Goal Project in Port Vila – indeed it was his dream to see such a facility in his homeland.
The funeral service will be held this afternoon, or tomorrow morning in Ambae, Vanuatu. The Vanuatu Football Federation delegation will depart Port Vila for the funeral service in Ambae at 1400hrs today (Vanuatu time).
We all have precious memories of Johnny Tinsley Lulu that we would like to share, and VFF ask that all messages of condolence be sent to the attention of Mr. Jimmy Nipo at VFF Haus (+678 25 236) before 1400hrs today (14 March 2006).