Roger Hau O'fa

The late radio legend from Tonga passed on peacefully at 11:42pm on Saturday at his wife’s village, Iare in Kairuku District, Central Province after suffering from a long illness.

He died from a chronic kidney failure which he suffered from for over a year.

As well as having kidney issues, he was also diabetic, had heart problems and high blood.

The late Hau’ofa leaves behind wife Pauline, nine children, about 20 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was 73 years old and had been broadcasting for over 50 years.

"Mr Hau’ofa was a giant of media in our nation, and a true gentleman in his nature,” O’Neill said.

“Roger was tough in his interview style, fair in his questions and he always had the latest information on the topics that he was discussing.

“For nearly fifty years, we have heard Roger’s distinctive voice as he has interviewed Prime Ministers and Ministers, community leaders and the grassroots people of our nation.

“His presence will be terribly missed by radio listeners around the country.

In his responds to a facebook post, Parkop salute the late Hau O’fa for his contributions to the development of the country and also to the media industry.

“We all mourn the loss of this great but humble man. A champion who is as tall as a mountain and as strong as a lion.

“No amount of tears will wipe away the loss and sadness we feel and I personally feel at the loss of a dear brother and a great human being.

“We all feel the pain of the family. We grieve with them but we salute this National Hero.