BY MIKE TUA
AS news hit Thursday evening that renowned sports journalist Simon Abana passed away days after the new year of 2024, many friends and former media colleagues took to social media to express their feelings about the beloved “Abana.”
Simon, who died at the age of 36 as a result of a long battle with illness, spent many years contributing to the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), serving as the Director of Media and Marketing since 2018 until his passing. Before then, he worked as a sports journalist for the Solomon Star Newspaper.
“Had a call from you on the 22nd of December 2023; that 3-minute call log I never thought would be the last I hear from you, bro. A fighter you are, nothing negative in your vocabulary, and always putting us on a positive note that you will go through all of these,” Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) communication officer Peter Zoleveke wrote in a Facebook post.
Simon, a former colleague of Peter at SIFF, passed away on January 4, 2024. His funeral service took place on January 7, 2024, and he was buried at Kolaridge Cemetery.
Peter’s post continued: “A humble brother, a professional who I look up to and respect the most. He took me in to work with him in April 2023. The first weeks of my settling down at work are the ones I will forever cherish. The craft of football writing and the technicalities of multi-media taught me to learn the hard way on the job. Expanding the football media spectrum was your vision—a big gap. I promise, if it’s God’s will, I’ll see it fulfilled for you, my brother.
“You are in a better place now, beloved from this world of suffering.”
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), in a post on Facebook, wrote, “Our deepest condolences to the family of the late Simon Abana and his colleagues at SIFF. In this time of sorrow, we turn to Ecclesiastes 3:1–4. There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.
“Simon, a dedicated journalist and SIFF Media and Marketing Officer, will leave a lasting mark, especially with his unwavering support for MASI’s sporting activities and his support for his fellow colleagues in the media. His presence at SIFF will be sorely missed by his media colleagues, and we share in your grief. May Simon’s soul rest in peace,” Peter wrote.
Another former colleague, long-time sports reporter and editor Phillip Lilomo, wrote a Facebook post accompanied by a picture of Simon Abana.
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend, brother, and colleague, the late Simon Abana. Simon’s commitment to contributing to the development of football in the Solomon Islands through his profession as a media professional was unwavering. It was evident through his work with SIFF as head of their media department.
“He revolutionized the media and marketing components of our football federation. Simon had a gift of innovative thinking, a visionary spirit, and the unwavering patience to deliver. For the first time ever, our national soccer league, the Solomon Cup, was watched live overseas and in our provinces through live streaming. The content and visibility of SIFF were second to none compared to other football federations from around the region, all under the leadership of Simon as head of media.
“Words, even the very best of words, cannot pay tribute or truly capture the sense of loss that we, your friends and colleagues, feel. We wish you farewell on your journey to eternity. Simon, you will be in our memories. It was a privilege to have been a part of your life. Although much too short, this was a life well lived! Rest well with the Lord, my brother. Till we meet again,” Lilomo wrote.
Other fellow journalists responded to the news:
“I first came to know Simon in 2013 while covering the Oceania Club Champions League in Fiji. He was a journalism student studying at USP at the time. From there, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with him, and we covered several more OFC tournaments together in the region until the global outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. Throughout those times, Simon’s passion for sports journalism was evident in every article and event he covered,” sports journalist and editor Romulus Huta of Sports Point Magazine wrote in his post on Facebook.
“Simon was known for his outstanding work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to his craft. He had a natural ability to capture the essence of any sporting event, making readers and viewers feel like they were right there.
Beyond his skills in journalism, Simon was a kind and compassionate person. He always took the time to listen, offer guidance, and foster camaraderie among his peers. His smile and warm demeanor made him beloved by colleagues and friends.
“As we say goodbye to Simon, we feel a deep sense of loss, but let’s also cherish the memories he left behind. Memories of laughter, shared experiences, and the passion he brought to his work. These memories testify to his remarkable legacy.
“Simon Abana will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His contributions to sports journalism in the Solomon Islands will never be forgotten. Let’s carry his spirit with us and strive for excellence in our pursuits, just as he did.
“Rest in peace, dear brother. Your dedication and joyful spirit will always be in our hearts. Salute, comrade,” Romulus Huta wrote.
Football commentator Elizabeth Osifelo also commented: “The media and football family weep for one of our very own who has been called to rest with our good Lord.
“Personally, Simon has played a huge part in my career in sports commentary. Who had the faith and believed in me and put me behind the microphone and broke the glass ceiling at the Lawson Tama commentary space? We will miss you dearly at Lawson Tama, but your legacy lives on in our hearts. My heart and prayers go out to your family during this time. Rest easy on the wings of eternity, brother,” Elizabeth wrote.
Former journalist at the SIBC, Lowen Sei, posted on Facebook: “Words cannot express how much I feel right now. I am so shocked to learn of your untimely passing, brother Sae. From taking the same university programs to becoming the best of friends, I will cherish all the memories we shared. We shared the same passions and dreams, brother. I can’t believe you’re gone too soon. My condolences to your kids, wife, and family. Such a loss for a brother with so much talent and a bright future. I will forever be grateful for crossing paths with you in this life. RIP, Brother Simon,” Lowen wrote.
