Tributes flow for young Ipswich man Junior Kuresa

A close friend of an Ipswich man who tragically passed at the weekend has recalled his friend’s final words to him.

The Ipswich community is coming to grips with the sudden loss of Junior Kuresa, a young man being remembered for his loyalty, warmth, and humour.

Mr Kuresa, 24, lived at Redbank Plains. He was a support worker and an involved member of the local community.

Tragically, he passed away on Sunday October 10.

Close friend of Mr Kuresa’s, Douglas Faaiu, said the news came as a huge shock to him after only seeing his friend on Friday.

“On Friday, he and I were just having a private conversation,” Mr Faaiu said.

“I was telling him that I was just going to hang up the boots and give up rugby, and he … was telling me ‘don’t hang them up yet, you’re still young’.

“He was just inspiring me to keep doing what I’m doing.

“We were leaving to come home and he said to me, ‘I’ll see you on Monday. Send my love to the boys (Mr Faaiu’s kids) and Flo (Mr Faaiu’s partner). I love you.

“And that was it – the last time I ever heard from him.”

Mr Kuresa was supposed to stand next to Mr Faaiu on his wedding day in August.

Junior Kuresa, Douglas Faaiu, and Mr Kuresa’s cousin Louie Tasi. Picture: Supplied

Described as a bubbly, welcoming, and positive person, Mr Kuresa was adored by all who knew him.

He played rugby for Normanby Hounds, was a long-time member of Ipswich Weightlifting Club, and was committed to his fitness journey.

Mr Faaiu said Mr Kuresa’s parents and siblings lived in NZ, but he had a tight-knit group of friends, who became like family, in Australia.

“We all worked together,” Mr Faaiu said.

“We were (always) just mucking around. But (Monday), it hit different.

“I just broke down crying when I rocked up at work.”

Mr Faaiu said he adored his friend, who was really “more like (his) little brother”.

“We just had this bond that was different to everyone’s bond,” he said.

“I love him. He left us in the dust.

“I’ll see you on the other side.”

Mr Faaiu said Mr Kuresa’s friends gathered at his house on Monday night, to remember Mr Kuresa and sing his favourite songs. Picture: Supplied

Since his passing, dozens of heartfelt tributes have been shared to Mr Kuresa’s social media pages.

“You left us without saying anything,” one post read. “I’m so numb, I miss you and need you.”

“You were that funny, loud, full of love, humble gentle giant who would always put his own family and friends before himself,” another read.

Mr Kuresa’s employer at the time of his passing, Lisa Iosua, shared in a post that she was “lost for words” and all she could say was “thank you”.

“I will cherish and remember the precious memories we shared since you came on board five years ago,” Ms Iosua said.

“There is so much I (want to) say but my tears take over.

“I pray that one day when all the pain has died down I will write a novel and let the world know of how much you impacted my life, my babies and just everyone you crossed paths with.”