Well-known boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito was laid to rest on Wednesday afternoon at his home in Malifa. 

More than 50 people gathered at the Motootua chapel to pay their respect to a son, father, grandfather, and coach in Lionel Elika Fatupaito. 

Described as one of Samoa's longest serving coaches in boxing, a humble, soft-spoken, loving and caring person by all those who crossed paths with him. 

The family was joined by members of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, Minister of Sports and Recreation Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell, Marist Boxing Association and friends of Lionel.

Born on 14 November 1963, Lionel passed away at the Paris Olympics in France on 26 July. His body arrived in Samoa on Monday, and he was laid to rest on Wednesday.

Minister of Sports and Recreation in his eulogy said he did not have time to meet with the athletes while in Paris but hearing the testimonies by families and friends of Lionel was enough to give him an idea of the kind of man Lionel was.

"I requested to the President of S.A.S.N.O.C that I wanted to meet with Team Samoa before the events started but I did not get the chance to. I am not sure who to blame for it whether it's S.A.S.N.O.C or I was just not allowed to be in it," he said. 

"But taking this opportunity, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, we thank you Lionel for your service to our country through your work in our boxing community. You have served with your country well. Our condolences to the grieving families and friends of Coach Lionel."

S.A.S.N.O.C Chief Executive Officer Tuala Mathew Vaea said Lionel won 78 medals for Samoa from different boxing tournaments. His medals were from the Commonwealth Games, Pacific Games and many other boxing tournament. 

Coach Lionel's last job before he passed on was taking boxer Tupuola Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali to the Paris Olympics. It was a dream come true for Lionel even though he didn't live to watch Ato take the ring.

Boxer Ato was not able to say his farewell eulogy for his coach, however, he posted on his Facebook account how much he misses his coach and he also thanked the Fatupaito family for allowing him to be part of the celebration of his coach's final moments. He arrived on Wednesday morning.

Lionel's son, Fuimaono Eric Fatupaito, also shared his relationship with his father. He had just reunited with his father a few years back and was grateful for the chance he got to spend time with him. He also asked forgiveness from his father if ever wronged him. He thanked everyone who gave Lionel a purpose in life and looked after him while he wasn't around.

Lionel's mother Mary Fruean-Fatupaito has accepted her son's passing and was smiling throughout the service. Lionel has 12 siblings, four including Lionel have passed away.