Editorial: Lomu truly loved

The death of Jonah Lomu has been mourned around the world.

When someone dies, one of the hardest parts of the grieving process is knowing you never told the person how much they meant to you.

That's not the case with Jonah Lomu.

The country, and in fact the world, has spent the past 10 years expressing their love for the rugby player and the man.

It's not a love that's misplaced.

Lomu was truly one in a million and if there's any comfort in his sudden death, it is he knew what a national treasure he was.

Each time he stepped out in public, he would be followed by a trail of fans wanting his photograph and autograph.

It's great to know now he has been recognised over the years, in particular with being appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 and being the subject of a This Is Your Life television special in 2009.

His family has opted not to have a state funeral. Instead, today a public service will be held followed by a private Mormon church funeral.

I was a massive fan, like many. Not because I'm particularly big on rugby or saw him as a pin-up boy. There was just something about him I loved. I'd read all the women's magazines if he were on the cover and would watch intently whenever he appeared on television.

Three years ago I was lucky enough to go to Fiji on a work travel trip to the National 7s Tournament where Lomu was a guest. I met him on the first day and like a giggling schoolgirl got a photograph with him. He looked tired, and to be honest, not very well. But he politely obliged my request, before moving to the next person in the line behind me wanting the same thing.

During the following days, I kept bumping into him everywhere - and no, I wasn't stalking him. It became a standing joke. He'd walk into the hotel for breakfast and there I was. He'd enjoy a swim in the pool and who should pop up out of the water but me. At dinner, there I was again.

When news broke last week he had died, I couldn't help but shed a tear. Now the challenge is how do we remember him for years to come?