The first local to become a journalist in Fiji had a passion in his heart for journalism for more than 50 years.

Stan Ritova Whippy, who died in Australia last week, will be buried this Friday at the Suva Cemetery after a funeral service at the Anglican Cathedral at 11am.

Whippy started as a journalist at the young age of 19 where he climbed up the ranks from a copyboy to news editor, and chief-of-staff in various media organizations including the Fiji Times, Fiji Sun and Fiji Post.

Eldest daughter Ellen Whippy-Knight said even at the age of 74, his father still missed being a journalist.