Valerie Adams pays tribute to late uncle

Publish date: Wednesday, 6 Sep 2017, 2:58PM

Valerie Adam's Uncle Tava seemed like someone who was bigger than life and will be dearly missed by the whole family.

She hasn't been afraid of sharing her tributes with the public as the olympian has uploaded a few snaps on her Instagram account.

My darling uncle. Sunday we had a good visit and laughs and this morning you left us 💔 I love you and am so grateful for all you have done for me 💕 #NiupalauFams #SadDay #FaeTangata #MumBrother

A post shared by Dame Valerie Adams (@valerieadams84) on Aug 31, 2017 at 9:21pm PDT

At our wedding you were there the whole day, from the temple to the reception sitting there ever so quietly throughout the day. You completed your duties my fa'e tangata and you always held my mum in high respect. We love you and will miss you so much. ❤️ #RestInLove #Niupalau #UncleTava #HoumaKaiKuma #MumsBrother #FamiliesAreForever

A post shared by Dame Valerie Adams (@valerieadams84) on Sep 1, 2017 at 5:50am PDT

When family comes together during hard times❤️ #RILuncleTava #niupalaubloodline #kaikuma #family #houma #onelove #uncleskids

A post shared by Dame Valerie Adams (@valerieadams84) on Sep 5, 2017 at 4:00am PDT

What an amazing man - and an even more amazing family to come together and support each other at this time.

RIP.