Funeral service

The lounge was filled with dignitaries, family and close friends. They were escorting the late statesman’s body home one last time.

The emotional wait to bring the proud Papua New Guinean and Melanesian icon back home to Kenabot saw the likes of Sir Charles Lepani, Gazelle MP Jelta Wong, Dulciana Somare-Brash and Arthur Somare, Dame Meg Taylor, Board Chairman of National Fisheries Authority Laurie William, Alan Moramoro, Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt, Commissioner or Police David Manning and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso.

The hearse arrived at around 11am, received by the pall-bearers who are members of the PNG Correctional Service. Once the casket was placed in the designated position, the Sergeant At Arms then led the ceremony.

The small ceremony was attended by his grade seven classmates from the Carr Memorial School, friends and family members.

The story of Late Rex Wanzing touched many people around the country, including members of Parliament like member for Pomio, Elias Kapavore and East Sepik Governor Allan Bird who demanded for an inquest into his death.

Today is exactly two months and ten days since he passed.

Late Tau, born on 9th March, 1959 and died on September 3^rd was an influential and iconic figure in the world of music on both international and local stages.

His life was one of love, compassion and commitment to both his family and his passion for the art of music played in many ways, but piano will always be his signature art.

Well-known faces graced the church to pay tribute to the memory of the wonderful Piano man through song and heartfelt messages, the memories were relived once more of this kind man.

A respectable senior in the medical fraternity, Dr Maku was one of the first three obstetricians and gynaecologists to have graduated in 1989.

He remained in clinical health service for 42 uninterrupted years, making him the longest serving obstetrician and gynaecologist in the country.

Displaying true patriotism, Dr Maku, from East New Britain Province, was employed by the National Department of Health, based in Nonga Hospital.

Hunters Captain Ase Boas read a very touching and meaningful poem from the Hunters camp, solely dedicated to their late teammate – Kato Ottio.

Speaking at the funeral service today, Boas struggled to hold back tears, describing Ottio as a “great friend of humble character”.

An emotional Boas also relayed condolences from current Kumuls captain, David Mead, who was unable to make it to the funeral.

Boas, who is the vice captain of the Kumuls, spoke of how he knew Ottio personally, saying he was a real “mummy's boy”.

Hundreds of fans have packed the indoor complex to show their final respects to the 23-year-old phenomenal sports man.

Late Ottio's casket arrived at the Sir John Guise indoor stadium carried by his Kumuls and former Hunters teammates.

In attendance is Moresby South and Lands Minister Justin Tkatchenko, Vice Sports Minister Wesley Raminai and other senior statesmen.

The funeral service celebrant, Reverand Oika Gabutu, has taken the podium to deliver the sermon of the day.

More to follow…

The sitting will take place from 9am before the casket can proceed to the Rev. Sione Kami Memorial church for the funeral service from 11am.

The senior residential judge of the East New Britain Province will be flown back to Kokopo on Thursday.

The main funeral service will be held on Friday in Kokopo, before the late judge’s casket is repatriated to New Ireland on Saturday.

He will be laid to rest in Lelet village, New Ireland, on Sunday, August 27.

Eldest son Philip Huhume told Loop PNG that the late PNG flag designer’s funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 16.

“Her funeral service will be held at 3pm at the St Francis of Assisi Parish at Gordon’s Police Barracks,” says Philip.

“After the funeral, her body will be returned to the Dove Funeral Home until we finalise her burial arrangements.

“The Urban Youth Employment Project, from the National Capital District Commission, have stepped in to design her tomb.

“We are currently in talks with them.”

Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika said this when giving his tribute on behalf of the judiciary at the thanksgiving mass yesterday (May 24).

He described the late judge as a fearless lawyer in his early years of practise prior to his appointment to the bench.

He thanked the immediate family of the late judge and the people of Madang for giving a son who became a very talented lawyer and judge and for sharing him with the rest of Papua New Guinea.

“He died at a very early age. 52 years old and to die, is too young,” Sir Gibbs said.