Sir J, the last man standing passes on

The last of the country’s founding father, and New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan passed away peacefully today at 12:30pm at his home in Huris, New Ireland Province, surrounded by his family and friends.

Affectionately known as “The Last Man Standing”, the 85 year old passed away after a long illness leaving behind his wife, Lady Stella, their four children, Vanessa, Byron, Mark and Toea, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family thanked those who stood by him, shared his legacy throughout his political life from pre-independence to the time of his passing.

He was described as a “political icon transcending generations and his legacy will remain forever in the pages of the country’s history books and more so in the hearts of so many.”

Sir Julius who was of mixed parentage New Ireland and Chinese, enjoyed a political career spanning more than four decades serving as Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, in the Opposition and various ministerial portfolios and as Governor of New Ireland.

A State funeral is being worked on, with a weeklong wake or haus krai being held in Port Moresby beginning tonight.