By ALISON ANIS
Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane and Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare were among more than 200 people who farewelled late Sir Joseph Nombri at a funeral service held at St Joseph Catholic church in Port Moresby yesterday.
Sir Joseph, from Wagl village in Pari, Kundiawa, Simbu province, passed away on Monday morning in the presence of his wife Nicky and children at his home at Gordon Five, Port Moresby, after a long battle with cancer of the throat.
He remained PNG’s longest serving statesman, administrator, diplomat and Simbu’s only surviving knight until the time of his passing.
Sir Paulias and Sir Michael including wives lady Kaludia and lady Veronica yesterday joined friends, colleagues and relatives in offering condolences to the family of the late knight.
Sir Michael described late Nombri, whom he referred to as a school and working friend since Sogeri days, as a humble person, honest public servant and a true nationalist.
“He was different than most of his people, he was quiet, lived peacefully and seldom complained,” Sir Michael added.
He said that Sir Joseph was passionate about serving his country.
He dedicated his life serving PNG. He began as a kiap and went on to become an administrator and district commissioner for Western and Southern Highlands provinces.
His last work was as a diplomat working as PNG’s ambassador to Japan.
“During this time late Nombri built a strong relationship between PNG and Japan,” Sir Michael said.