Sir Dennis’ death a ‘loss to Milne Bay’
By MARGARET DAURE
Trobriand Islanders in Milne Bay province turned up at the Losuia airstrip last Friday to receive the casket of late Sir Dennis Young, a Londoner, who made them and their society his own.
Sir Dennis, 73, died of a heart attack at his home in Losuia on Kiriwina, Trobriand Islands last March 10.
He had lived there for 42 years.
Sir Dennis was a former Speaker of Parliament and Member for Kiriwina Goodenough electorate.
He also served as acting governor-general on two occasions.
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare attended the funeral service held at the Catholic church in Alotau last Friday morning.
Sir Michael, conveying condolences on behalf of his family and the Government, said: “Sir Dennis’ death was a great loss to Milne Bay and the country”.
“Sir Dennis served the country in business and politics, he was always a man on the ground.
“He had a heart for Milne Bay people and never stopped talking about Milne Bay,” Sir Michael said.
Born in London in 1936, Dennis Young was 23-years-old when he came to Papua New Guinea in 1959.
He moved to Milne Bay in 1970, married Beatrice from Maiwara village and settled in Giligili.
He became a naturalised citizen and was involved in politics and later business, when he set up the Kiriwina Lodge.
His casket flown on a chartered airline to Losuia was received by the paramount chief, councillors, the district administrator and the community.
Mourning villagers lined the roadsides, throwing flowers on the vehicle carrying his casket to Napanapa, where he resided.
Community leader John Kasaipwalova said Sir Dennis touched the hearts of virtually everybody on Trobriand Islands.
“In Kiriwina he was a father, friend, brother and leader of the people. From public to private gatherings, from feasts to times of disaster, Sir Dennis was always generous.
“He has left an invaluable mark on the history of Trobriand Islands,” Mr. Kasaipwalova said.
He thanked the widow and daughters for releasing Sir Dennis’ body for burial in Kiriwina.
Milne Bay Governor John Luke Crittin said Sir Dennis made significant contributions to the development of the country and the province.
Last month he was appointed to be business representative on the Milne Bay provincial assembly.
Mr Crittin said although Sir Dennis was not well at the time, he took up the appointment with a determination to work hard to facilitate projects funded in the districts under his leadership.
Mr Crittin assured the people that he would sit down with community leaders to further develop the Islands.
Sir Dennis was buried at Kiriwina Lodge.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Rebecca, Jacquline and Veronica and grandchildren.
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