Karkar Island loses icon

By DOROTHY MARK
Karkar Island icon Sir John Middleton’s death has left a legacy for Karkar Islanders to remember in years to come.
Sir John passed away at his home at Kelli Estate on Friday at the age of 87 after developing a fever.
Karkar Island businessman Atis Deme said Sir John was laid to rest near his home in Madang.
Deme said Sir John had dictated how he wanted his funeral to be when he was still alive so his family and close friends did exactly what he wanted.
He described the situation on the island as very emotional for many who had arrived for the burial.
“Sir John wanted locals from around the Kulili Estate to bury him and his casket covered with the bark of the wild palm trees,” he said.
Village elders from Tugutugu, Mapor, Kaul, Sangana and Urugen villages on Karkar Island gave Sir John a native burial, as he had wished for.
Sumkar MP Chris Nangoi said Sir John set a standard for Karkar Islanders and left a legacy for the islanders to follow.
“He was a successful businessman, a politician and an icon of our island so I on behalf of myself and all Karkar Islanders send our condolences to the Middletons,” Nangoi said.
Sir John is survived by his wife Lady Anna, his sons Derek and Brett and his grandchildren.