League pays tribute to Mioks, Ipatas Cup stalwart

By LARRY ANDREW
SEVERAL hundred people congregated yesterday in Lae to pay their last respects at the funeral of the late Timothy Lepa.
Among the family and the friends that gathered at the service held at Assemblies of God, Okari Campus, were PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka, Southern Confederate director Gwaibo Mairi as well as Enga Mioks and Lae Tigers players.
Sister Dii Phillip said her brother had touched the lives of many in the rugby league community in Lae and in Enga with his passion and dedication for the sport.
She said her family would miss a 42-year-old man taken in the prime of his life and would remember him for the joy he brought them and the work he did for his sport, community and province.
Tsaka on behalf of the rugby league fraternity, national coach Michael Marum, PNG Hunters players, PNGNRLC chairman Adrian Chow, Digicel Cup manager Stanley Hondina and representatives of the the 12 Digicel Cup franchises, 56 affiliate leagues, partners and sponsors passed on the condolences to the family.
“Timothy was a friend, a colleague and someone who I was close to and we are sorry to lose one of the stalwarts and the pillars for our game,” Tsaka said.
“Timothy, myself, Southern Confederate’s Gwaibo Mairi and Northern director Russ Kaupa made a move to change rugby league for the better six years at the PNGRFL annual general meeting in Lae.
“Timothy helped that process take place and contributed to the progress and development of rugby league in PNG since that time.
“We honor Timothy’s work and commitment in supporting the game and we celebrate his life,” Tsaka said.