Sir Mekere remembered for living a simple life

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
THE late Sir Mekere Morauta was remembered at his funeral yesterday as one who lived simple things in life, walking barefoot on the sand and eating sago and fish.
His funeral service was held at the St Mary’s Anglican Church at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane attended by Lady Rosyln, son James and close family friends.
A PNG flag was draped over his casket which was carried into the church by pall bearers including Dadi Toka Junior.
Because of strict Covid-19 restrictions, only family members and friends were allowed inside the church. Some PNG people sat outside the church.
His favourite Bible verses from Psalm 23 was read by Joy Nakikus Yip and from Matthew 5: 1-12 read by Sir John Kaputin.
His friend Ross Garnaut said the man recently labelled a “reformist, trailblazer, economist, and the number one PM in PNG” treasured simple things in life.
“He never forgot the joys of sand beneath bare feet, or the fish caught straight from the sea and into the fire,” he said.
“He remained true to his heritage of being simple in everything he did and he always remembered the way he was brought up with sago and fish.”
Garnaut said in his last moments of life, Sir Mekere tried to hold on.
“Sir Mekere never gave up. Speech was a struggle, things were bad in PNG and he outlined what had to be done.
“His duty was never done while he had breath.
“He listened to the hymns sung in his father’s language by his cousin’s sisters and hymns sung especially for him by his two surviving aunts. Then he left surrounded by his family.”