Vice-minister Raminai acknowledges Fox’s contribution

SPORTS Vice-Minister Wesley Raminai has hailed former Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) chairman the late Don Fox as a man who was passionate about the game in the country.
Fox, aged 78, died on July 3 in Australia after finally losing his battle with leukemia.
Raminai said PNG had lost a man who had played a significant role in the development of rugby league, having played the game before overseeing the sport as an administrator.
He said the Newcastle native was instrumental in facilitating sponsorship for the game. “Those who knew Fox can vouch that his input to the game of rugby league was quite significant,” the Kagua-Erave MP said in a statement yesterday.
“In good and bad times, Fox was there for rugby league.
“I make particular mention of his role in taking up the PNGRFL chairmanship when the game was facing some tough times due to administrative issues.”
Raminai said this was during the time when he had been appointed as the sports vice-minister.
He recalled the leadership role Fox played in putting the game on the path to recovery.
“Fox was a gentleman, loyal, committed, determined and a passionate person when it came to rugby league and sports in general because he was also involved in cricket,” Raminai said.
“He loved this country and spent a good number of years of his life here.
“I think a lot of people familiar with the history of rugby league will recall the significant roles he plyed.
“Who can forget how Ela Motors and Fox became synonymous with the Enga Mioks as the franchise’s naming-rights sponsor and provided the stability that the club needed at a semi-professional level.”
“In some way, he provided an example for other reputable companies that have become synonymous with rugby league like Lae Biscuit Company (Tigers) and Bintangor (Goroka Lahanis).
“It is a sad year for PNG rugby league as the game also lost another great contributor in Rabaul Gurias founder the late John Nightingale who passed away in May.
“On behalf of the Marape-Steven Government, we pay tribute to these two great men and convey our deepest condolences to their families in their time of sadness.
“To Janet Fox, your children and the rest of the family, we join you during this time of mourning and convey our deepest gratitude to you for sharing Don with our country.
“Those familiar with rugby league can recall you as a committed couple who were regular faces at what used to be the old Lloyd Robson Oval (now Oil Search National Football Stadium) to Digicel Cup games or other important fixtures like international matches.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”