The first PNG ambassador to Indonesia and the accredited representative of PNG to the Asian region after Independence, Ambassador Dominic Diya, was today fare-welled and will be flown to his humble beginnings in Mendi tomorrow.
Diya died last week after battling prostate cancer for more than 10 years.
He is survived by his 10 children and 14 grandchildren.
Ambassador Diya is one of those who bridged the transition of this country from a colony to a nation, growing with the nation and serving it until his death.
He silently battled cancer after being diagnosed in 2001 and was still working with the Prime Minister’s department at the time of his death.
He was born in Mendi and completed grades 1-6 before going to East New Britain to do his high school studies, then furthermore into Australia for tertiary studies.
His work with the colonial administration as a young boy saw PNG become a nation and he served this nation faithfully.
The main celebrant of his funeral mass, Fr Kevin Dance, told relatives and friends present that his death was a reminder for those living to reflect on their lives prepare for the day when each one of them is called home to rest.
Late Diya’s body will be flown to Mendi tomorrow and laid to rest at his home village next week.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=SqzNvjIeskg%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
previous post