It is with great sadness that the Somare’s on behalf of Lady Veronica Somare announce the passing of her beloved husband, the father of her children and grandchildren and great grandchild Sir Michael Thomas Somare at 12am on Friday 25 February 2021.
Sir Michael was only diagnosed with a late stage of Pancreatic Cancer in early February and was admitted to hospital on Friday 19 February 2021.
Sadly, pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers that are rarely detected early. We as a family had only two weeks to look for possible treatments for our father.
“Sir Michael was a loyal husband to our mother and great father first to her children, then grandchildren and great granddaughter,”said daughter Betha Somare.
“But we are endeared that many Papua New Guineans equally embraced Sir Michael as father and grandfather.”
She said as a man of great faith, they are pleased that Sir Michael was able to be given his last rites and Anointing by Cardinal Ribat.
“In our presence Sir Michael opened his eyes to acknowledge the blessing by his Eminence before passing away peacefully.”
“We take this opportunity to thank the Cardinal for making himself available so quickly.”
Arrangements will be made in due course to take Sir Michael home to his final resting place in the East Sepik Province.
“We his children know that it is the wish of both our parents to be laid to rest together on Kreer Heights in Wewak.”
“We thank everyone who in those few days had worked so hard to save Sir Michael’s life be it through a medivac, healthcare itself or providing transport. We also thank everyone who wrote in to express their support and offer their prayers to our father and our family.”
“We are humbled.”
Photo sourced: voanews.com