Minister for International Trade and Investment and Member for Yangoru-Saussia Richard Maru pays his final farewell to the late Sir Julius Chan. “I will return to Huris in Namatanai District in New Ireland Province to witness the burial of one of our greatest founding fathers, the last man standing, Sir Julius Chan. I am here to represent my people of Yangoru-Saussia District in East Sepik Province, my family, the people of the Greater Sepik Region and the generation of post-Independence Leaders of our nation to bid farewell the two-time Prime Minister, the first Finance Minister, the father of our own currency Kina and Toea, the first Deputy Prime Minister and right hand man to his brother and founding father our late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. I had a rare privilege to visit his residence at Huris yesterday with my fellow Ministers and Sandaun Govenor and spent one hour with his dear wife, Lady Stella Chan,” Minister Maru stated. He said that when meeting Lady Stella, she recalled their over 60 years of marriage and his political journey, his vision and dream to turning PNG into a very rich and prosperous country and how he worked very hard to see his dream come true both for New Ireland and for Papua New Guinea. “As we left her, she concluded with these very sobering words, and I quote: “When he became a politician, his blood changed to politics. He never retired from politics. He died while doing the job he loved best- serving the people of New Ireland and our great nation of Papua New Guinea." These were indeed very moving and inspirational words. Thank you, Lady Stella Chan, for being the soul mate and best friend to our founding father and last man standing Sir Julius Chan for over 60 years and a great mother to Papua New Guinea. I am deeply humbled and happy that I can be here today at New Ireland and Huris to bid farewell to one of our greatest founding fathers, Rt Honorable Sir Julius Chan, GCL, GCMG, KBE, PC, MP,” Minister Maru said.