In honor and memory of the Late Sir Julius Chan, the New Ireland community in Port Moresby on Saturday gathered as early as 2pm at the Kopkop College in Gerehu to pay their respects to their Late Governor. In attendance to mark the momentous occasion was the Late Sir Julius' only brother, Michael Chan, who was with his two kids Kori and Vanessa Chan, along with Arthur Somare and other invited special guest and family members witnessed the gathering. With a heavy heart speaking on behalf of her family, Vanessa Chan thanked the New Ireland Community for their thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. "I know everyone that he has touched a lot of lives, and I always have to remind my brothers that his not only our father but the father of this great nation." "He worked very hard for the future of our country, our future. He worked till the day he passed on." Vanessa Chan said, New Ireland is a "Bilas Peles" and asked for the people to attend the state funeral today at the St Mary's Catholic Church 2pm in town, not be sad, but to celebrate his life and remember the life and his journey for this country. "I'd like you to remember that we come from the proud province of bilas and I'd like that if you attend the state funeral not to be saddened but to celebrate his life."