By GABRIEL KATUHO
AN esteemed public relations figure and well-known community leader in Vanimo in Sandaun Province has passed on following a stroke.
Known for his dedication and exemplary work ethic, Mr. Moretikai Paora Tikaroa collapsed at his home on Friday, November 1, and was rushed to Vanimo General Hospital. On Saturday, November 2, he was transferred to Indonesia for further medical treatment but, sadly, he passed away on Sunday, November 3.
His wife Kame Kapi Tikaroa, who was in Port Moresby undergoing treatment, received the tragic news with her eldest son, Kimiora Kapi Tikaroa, by her side.
The mother and the son made their way to Vanimo to see Late Mr. Tokaroa’s body and make funeral arrangements.
Vanimo Forest Product in respect of their long serving employee, met the funeral expenses and paid last respect before flying his body to Port Moresby.
Mr. TiKaroa was flown in to Port Moresby on Thursday 7th of November and was paid seven days’ fee by the company for his body to be in funeral home awaiting burial.
Moretikai Paora Tikaroa from Cook Islander came to Papua New Guinea in the 1980s. He began his career with Waghi Valley Transport Company, where he drove a semi-trailer transporting equipment to and from Mt. Hagen to Porgera. During his time in the Highlands, he met and later married Kame Kapi, who was then a young student at Tee Primary School in Mt. Hagen.
In 1986 they got married and after paying Kame’s family bride price, the couple moved to Vanimo, where they would spend the rest of their lives together. Mr. Tikaroa joined Vanimo Forest Products in 1992, serving with dedication until his passing. His influence extended beyond his professional contributions; he became a beloved figure within the community, known as a beacon of the logging industry in West Sepik Province.
He spent 40 years serving the people of West Sepik and has passed on at the age of 74. He holds vast experience and knowledge in Mechanical engineering fields, and was a manager in several sector within the Logging industry.
He passed away while Managing Port Facility Security Services and Shipping Construction in Vanimo West Sepik Province.
Late Tikaroa’s wife Kame Kapi Tikaroa broke into tears while sharing her heartfelt tribute of her husband: “He is a caring and loving husband. He is a very hard-working man who is committed and does not even go on leave or holiday vacations.
“I will miss him. We will miss him. He is a good man.”
His son, Kimiora Kapi Tikaroa said: “My Father was a strong man and is good to everybody he came across. He also thanked Vanimo Forest Product for covering the funeral cost that made it easier for the family.
Former Vanimo Town Yard/ Log Yard Construction officer with Vanimo Forest Product, Mr. Orlando Wangillen spoke highly of late Mr. Tikaroa stating that he touched the heart of many people in West Sepik.
He said he has seen the Vanimo Town tranform in his eyes and also contributed towards the development in his area of profession.
“When you see Vanimo Forest, you see Maurice, he is the face of Vanimo Forest,” he said.
“He helped many youths find employment and have taught many unskilled individuals to be productive citizens of West Sepik Province. Many will call him by the name ‘White Mauris’ and the radio communications will not hear Mauris anymore,” he said.
Mr. Tikaroa is survived by his wife, Kame, and their four children: Kimiora Kapi Tikaroa, Nehemiah Kapi Tikaroa, Shementha Kapi Tikaroa, and Venessa Kapi Tikaroa. He also leaves behind children from a previous marriage in New Zealand and Australia.
Late Tikaroa’s body is in Funeral home in Port Moresby while the house cry is at Gerehu state one, Maigama Crescent.
