Distinguished Iban leader, Knight of St Sylvester Sir Adrian Ringgau passes on at 92
SIBU (Aug 21): Sir Adrian Ringgau, a highly respected Iban community leader and Knight of the Order of St Sylvester, passed away peacefully at his residence here at around 3pm today.
Affectionately known as Apai Betty, he was 92.
His wife Hilda Tunggang, 85, confirmed the news, saying her husband had been unwell for some time.
'My husband passed away peacefully. He had been sick for some time, and the doctor said he was too old to fight against his illness,' she said.
The couple has eight children – five sons and three daughters – all of whom hold master's degrees from prestigious universities worldwide, fulfilling Sir Adrian's greatest aspiration as a father.
Former Temenggong Stanley Geramong Bandar, who succeeded Sir Adrian in the traditional Iban leadership role, described him as a man of great humility and compassion.
'He was a very kindhearted person who liked to help people and was very familiar with everyone,' said Geramong.
'He had patience, dedication, and loved teaching and guiding others. He was a very good man with a very good family.'
Born on July 27, 1933 in Kanowit, Sir Adrian dedicated 33 years of his life to public service, working in various government departments including health, agriculture, and public works.
Despite only receiving primary education, his fluency in English and exemplary performance earned him respect and recognition.
In 2003, Pope John Paul II conferred upon him the title of 'Sir' as a Knight of the Order of St Sylvester, in recognition of his unwavering commitment and service to Christianity.
Beyond his civil service career, Sir Adrian also served as Pemanca and later Temenggong, overseeing the affairs of numerous Iban longhouses across several districts.
His leadership extended to social and religious roles, including serving on the Sacred Heart Parish Council and the Iban Bible Translation Team.
He also once served as Civil Action Group leader at the Rajang Area Security Command (Rascom) during the turbulent 1970s, where he was tasked with relocating residents from longhouses to the Sekuau Resettlement Scheme.
In 2001, he was honoured with the Model Parent Award from the Tun Jugah Foundation, reflecting his strong family values and contributions to the community.
The wake will be held at his residence No. 29A, Jalan Au Yong, Sibu before burial at Nirvana Memorial Park. Family members, relatives, and friends are invited to pay their last respects. Adrian Ringgau Iban leader passes away Sibu
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Distinguished Iban leader, Knight of St Sylvester Sir Adrian Ringgau passes on at 92
Sir Adrian Ringgau SIBU (Aug 21): Sir Adrian Ringgau, a highly respected Iban community leader and Knight of the Order of St Sylvester, passed away peacefully at his residence here at around 3pm today. Affectionately known as Apai Betty, he was 92. His wife Hilda Tunggang, 85, confirmed the news, saying her husband had been unwell for some time. 'My husband passed away peacefully. He had been sick for some time, and the doctor said he was too old to fight against his illness,' she said. The couple has eight children – five sons and three daughters – all of whom hold master's degrees from prestigious universities worldwide, fulfilling Sir Adrian's greatest aspiration as a father. Former Temenggong Stanley Geramong Bandar, who succeeded Sir Adrian in the traditional Iban leadership role, described him as a man of great humility and compassion. 'He was a very kindhearted person who liked to help people and was very familiar with everyone,' said Geramong. 'He had patience, dedication, and loved teaching and guiding others. He was a very good man with a very good family.' Born on July 27, 1933 in Kanowit, Sir Adrian dedicated 33 years of his life to public service, working in various government departments including health, agriculture, and public works. Despite only receiving primary education, his fluency in English and exemplary performance earned him respect and recognition. In 2003, Pope John Paul II conferred upon him the title of 'Sir' as a Knight of the Order of St Sylvester, in recognition of his unwavering commitment and service to Christianity. Beyond his civil service career, Sir Adrian also served as Pemanca and later Temenggong, overseeing the affairs of numerous Iban longhouses across several districts. His leadership extended to social and religious roles, including serving on the Sacred Heart Parish Council and the Iban Bible Translation Team. He also once served as Civil Action Group leader at the Rajang Area Security Command (Rascom) during the turbulent 1970s, where he was tasked with relocating residents from longhouses to the Sekuau Resettlement Scheme. In 2001, he was honoured with the Model Parent Award from the Tun Jugah Foundation, reflecting his strong family values and contributions to the community. The wake will be held at his residence No. 29A, Jalan Au Yong, Sibu before burial at Nirvana Memorial Park. Family members, relatives, and friends are invited to pay their last respects. Adrian Ringgau Iban leader passes away Sibu
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