SIBU: Former Sibu Iban community leader, Sir Adrian Ringgau – also known among the local community as ‘Apai Betty’ – breathed his last at his residence at Jalan Au Yong here at about 3:00 pm on Thursday.
He died at the age of 92 after suffering from health problems for a long while.
The departure of the respected figure was confirmed by his wife, Hilda Tunggang, 85, who informed that her husband’s health condition had been deteriorating due to age.
“My husband left peacefully. Doctors had long stated that his body was too weak to fight the disease,” she said when contacted today.
Hilda added that funeral arrangements would be announced later after all eight of their children returned here.
Adrian’s body will be laid to rest at Nirvana Memorial Park here, while a final tribute ceremony will be held at his residence on Sunday night.
The couple were blessed with five sons and three daughters, all of whom graduated from higher learning institutions abroad – Adrian’s greatest contribution as a father.
Adrian is also a prominent figure in the Iban community, not only for his involvement in customary leadership as Pemanca and later Temenggong, but also for his significant contributions in the public sector and religious world.
Born on July 27, 1933 in Kanowit, Adrian began his career in the civil service and served for over three decades in several key government departments such as Health, Agriculture and the Public Works Departments.
Despite only having a basic education, he was known to be fluent in English and demonstrated exceptional excellence in his duties, earning him the respect of his colleagues and the multi-racial community.
His contributions to Christianity in the state also received international recognition when he was awarded the title of ‘Knight of the Order of St Sylvester’ by Pope John Paul II in 2003, which carried the title of ‘Sir’, making him one of the few Malaysians to receive such an honour from the Vatican.
As a grassroots leader, Adrian also played a key role in the Sacred Heart Parish Council here and the Iban Bible Translation team.
In fact, during the communist emergency era around the 1970s, he also played an important role in the initiative to relocate longhouse residents to the Sekuau Resettlement Scheme under the Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM).
Meanwhile, the current Sibu Iban paramount chief, Temenggong Stanley Geramong Bandar, who had served with him, described Adrian as a compassionate and dedicated leader.
“I have great respect for him. When he was Temenggong and I was still Pemanca, we worked closely together.
“He was patient, guiding with a very noble heart. His contribution to society was immense,” said Stanley.
In 2001, he received the ‘Model Parent Award’ from the Tun Jugah Foundation in recognition of the role and family values he demonstrated throughout his life.
Friends, acquaintances and the community who knew the late Adrian and wish to pay their last respects can come to their residence at No. 29A, Jalan Au Yong, Sibu.
