LATE GRAHAM OSBORNE FINALLY LAID TO REST

By Wasita ROYAL, Kokopo.

Today, the late Graham Leslie Osborne, a respected educator and media executive, was laid to rest in an emotional ceremony at the Tagurir cemetery in Raluana village.

Late Osborne served as the Board of Director of Telikom Limited Subsidiaries, Kalang Advertising Limited (FM100, HOT 97FM and Kalang Events Management) and Media Niugini Limited (EMTV) till his passing.
In attendance to pay their final respect, Kalang Advertising Limited Chair Mr Paul Morgan, CEO of Kalang Avertising Limited, Mr Bill Wartovo, CEO of EMTV Lesieli Vete.

The burial of ceremony of Late Osborne was made significant with his coffin lowered into the grave with PNG Pukpuks jersey and a PNG Kumul jersey assembled on his casket – symbols of his deep connection to Papua New Guinea in Sports where he had dedicated much of his life’s work.

It was a very emotional funeral ceremony having to see his own family from New Zealand laying one of their very own here in PNG.

Heartfelt tributes and many more goodbyes were lamented by those who loved him dearly.
Former player and Kumuls Coach, who is now the Governor of East New Britain, Mr Michael Marum with the Former Captain for Kumuls and now regional member of the Autonomous region Of Bougainville Peter Tsamalili were also present to pay their last respect.

Following the burial, Osborne’s family proceeded to the residence of the Namaliu clan to take part in the “kutu tabu” ceremony.

In this traditional rite, the Raluana people presented Osborne’s family’ with shell money as a ceremonial ritual of saying thank you for his contributions.

Mr Bill Wartovo as the CEO of Kalang, had the honour of gifting the family and visitors who travelled all the way from overseas and Port Moresby to be with Late Osborne as he was laid to rest.

Late Osborne’s family from New Zealand family also participated in the “kutu tabu” distribution, portraying the cross-cultural bridges he had built throughout his life.
The “kutu tabu” ceremony or breaking of shell money marked the conclusion of Osborne’s final journey home to East New Britain, his final resting haven.

He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched, both in the education and media sectors, in sport and within the wider community.