By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 22: Sir Adrian Ringgau, 92, a highly respected Iban community leader, passed away at around 3pm on Thursday (Aug 21) at his residence in Sibu.
In a TVS report, Adrian, affectionately known as ‘Apai Betty’, was remembered for his significant contributions to public service, community development, and the Catholic Church in Sarawak.
For his widow, Hilda Tunggang, 85, the loss is deeply felt, though she has come to terms with her husband’s passing.
“My husband passed away peacefully. His health had been declining for a long time, and the doctor had said his body was too weak to fight the illness.
“We are now waiting for all our children to return so we can decide on the burial date at Nirvana Memorial Park,” she said when contacted by TVS.
The late Adrian and Hilda raised eight children—five sons and three daughters—all of whom went on to pursue higher education at prestigious universities around the world.
According to the family, their success was his greatest dream as a father.
For his fellow comrade, Temenggong Stanley Geramong Bandar, the late Adrian will be remembered as a humble yet authoritative leader.
“He was never stingy with knowledge, always willing to help others, and very close to the community. We worked closely together when he was still Temenggong, before I took over. He was a patient and dedicated man,” he said.
Born on July 27, 1933, in Kanowit, Adrian’s life was filled with sacrifices, and he devoted more than three decades to public service, serving in the health, agriculture, and public works departments.
Despite having only a primary school education, his proficiency in English and dedication to his work earned him deep respect.
In 2003, he was honoured by Pope John Paul II with the title Knight of the Order of St Sylvester, an extraordinary recognition of his commitment to Christian service.
His contributions extended beyond his official duties. He once led the Iban community as Pemanca and Temenggong, was actively involved in the Sacred Heart Parish Council, the Iban Bible translation team, and even led the Civil Action Group under RASCOM in the 1970s when longhouse communities were relocated to the Sekuau Resettlement Scheme.
His stature was further recognised when he received the Model Parent Award from the Tun Jugah Foundation in 2001, honouring him as a loving father and a people-oriented leader. — DayakDaily
