(Sibu, 22nd) Former Iban chief Datuk Sir Adrian Ringgau, aged 92, passed away peacefully at about 3pm on Thursday at his home on Youyang Road in the city.
During his lifetime, he was respectfully known as "Apai Betty" (Father of Betty), and was widely admired for his outstanding contributions to public service, community development, and Catholic Church affairs.
His widow, Hilda Tunggang (aged 85), said that although she felt a deep sense of loss at her husband's passing, she had come to accept his peaceful rest.
“My husband passed away very peacefully. His health had been declining for a long time, and the doctor also said his body was too weak to continue fighting his illness. We are now waiting for all the children to return home so we can decide on the funeral date at Nirvana Memorial Park,” she said.
Adrian and Hilda had eight children (five sons and three daughters), all of whom completed their studies and obtained master's degrees from world-renowned universities. The family said this was his greatest wish as a father all his life.
Former Iban chief Temenggong Stanley Geramong Bandar, reflecting on the late Adrian, said he was a humble and highly respected leader.
“He was always willing to share his knowledge, always ready to help others, and maintained close ties with the community. We worked closely together during his tenure as chief. He was always very patient and dedicated to his work.”
Adrian was born on July 27, 1933, in Kanowit. His life was one of dedication, serving more than 30 years in public service in sectors such as health, agriculture, and public works. Although he only had a primary school education, his good command of English and outstanding performance earned him widespread respect.
In 2003, he was conferred the title of "Knight of the Order of St Sylvester" by then Pope John Paul II, an honor recognizing his long-term commitment to Christian service.
His dedication went beyond public office — he served as Iban community deputy leader (Pemanca) and chief (Temenggong), was active in the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish council, Iban-language Bible translation group, and led the civilian action organization under RASCOM during the relocation of longhouses to Sibu Sekuau Resettlement Scheme in the 1970s.
In 2001, he received the "Exemplary Parents Award" (Anugerah Ibu Bapa Mithali Yayasan Tun Jugah) from the Tun Jugah Foundation, recognized as a model loving father and a leader devoted to the people.
During his lifetime, he was respectfully known as "Apai Betty" (Father of Betty), and was widely admired for his outstanding contributions to public service, community development, and Catholic Church affairs.
His widow, Hilda Tunggang (aged 85), said that although she felt a deep sense of loss at her husband's passing, she had come to accept his peaceful rest.
“My husband passed away very peacefully. His health had been declining for a long time, and the doctor also said his body was too weak to continue fighting his illness. We are now waiting for all the children to return home so we can decide on the funeral date at Nirvana Memorial Park,” she said.
Adrian and Hilda had eight children (five sons and three daughters), all of whom completed their studies and obtained master's degrees from world-renowned universities. The family said this was his greatest wish as a father all his life.
Former Iban chief Temenggong Stanley Geramong Bandar, reflecting on the late Adrian, said he was a humble and highly respected leader.
“He was always willing to share his knowledge, always ready to help others, and maintained close ties with the community. We worked closely together during his tenure as chief. He was always very patient and dedicated to his work.”
Adrian was born on July 27, 1933, in Kanowit. His life was one of dedication, serving more than 30 years in public service in sectors such as health, agriculture, and public works. Although he only had a primary school education, his good command of English and outstanding performance earned him widespread respect.
In 2003, he was conferred the title of "Knight of the Order of St Sylvester" by then Pope John Paul II, an honor recognizing his long-term commitment to Christian service.
His dedication went beyond public office — he served as Iban community deputy leader (Pemanca) and chief (Temenggong), was active in the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish council, Iban-language Bible translation group, and led the civilian action organization under RASCOM during the relocation of longhouses to Sibu Sekuau Resettlement Scheme in the 1970s.
In 2001, he received the "Exemplary Parents Award" (Anugerah Ibu Bapa Mithali Yayasan Tun Jugah) from the Tun Jugah Foundation, recognized as a model loving father and a leader devoted to the people.