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George Tupou Obituary
Prime Minister Lord Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano gave a brief address announcing that the king had died at 3 p.m. Sunday, Pesi Fonua, publisher of the Tongan news website Matangi Tonga, told The Associated Press. No cause of death was given.
The prime minister said the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, was at the king's side when he died at the Hong Kong hospital.
The prime minister declared that the royal family and entire nation was in mourning, ending his address with a Tongan expression meaning "The sun has set," according to Fonua.
The king had a liver transplant last year and suffered other health problems, according to Tongan media reports.
Tupou had reigned over the island nation of 106,000 since Sept. 2006, after the death of his father, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.
Tupou, who studied at King's College in Auckland, New Zealand, and in Britain, is credited with championing a more open system of government, advocating technological improvements and introducing a more open economy in the kingdom.
He will be remembered by many for his throwback fashion choices — which included wearing, at times, a top hat and even a monocle.
New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key released a statement Monday saying that his thoughts were with the people of Tonga.
"I would like to acknowledge the very valuable contribution the king has made in steering Tonga towards democracy and hope this work will continue," Key said. "He believed that the monarchy was an instrument of change and can truly be seen as the architect of evolving democracy in Tonga. This will be his enduring legacy."
Fonua said the king gave up most of his executive powers when he came to the throne, accepting the need for a more democratic system. Fonua said the king also championed technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet, and made some enemies among conservative Tongans for his efforts to make the economy more market-driven.
Nick Perry, Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
51 Entries
Tevita Moala'eua
March 26, 2012
Rest in Peace our beloved King Siaosi Tupou V ..
passion
March 26, 2012
Rest in Paradise to our king condolences to the royal family & the people of Tonga!
Syliva Tiltges
March 24, 2012
To all the people of Tonga and especially to the royal family, my heartfelt condolences. Having lived with the people of Tongatapu for two years I understand the grief they feel at the loss of a beloved and benevolent leader who has improved their lives so much. Fakamolemole, from Sylvia in northwest Indiana, USA.
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March 23, 2012
So sorry for your loss. God will see you thru this heartache.
March 21, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Tupou V family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Patty Smith
March 21, 2012
I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tonga in the late 90's. My condolences to the Royal Family and all Tongan people. I hope a strong and compassionate leader will emerge who will meet the needs of the people.
PC Rodriguez
March 21, 2012
My condolences to the family of King George Tupou V. All lovers of righteousness can look forward to the day when 2Peter 3:13 is fulfulled. "There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."
"And in his days the righteousness one will sprout, And the abundance of peace until the moon is no more" Psalms 72:7
Sharon Bourke
March 20, 2012
I lived in Tonga when King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV who was his father reigned. I actually met
King George Tupou V as well on his birthday one year before I returned to the states. I had the good fortune to live in Tonga for 2 years. It is where I met my Australian husband as well. He lived there for 5 years. We both miss the country and the people and the friends we made. I am very sorry that the King has passed away. Our condolences are with the family and the country. We pray that peace/comfort will find it's way to the family soon. We also pray that the people of Tonga will find comfort and that their new leader will have the support of the population. Gerry and I love Tonga and the people. Our lives have been enriched by our experiences there and by knowing the Tongans. We are so sorry that King George Toupu V has left us too soon.
Sharon and Gerry Bourke
John K Durham
March 20, 2012
My grandfather and grandmother were missionaries in Tonga in 1895, where their first child was born. My grandfather told me of his love and respect for the Tongan people. My sympathies go out to the wonderful citizens of that nation.
Emma Jean
March 20, 2012
" A king who is loyal and true will keep his power. Loyalty will keep his kingdom strong."(Proverbs 20:28)Holy Bible Easy-to-Read Version
King George Tupou V will be missed by many. Our Lord Jesus has begun ruling in heaven as King, and very soon we will see the results of God's will,"that will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth."-Matthew 6:10
March 20, 2012
a very nice man and good writer. lee thomas
LOSALINE FATAFEHI SIKAHEMA UNGA.
March 20, 2012
REST IN PEACE OUR BELOVED KING GEORGE TUPOU V.
March 20, 2012
God Bless the family,and people of Tonga,our prayers are with you in the death of King George Tupou V.
Ruiz family, Burlingame, CA
ROOSEVELT EUBANKS III
March 20, 2012
REST IN PEACE "YOUR HIGHNESS" AND MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND COUNTRY.
P. Morisen
March 20, 2012
Sad for your loss. The Tongan people will prevail, though. Condolences to the family and the Nation of Tonga.
March 20, 2012
May the family find comfort from the holy writings
Henryk Zaleski
March 20, 2012
Rest in peace.
Jones
March 20, 2012
So sorry a bout your loss. May the God who gives comfort give you relief from the death of your loved one.
a streicher
March 20, 2012
FAMILY OF KING GEORGE TUPOU V-WE TOO PRAY WITH YOUR FAMILY AND PEOPLE FOR PEACE AND HAPPINESS WITHOUT SICKNESS ,PAIN. WE LONG FOR THAT DAY WHEN GOD' KINGDOM COMES AND RESTORE THIS EARTH TO IT'S PARADISACIC CONDITION.AS PROMISED.THEN UNITY OF ONE WORLD.DANIEL 2:44.MATTHEW 6:9,10.
Shane & Anastasia Henare
March 20, 2012
From the Henare Whanau in Tamaki Makaurau to the Royal Family and people of Tonga - feel for you with the loss of King George Tupou V, moe mai te rangatira.
March 19, 2012
TO THE FAMILY OF KING GORGE TUPO,IEXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL TIME,PLEASE FIND COMFORT AT PSALM115:16&ISAIAH 45:18.AWHOUSTON,TX.
Hiva & Betty Lelenoa
March 19, 2012
We are so very sad for the members of the Royal Family and my fellow Tongans. This is a great loss to the Tongan Islands. Our prayers are for the family and the continued leadership of Tonga.
March 19, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time if grief.
ms
March 19, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Tupou family. King George will be missed. May your fond memories be of great comfort to you during this difficult time. Romans 15:33
Robyn
March 19, 2012
My condolences for the Tupou family. I pray that God grants your family the peace that excels all thought & have comfort during this difficult time. Phil. 4:6,7
troy paxton
March 19, 2012
rip
March 19, 2012
Sending heartfelt sympathy to the family of King George Tupou V. I am deeply saddened by your loss but the God of comfort will wipe out tears and sorrow and death forever.
March 19, 2012
rip
Victoria&Andrew
March 19, 2012
Our Condolences
Rest in peace
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
tracy hunt
March 19, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
C. Wilson
March 19, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill Masina
March 19, 2012
May God Bless You, King George Tupou V. on your journey to meet your Heavenly Father. Also May God Bless the family and the people of your kingdom who will continue your work in this life. Please accept my humble and heartfelt sympathy to all of the family and the people of Tonga.
Dorette Landis
March 19, 2012
My condolences to his family. My husband & I had an opportunity to visit Tonga in 2000. It is a beautiful Country.
Dorette & Del Landis - Ohio
Scott Chamberland
March 19, 2012
Rest in Peace
K. Nichols
March 19, 2012
May God continue to comfort all who loved King George Tupou V. We can all look forward to the time when death will be no more and instead of tears of sorrow there will be tears of joy. I'm sure he will be missed by many. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy
Kahouna Niko Pihopa
March 19, 2012
Com simpatia. Uma grande perda para a comunidade da ilha do Pacífico. Tivemos a honra de estar em sua presença em Honolulu há alguns anos atrás. Ele levou sobre o seu povo da ilha. Ele exemplificou verdadeiro royaly. Que ele descanse em paz e que sua memória será eterna.
com a mais profunda simpatia.
Cheryl Bell
March 19, 2012
RIP- G T ,V Cheryl Bell (MD)
March 19, 2012
To the family of King George Tupou V may God give you comfort and peace by means of prayer- Philians 4:6,7. My deepest sympathy
morgan
March 19, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 19, 2012
My prayers are with the Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, The Royal family and the people.
Condolences,
Thelma. Rome, (Toledo, Ohio, USA)
Ruth L
March 19, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family. It is hard to lose someone close to us.
But please know that God does not forget our loved ones or us as we have to cope with this loss. We are encouraged to throw all our anxieties upon him because he cares for you".
1 Pet 5:7)
March 19, 2012
My condolence to the family. May your memories bring you comfort.
Patricia
March 19, 2012
My condolences to the family of King George Tupou V. May the God of comfort be with you at this time of sorrow Isaiah 61:2
Elder V. Dallas Merrell
March 19, 2012
I am deeply respectful of this King George Tupou V because of his marvelous mother and kind father King George Tupou IV, and their welcoming me to their summer residence in Tonga for an extended visit. My family and I are also very grateful for King George Tupou V for giving me his airline seats so that I could get to New Zealand after a devastating stroke in his homeland. I love the Tongans and their unique heritage and am greatly pleased for my years among them.
Ofa & Bernette Halahuni
March 18, 2012
Our prayers goes out to all the families, friends, & to the Island of Tonga, May god bless you all, Aloha from Seattle, Washington
Klementijna Scotland
March 18, 2012
I am sorry to hear about your loss.may you rest in peace.
Douglas Jefferson
March 18, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
James Millsaps
March 18, 2012
Condolences to the family of King George Tupon V. May the King RIP.
allen kenney
March 18, 2012
hail to the king
Yulanda (luckock)Sprague
March 18, 2012
To a great friend, & condolences to his sisters who were also my friends when we were in high school. My heart goes out to the family and the nation for there loss. Know this his son will carrier on and have great thoughts and ideas for the future, be great and strong in your time of moring. Yulanda (luckock) Sprague
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