Nicola Baird (writer/blogger/journo - nicolabaird/) marks the passing of John Roughan, Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) founder: Dr John Roughan has just died. This wonderful tribute about how John inspired people is from Jennifer Wate, a dear friend and very special former SIDT colleague: I am still lost for words as I continue to mourn the passing away of my personal and Professional mentor for the last 22 years late Dr. John Roughan whom was laid to rest yesterday. I was young, naive, and still had a secondary student paradigm I was 19 then when I started working with John out of school with little savvy, and no experience. Only three weeks after I left my village late John and Abraham Baeanisia gave me a job ...to work with village people...which I value to this very day. I continue to reflect on late John’s words on that day I was offered a job Jenny you are still young, the future of this country depends very much on our young people. Our youths are the face of this country. When given the opportunity make use of it Again, In June this year, he told me these words, Our young people are the blood bank of this nation. I feel unsettled reflecting on his words..so many questions..some have answers some not. I look back now and remember a scene that played itself out many times. At work I would ask, John can I talk to you about something?” and he would reply, Yes, come sit down and he would at all times say before I start, Jenny, what is the big news for today? He would pull out his newspaper and we would start our conversation. Every time, he would give me his full attention, and I would begin to discuss whatever was on my mind that day. The topics would ranged from issues affecting village life, women and politics, development stories and national issues to philosophical questions. No matter what the topic or how long the conversation went, he sacrificed his time without ever making me feel like I was an inconvenience. He did not do this because he felt he should or to be a “good” manager, he did it because he wanted to. Our conversations were genuine, and he talked to me as a peer, as much as any person possibly can when talking to a teenager. I owe much of my knowledge and maturity to him. John you made me grow and expand my skills and knowledge without limits. There are leaders who limit ones growth because they fear their subordinate capacities but late John you are a confident and smart boss who makes me strive for the best. I am truly blessed and lucky to have worked under your leadership. He was extremely modest despite his many achievements and he never sought anything in return for his tireless efforts. I shared his popular sayings with you my friends...Use your third ear.....Be the fly on the wall……and you will know more about the world you live in. Late John has taught us so many things and that he always remind us to see the world we live in as it was in the past, present and its unknown future and make wise decisions on how to deal with the challenges it brings. As I type I find it hard to describe in a few lines the amazing things late John did for the people of Solomon Islands. His dedication and commitment to speaking on behalf of the voiceless will never be forgotten. My mentor has taught me to believe in people in a work setting, a social setting, with friends or when people need us the most, in difficult moments. It was not uncommon for late John to stop a complete stranger on the streets of China town to say hello(Hey man u go lo wea ya?) smile and wish that person his very best. Then I realized later, much later that John had a gift… To make people smile and to feel good about themselves all in the most unconventional way ..despite the challenges our country continue to face. Late John is a people person. He lived a faith-filled life and he will be remembered for all the good that he did in his lifetime. I am sorry I was not present in person to bid farewell to this great man who has inspired all of us through his work. My hands shaking, I am crying as I type..I am lost for words..Tenkyu papa John...Farewell my friend, my mentor, my advisor, my hero! [Photo: SIDT Director, Jennifer Wate and SIDT founder, the late Dr John Roughan] Thank you, Nicola, for sharing. More tributes here: pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2013/October/10-28-06.htm solomonstarnews/viewpoint/private-view/19309-tribute-to-late-dr-john-roughan solomonstarnews/viewpoint/editorial/19282-passing-of-a-great-leader
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:38:43 +0000
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