Darwin farewells businessman Jape Kong Su at public memorial following his death at age 97
Hundreds of people gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to farewell iconic businessman Jape Kong Su. See the touching photos.
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Hundreds of mourners gathered on Sunday to farewell one of the Northern Territory’s most prominent businessmen.
Jape Kong Su, who passed away on Monday, September 26 aged 97, was farewelled by his adopted home city at the Darwin Convention Centre in an emotional memorial before his body is returned to Timor-Leste on October 6.
There were tears and laughter as loved ones remembered a father, a grandfather, a husband, a friend and an iconic Territorian.
Speaking at the service, Mr Jape’s daughter Pamela Jape fought through tears to share memories of her late father.
“He was our captain,” Ms Jape said.
“He worked us hard and expected nothing less than 100 per cent.”
Ms Jape spoke of her father’s first exposure to Darwin in 1975 after Cyclone Tracy had torn through the city.
“Everyone saw the aftermath but my father saw endless opportunities and a new beginning,” she said.
“He is truly the most resilient man I’ve ever known. His vision, his optimism are infectious and you can’t but help just want to be a part of it.
“I think about what my dad would say to us today. He would say ‘Don’t be sad for me but remember me’.”
NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles led a cast of high profile mourners in paying tribute to Mr Jape, who she described as a “giant” of Darwin.
“He was always proud of what he achieved in Darwin because when he arrived he had barely anything,” Ms Fyles said.
The Chief Minister also spoke of Mr Jape’s impact on the city following the devastation of Cyclone Tracy.
“Where many saw a task that looked almost impossible, Mr Jape saw an opportunity and a place for his family,” she said.
“He was a man that had a vision and he was a man that was able to convince others to back that vision.
“He was always unafraid of a challenge.
“Jape Kong Su’s life really was lived to the fullest.”
Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis, a close friend of the family, said Mr Jape would “never be forgotten”.
Tributes flowed for Mr Jape last week as his family announced his death.
Mr Jape’s daughter, Connie Jape, paid tribute to the NT icon in a Facebook post, saying “Dear dad your job is now done”.
“Don’t be afraid, we will walk with you for the final journey home,” she said.
On Wednesday, Ms Jape told The NT News her father’s family would “all come together to make sure we send him off”.
She also praised her father’s contribution to his home country of Timor-Leste.
“(His legacy) should be what the Timor people think about him,” she said.
“How much he affected that nation and improved their lives.”
Last week, former Northern Territory chief minister Michael Gunner led the public tributes to Mr Jape, who founded the Jape Group of Companies in Darwin in 1976 before developing the Jape Homemaker Village in the CBD in 1989.
“A kind, genuine and loving man,” Mr Gunner posted on Facebook.
“His life and legacy is extraordinary.
“His contribution to the Territory has been immense – while the physical investment is evident and the Jape name stands tall on Bagot Rd – it is his charitable generosity that will never be forgotten.
“He leaves behind a wonderful family who all share his generosity of spirit.”
In 1977, the Jape family purchased its Fannie Bay business, Hotel Singapore, before opening Jape Shopping Centre on Cavenagh St the following year.
In 2014, Mr Jape was made a member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the Territory’s business world.
He also received the Order of Merit award in Timor-Leste.
Solomon MP Luke Gosling paid tribute to the business icon in Parliament on Monday.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jape Kong Su,” Mr Gosling said.
Timor-Leste Golf Federation president Christopher Henry Samson also paid tribute to Mr Jape’s contribution to Timor-Leste, including the construction of Timor Plaza.
“I share my heartfelt condolences in this difficult testing time for the beloved family left behind,” Mr Samson said.
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