Aaron Kumana death. Not from a long time illness

Aaron Kumana's death was not from a long-time illness as claimed by some of the international and local media reporters. His death was a shock and a surprise which our community did not expect.

Months ago Aaron Kumana demanded from family members that his new leaf-house be built. And after the completion he declared that the new leaf-house is where his death body was to be kept for visitors, friends and relatives to pay their last visit and after 4 days his body would be taken to the church and to his burial site. A written sheet of paper was handed, by him, to his son-in-law a week before he died containing details of his burial ceremony.

The day he died Aaron Kumana introduced and sung his comforting song and gave his final words to those beside him and told them that he will be taken away from them. He died a few minutes after declaring his death at about 10:00am the 3rd of August, 2014.
Beside him where he was laid -- for friends, visitors, family and relatives -- are the images and the head statue of President John F Kennedy
The images and head statue of President John F Kennedy are inheritance for his grandchildren.

Escorting his coffin are his grandchildren slow-marching as the National Anthem of Solomon Islands played peacefully on that occasion.

Aaron Kumana's burial ceremony on August 6th was attended by relatives, family members, visitors and the community. The ceremony was described as one of the most peaceful and finest occasions ever recorded here on the island of Ranoggah. His death was the loss of our family founder -- who himself brought Christianity to this area. Leaving behind him are his 9 children, 50+ grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Aaron Kumana is the Family Wiseman for his message to encourage mothers and fathers, husbands and wives to be enthusiastic in commitment to family and community.

Aaron Kumana was a very old man who in his 90s had strength to continue to build houses and weed his vegetable garden as his hobbies until he died. His last-built hut can be seen completed today. He was 97 years old, not the 93 or 94 that was stated by media reporters. The confirmation of his date of birth was written in the old Methodist hymn book handed by a relative to the family. He was born on the 7th of August 1917.

Aaron Kumana is described as one of the world's heroes for his famous story of rescuing the future president of America and the PT-109 crew during WWII here in the Solomon Islands.

watch Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana Tell How They Saved JFK's PT 109, YouTube

The flag of USA and Solomon Islands was flown half-way to commemorate Aaron Kumana's death as one of the heroes throughout the world. His life will be remembered for generations to come.

-Rellysdom Aaron Malakana (Grandson)