IN MEMORIAM

2005: John de Avila Mangefel. [Photo courtesy of Pacific Magazine]

April 11, 2007 – Yapese and Micronesia Statesman, John de Avila Mangefel, 75, died on Yap, Federated

1971: John de Avila Mangefel. [Photo courtesy of Congress of Micronesia]

States of Micronesia on April 11, 2007 after having been diagnosed with cancer.  John Mangefel, the first governor of Yap (1979-1987), was also among the first to serve in the Congress of Micronesia.  Mangefel is remembered “with tremendous fondness and affection for his humility, his wisdom, his great (and mischievous!) sense of humor, his intelligence and his complete lack of pretentiousness.   He was clearly one of a kind, in the best possible way,” as stated by DAS Cohen in a condolence letter to Mr. Mangefel’s surviving widow.  “Truly he is one of the great statesmen of Micronesia.”