TRIBUTES are flowing since the passing away of Late Most Rt Rev. Sir David Vunagi on Friday.

He was 74 at the time of his passing. Sir David Vunagi was called to rest at his private home at Okea in North Guadalcanal.

In 2019, Sir David was appointed as the country’s seventh Governor-General, serving until July 2024.

His tenure was distinguished by his knighthood, conferred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.

His death has left the nation in mourning, with condolences pouring in from relatives, friends, former work colleagues and various organisations through social media since Friday afternoon.

The Right Reverend Patteson Nibeo Bishop of Temotu on behalf of the Anglican Christian people of Temotu also expressed their sincere condolences.

“It is with profound sadness and deep sympathy that we, the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Temotu, extend our heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, and leader, the late Most Rt Rev. Sir David Vunagi,” the statement said.

The Office of the Archbishop, The Most Reverend Leonard Dawea in a statement on Friday also expressed sadness over his passing.

“After being unwell for some time, he was called to rest today (Friday) in the loving arms of our Lord at his home in Okea, North Guadalcanal,” the Archbishop said.

Sir David dedicated his life to faithful service in the Church, beginning his journey as a schoolteacher before heeding God’s call to ministry.

He was ordained as a deacon, then as a priest, and later consecrated as a bishop.

He served as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Temotu from 1999 to 2009 and, in 2009, was elected as the fifth Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia and Bishop of the Diocese of Central Melanesia, a role he held with great wisdom and humility until his retirement in 2015.

Even in retirement, his service to the people continued. While serving as Principal of Selwyn College in 2019, he was elected by the then Government of Solomon Islands as the Governor General, a role he held until 2024.

Throughout his leadership in both Church and State, he upheld the same dedication, integrity, and humility that defined his life.

Sir David was a man of deep faith, firm commitment, and profound humility—qualities that earned him respect and admiration, not only within the Anglican Church of Melanesia but across the nation and beyond. His passing is a tremendous loss to our Church and our country, Archbishop Dawea said.

“On behalf of my family, the Senior Bishop and his family, the Council of Bishops and their families, the General Secretary, Dr. Abraham Hauriasi and his family and the whole of ACoM community both in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and parts of New Caledonia, we extend our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you all on the passing of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather,” he said.

Late Vunagi was the Archbishop of Melanesia and Bishop of the Diocese of Central Melanesia from 2009 to 2015.

Vunagi was described as a dedicated educator, priest, and leader, with a significant background in education, theology, and public service. ‘

He had a distinguished career, which included roles in teaching, church leadership, and government service.

Sir David’s academic journey began at KGVI Secondary School (1968–1973). He earned a Diploma in Education Science from the University of the South Pacific in 1976 and a Master’s in Biology Education from the University of Papua New Guinea in 1982.

His commitment to education led him to teach at both government institutions and church-affiliated schools, including a tenure as principal of Selwyn College.

In 1990, Sir David obtained a Bachelor of Theology from St John’s College, Auckland, and later, a Master of Theology from the Vancouver School of Theology in 1998.

He served as a lecturer at Bishop Patteson Theological College and as an assistant priest in Canada before returning to the Solomon Islands to assume roles such as Mission Secretary and Bishop of Temotu in 2001.

His ecclesiastical leadership culminated in his election as the fifth Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of Melanesia in 2009, a position he held until his retirement in 2015.

His passing is a profound loss for the Solomon Islands, where he is remembered for his unwavering commitment to faith, education, and national unity.

Details on funeral arrangements and official statements are expected in the coming days.