Tuesday 9 October, 2007
The funeral for Naval Able Hydrographic Systems Operator Byron James SOLOMON, who drowned alongside the Navy’s Amphibious Support Ship HMNZS CANTERBURY on Friday 5 October, will take place at 11 am today - Tuesday 9 October - at St Christopher’s Chapel in the Devonport Naval Base.
It will be attended by the Minister of Defence, the Hon Phil Goff and the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson.
Byron's partner and family have lost a beloved member and the Navy has lost a member of its family - Te Iwi Heremana. A large turnout is expected at the funeral service which will honour Byron's life and support his family, his partner and his friends.
On completion of the funeral, the road from the Naval Chapel (St Christophers) to the Main Gate of the Naval Base will be lined by naval personnel who will farewell Byron as he is driven out of the Base.
The Solomon Family have personally requested that media do not attend the funeral.
Byron’s father, Bill Solomon, has provided the following statement on behalf of the family:
“From the time Byron was in primary school his goal was to be part of the Navy and 3 years ago that dream came true.
As parents, naturally we are devastated at what has happened but we also know Byron died doing what he loved. We are immensely proud of what Byron has been able to achieve in his short life of 22 years.
Our hearts go out to the families of his injured shipmates and we would like also to offer our sincere thanks to those other shipmates who without fear for their own safety jumped from the ship to attempt a rescue.
Byron was full of life and enjoyed all sports particularly Rugby League, Rugby, Golf and was a skilled fisherman. From a very young age he loved the sea and he was just one of those kids that you couldn’t keep out of the water, whether it be swimming, gathering shellfish or just fishing.
Byron will be greatly missed by his friends and of course his extended family. Our wounds will never heal our only hope is that they will, with time, weep less.
We would like to thank everyone who has helped us farewell Byron and we will all remember the joy he brought into our lives”.
ENDS
For further information please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Navy Public Relations Manager, Mob: 021-2440638