ZARO, Enemarki

ZARO, Enemarki.Highly respected Torres Strait Island World War IIVeteran ENEMARKI (MATU) ZARO has died aged 96.ENEMARKI was one of the last surviving Indigenousdiggers of the original 116/880 members who servedvoluntarily with the Torres Strait (TS) Light InfantryBattalion during World War II from Mer Island. He wasa member of the TS Light Infantry Battalion whichassisted the Australian Defence Force and AlliedForces in their fight to protect Australia from1942 - 1945. This unit was unique, being the onlyIndigenous Australian battalion ever formed by theAustralian Army. Papa stood proud alongside hiscompatriots and Australian soldiers in defence ofAustralia against the looming invasion by the JapaneseImperial Defence Force in the darkest days of WordWar II.A man dearly loved by all his Family, with strongChristian beliefs, good morals and integrity. His healthand fitness was top priority, not once did an illness bringhim down, only death. He was determined to surviveand maintain a strong healthy life, surrounded by love.On April 22nd, 1939 Papa married Gagee Kudub at MerIsland. After marriage they made their first home atWebok Village, Mer Island where they raised theirChildren until the 1970's. Relocating from WebokVillage, Mer Island, Enemarki and his Wife made ahome in Townsville before moving to Ayr. Most of hisSiblings and other Family members died at an earlyage. For him, however, his role expanded; he becamea Father figure to many during his time. Papa lost thelove of his life at the age of 75 years in Ayr and buriedhis Wife in Ayr. He remained a widow for the remainingyears. Each Family member shares good stories from aman with a wealth of traditional knowledge. Papa wasalways surrounded by Family, love, happiness andexcitement - never a dull moment in his life. Herelocated back to his original home at Webok Village,Mer Island a few years after his Wife died, however, hespent his last seven years of life with his youngestDaughter Lydia, Son-in-Law Tebay and their Son Mimiin Townsville until he passed away at the TownsvilleHospital on 7th February, 2014. A Proud Dauareb Elderwho will be missed dearly and never forgotten by thosewho knew him.Family and Friends of the late ENEMARKI ZARO arerespectfully invited to his VIEWING which willcommence at 10.00 a.m. FRIDAY MORNING 28thFEBRUARY, 2014 at the Burdekin Community Church,Beach Road, Ayr followed by his FUNERAL SERVICEwhich will commence at 11.00 a.m. FRIDAYMORNING 28th FEBRUARY, 2014 at the BurdekinCommunity Church, Beach Road, Ayr. The Cortege willproceed to the Ayr Cemetery where Enemarki will belaid to rest and where Papa will rejoin his late WifeGagee Zaro