DIMAPUR:
Former Nagaland state chaplain Rev Yankey Patton passed away at his residence at Diphupar, Dimapur, on January 28. He was 98. Rev Patton became the first state chaplain in 1989 and continued to serve the state and its people in that capacity for around 14 years till 2003.
Condoling Patton’s death, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said that with his death, the state has lost a stalwart in the field of public service and the void created by his death will be difficult to fill.
Rio lamented that no government’s facilities were offered to him, not even a vehicle for his movement during his earlier days as a state Chaplain.
“So, holding his humble umbrella, and walking on foot, he used to visit the legislators at their respective homes. Such was the degree of his sense of duty and humility,” said Rio, describing him as one of the most well-known and respected pastors in Nagaland.
Offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, deputy chief minister Y Patton took to a popular micro-blogging website and wrote, “He led a life committed to serving the Lord and his spiritual leadership to the people of the state and legislators will continue to guide us. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace (sic).”