Vale Sir Tom Davis
by Steve Old and Sail-World.com on 29 Jul 2007
Photo: www.minpac.govt.nz SW
Former Cook Islands Prime Minister Sir Tom Davis has died at the age of 90.
Sir Tom, was a keen yachtsman and known to several Cruising Yacht Club of Australia members, and at the age of 81, sailed aboard 'Nokia' in the 1998 Hobart under the Flag of the Cook Islands and representing the Rarotonga Sailing Club.
As well as being a political leader and keen sailor, Papa Tom - as he was known - was a doctor and worked for the United States space program. He used his skills as a doctor to treat several 'Nokia' crew members who sustained injuries during the 1998 race.
He was a founding Member of the Rarotonga Sailing Club and was named Sportsman Achiever of the Year in Yachting in 1998.
According to ABC Radio Australia, Sir Tom was also a leader in the resurgence of interest in traditional ocean-going canoes and traditional navigation techniques in the Pacific.
He returned from Australia late last year to his home in Muri and had again been practicing medicine.
Sir Tom had a long and glittering career. He founded the Cook Islands Democratic Party and was Prime Minister from 1978 to 1987. He later went on to serve as High Commissioner to New Zealand.
He was also president of the Pacific Islands Voyaging Society and author of many books.
Sources: Wikipedia, ABC Radio Australia
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