Rekemesik Surangel Samuel Whipps Sr., after an amazing and extraordinary life of 86 years, has received the highest honors, praise, and gratitude of the people of Palau as expressed in the six‑page Olbiil er a Kelulau (OEK) Joint Resolution No. 12-1-2JS, which will be read during the state funeral at the National Capitol.
His casket, according to a public announcement, will be paraded starting early in the morning from the SDA Church in Ngesekes to Sireib in Ngerbeched, where his family’s first home was, then to Airai to the Surangel Super Center, to Ngeruluobel where he grew up, to the Capitol in Melekeok for the state funeral, then to Ngarchelong where his second title will be removed, and then to Ngatpang where his family funeral and cheldecheduch will be held, followed by the removal of his highest title, Rekemesik. He will then be buried next to his son’s home.
A resolution by the Airai State Legislature enumerates the great things he has done for Airai, including establishing the first and only mall in Palau, and names a portion of the street after him, from the JP Bridge to the intersection to Keiukl and Despedall in front of KB Shell, as Surangel Street, the first street in Palau to be named in this way.