Lange 'would want people to enjoy themselves'

A Government announcement is expected today on a public memorial service to mark the passing of former Prime Minister David Lange.

Maungakiekie Labour MP Mark Gosche said last night that the Prime Minister's office would probably announce the details today.

"The family have been working through those things this evening [last night]."

Mr Lange, who died on Saturday night, requested a private funeral, but his family also acknowledge the need for a public gathering.

Saturday seems a preferred time because it would avoid party campaign launches the next day. National says it will not campaign on the days of the services. When it knows their dates it will decide when to release its tax policy.

Mr Lange's brother, Peter, said yesterday that some sort of public service was needed.

"I would like to see some sort of place where people could go and be informal and talk and reminisce and eat and [listen to] a bit of music.

"I don't think David would like it to be too formal. I think he would probably enjoy the odd speech. I think he would want people to enjoy themselves, be happy."

David Lange's wife, Margaret Pope, said details of the funeral would remain private, but she was pleased ideas were evolving for some form of public service, although she knew nothing about them.

She said two of Mr Lange's children, Byron and Emily, who live in Britain, would not return to New Zealand for the funeral.

"They said goodbye to their dad some time ago. I think that's far more important to them and far more significant to David than being at a funeral."

Mr Lange died in Middlemore Hospital aged 63. Holding his hands were his son Roy and brother Peter.

"It became clear that he was [dying] - his breathing got really gentle," Peter Lange said yesterday.

"We talked to him. We just told him we loved him. He hadn't been in any sort of state to have any communication for some time. Everyone who was there just talked to him and reassured him. He would respond a little bit with a glimmer of a smile."

At the end "it was a really nice time because the panic had gone and we were able to talk a little bit and watch over him and think our own thoughts. It was pretty emotional, pretty tough.

"It's interesting when you are looking at a face like that. It's so familiar to a good number of people in this country and yet it's your own family. It's a strange experience.

"He was peaceful at the end and looked fine, too."