Two weeks after family and friends gathered in Guam to celebrate the life of Michael Stephen "Mike" Kohn, the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) pauses to honour a colleague, leader and friend whose dedication to the Olympic Movement left an enduring legacy across the Pacific.

Mike joined ONOC in August 2013 as Executive Assistant to the ONOC Secretary General Rick Blas, based in Guam.

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In this role, he became an integral member of the ONOC Secretariat, providing steadfast support to the Secretary General while working closely with the Executive Board, National Olympic Committees, athletes, and partners across the Pacific.

Over the years, Mike made an invaluable contribution to the delivery of ONOC's programmes and services, particularly through his support of the Olympic Solidarity Programme and the many initiatives that strengthened sport throughout Oceania.

As the ONOC Olympic Solidarity Programme Coordinator, Mike worked closely with 17 National Olympic Committees and six Associate Members throughout Oceania, serving as the principal liaison between ONOC, the IOC and member organisations.

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He was a trusted advisor to National Olympic Committees, a respected colleague across the Olympic Movement and a steadfast advocate for initiatives that strengthened sport throughout the Pacific.

His professionalism, integrity and quiet commitment to service earned him the admiration and friendship of colleagues across Oceania and beyond.

A proud graduate of the Executive Master in Sport Organisation Management (MEMOS) programme, Mike continually sought to strengthen his knowledge and leadership in sport administration, bringing that expertise back to benefit the National Olympic Committees and athletes of Oceania.

Whether coordinating regional activities, supporting General Assemblies and Executive Board meetings, assisting with Games operations, or responding to the day-to-day needs of our member National Olympic Committees, Mike approached every task with professionalism, care, and an unwavering commitment to service.

On Friday 24 July 2026, family, friends, and colleagues gathered at Ada's Mortuary in Sinajana, Guam to celebrate Mike's life and honour his years of dedicated service.

Representing the ONOC Executive Board was President Baklai Temengil, joined by Executive Board member Jim Tobin.

They were accompanied by Inoke Bainimarama, Meli Cavu and Sitiveni Tawakevou from the ONOC Headquarters in Suva, Fiji, whose presence reflected the gratitude and respect of the wider Oceania Olympic family.

Prior to the official eulogy, President Temengil presented Mike's family with a commemorative folder containing messages of condolence and tributes received from across the Olympic Movement, including the International Olympic Committee, the continental associations, National Olympic Committees and partners throughout Oceania.

The collection of messages reflected the profound respect and affection held for Mike by colleagues and friends across the global Olympic community.

ONOC Secretary General Rick Blas then delivered the official eulogy on behalf of the ONOC family, paying tribute to Mike's years of dedicated service and his lasting contribution to the organisation and the wider Olympic Movement.

While the service was taking place in Guam, colleagues at the ONOC Headquarters in Suva gathered for a memorial service, joining together in reflection and remembrance.

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Though separated by thousands of kilometres, the simultaneous gatherings symbolised the unity of the ONOC family across the Pacific in honouring one of its own.

Following the service, Mike was laid to rest in a private cremation ceremony attended by his immediate family.

Reflecting on Mike's contribution, ONOC President Baklai Temengil said:

"Mike dedicated his career to strengthening the Olympic Movement across Oceania, always placing the needs of our National Olympic Committees, our athletes and our members before his own. His professionalism, humility and unwavering commitment earned the respect and friendship of colleagues throughout our region and across the world.

"As we gathered in Guam to celebrate his life, we were reminded that Mike's greatest legacy is not only the programmes he helped deliver, but the relationships he built, the people he supported and the lives he touched. On behalf of the ONOC Executive Board and our entire Oceania Olympic family, we remain deeply grateful for his years of dedicated service and extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Jessica, his children and all of Mike's loved ones."

Mike's contribution to the Oceania Olympic Movement extended far beyond the programmes he managed and the meetings he coordinated.

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His legacy lives on in the stronger organisations he helped build, the opportunities he helped create and the many friendships he formed throughout Oceania and beyond.

As the ONOC family marks two weeks since gathering in Guam to celebrate his life, we remember Mike with profound gratitude for his years of service, his generosity of spirit and the lasting impact he made on our organisation and our region.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jessica, his children, his family and loved ones as they continue to navigate this profound loss.

We hope they find strength and comfort in the love and support of family, friends and the wider Olympic community, and in the knowledge that Mike's life and legacy touched countless people across Oceania and around the world.

Thank you, Mike, for your friendship, your unwavering service and your commitment to strengthening the Olympic Movement across Oceania.

Your legacy will continue to inspire our region for generations to come.

Rest in peace.