Former Finance Minister Lyonpo Dorji Tsering (1931- 2008)

January 20: The former Finance Minister Lyonpo Dorji Tsering has passed away. He was 77. Lyonpo Dorji Tsering passed away at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu at around 8:45 on Friday night, January 18.

He served most of his career in the Finance Ministry as Finance Secretary, as Deputy Minister from 1983 to 1988 and as Minister from 1988 to 1998.

Lyonpo Dorji Tsering also served as the chairperson of the reconstituted Royal Civil Service Commission in 1996 and several other corporations and institutions.

A recipient of the prestigious Druk Thugsey and coronation medals, he is survived by his wife and two children, and also three children from an earlier marriage.

He retired in 1998 after serving the Royal Government for over four decades. After his retirement he devoted his time to serious religious and spiritual pursuits and learning.

His colleagues and family members describe him as a simple man who was completely committed to serving his king with loyalty and devotion, and truly placed the country before his own interests.