The Northern Territory government has announced a State Funeral will be held for the Member for Arafura on 1 March in Darwin.

The popular MP, a Tiwi Islander man, will then be taken home to Pitjarmirra Outstation on Melville Island.

He served his communities of the Tiwi Islands, Maningrida and West Arnhem for six years in the Northern Territory parliament, and for many decades in different roles.

On Friday Chief Minister Natasha Fyles described the Member for Arafura was "one of a kind, generous, thoughtful, caring, a true leader and stalwart of the Tiwi Islands".

"This state funeral will recognise his years of service and devotion to his family," she said.

"My thoughts and the Territory's thoughts are with the Member for Arafura family – a true Territorian whose compassion and graciousness will live on." The MP, who we have not named in this report for cultural reasons, was 52 when he passed away.

Chief Minister Fyles said he led "a lifetime of service, striving to better people's lives in roles across Local Government, ATSIC and the Health Sector".

"His efforts throughout his working life impacted many people's lives for the better, delivering better services, jobs, homes and health outcomes," she said.

He worked for the Pirlangimpi Community Government Council from 1996 to 2002, and was elected on Jabiru Regional Council as the Deputy Chairman. He served as chairperson of North West Regional Council from 2002 to 2005, and as chief executive of Tiwi Islands Local Government.

After the amalgamations of shires he became director of Community Development with Tiwi Islands Shire Council, a position he held until 2013.

He had also worked as a health service development officer for the Department of Health.

Shortly after his death the Chief Minister said he was known for his compassion and his giving nature.

"Family and friends meant everything to him and his generosity and care for people was enormous," she said.

"Whatever he was doing, his wife Ebony, his children and grandchildren were always close to his thoughts, and time with family was what he cherished most.

"His passing is a huge loss for his family, friends and the Northern Territory. I and his Parliamentary colleagues are only a few of many, many people around the Territory and the country who will be deeply saddened by his loss."

Arafura is in western Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands, and includes the towns of Gunbalanya, Jabiru, Maningrida, Milikapiti and Nguiu.