Man travels 14,000 miles to share a final beer with dying longtime friend

The two men have been friends for more than four decades, first meeting while working as aircraft engineers in Papua New Guinea in the 1980s.

Despite living in different countries for much of their lives, they stayed in close contact over the years.

Walker, 67, said he booked the trip as soon as he heard the news, he told SWNS.

"There's not many opportunities where you can actually say goodbye to people, so I really wanted to [make] the journey," Walker said.

Gould said he was deeply moved by the gesture.

"I'm very grateful for what Bob did," he said. "He didn't have to do it."

He reached out to a contact who happened to have a few cans left, SWNS said.

The person was moved by the story and offered to donate the beers.

"The lager took us right back to 40 years ago when I went down there to work," Walker said.

She said seeing her father reunited with his longtime friend brought comfort to the family and gave them a moment they will always remember.

Walker returned to Indonesia the following day. He said the distance and travel time were insignificant compared to the chance to be there in person.

"He's great company - a straight shooter," Walker said. "His friendship is very important."