‘We lost a father but most of all a friend’

By Deidre Fanene 01 May 2016, 12:00AM

The sudden passing away of former politician and Speaker of Parliament, Leota Leuluaiali’i Ituau Ale has left everyone in shocked and broken hearted especially his children and wife.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Leota’s son, Ituau Ale, who is a Senior Sergeant at the Ministry of Police, said their family, especially mother, Taulapapa Wilma Ale, are trying to come to terms with his passing.

“He was our father and a friend to us his children, but a hero in the eyes of his grandchildren,” said Ituau.

“He was the kind of person that can adjust to anyone’s level, for example when he talks to a child he can bring himself down to that child’s level.

“[And] when he is talking to the Prime Minister or the Head of State he will talk to them on their level I mean he can adjust himself to talk with people of all ages.

“He always has that smile that will just make you forget about all that problems that you have.”

Ituau also spoke about his father’s relationship with their mother.

“He was a very loving father and he loved our mother very much,” he said.

“They were inseparable and when our mother heard about the news she was heartbroken and up until now it’s very hard for her to accept the fact that he left us.

“They have been together for so long and she was always right there next to him through the good times and the not so good times and that is why she is missing him every day.”

 He went on to say that their father has a loving heart and he helps anyone who is in need.

“When someone comes to him for help and if he doesn’t have what that person is asking of him he will always find a way to get that something for that person,” said Ituau.

“He was a loving father and our true friend, but the one thing that is very dear to his heart beside our mother was his village of Solosolo.

“He loves his village very much despite all that had happen he has never turned his back from his village.”

Ituau was asked what causes the passing away of the former speaker of the house but said they are waiting for the doctor to confirm.

“The cause of death is unknown but when he passed away the back of his head was bleeding,” said Ituau.

“[But] at the moment they are waiting for the doctor’s report to confirm the cause of their father’s sudden passing and what might have triggered it.”

Leota passed away at the age of 74 he was married to Taulapapa Wilma Ale and he was survived with seven children.

Leota became a Member of Parliament in 1970. 

In 1976 to 1978, he became the youngest Speaker of the House.

It was the last election that also saw Leota contest the seat of Anoama’a West, running against the then Deputy Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo.

By Deidre Fanene 01 May 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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