Aumua Amata remembers the late High Chief Lemauga Tuitagivale Otto Vincent Haleck with deep affection
February 27, 2006

Reprinted from Samoa News

Aumua Amata expressed her deepest respect and sympathy to the family of the late High Chief Lemauga Tuitagivale Otto Vincent Haleck, saying, "My heart goes out to Mrs. Dorothy Haleck, her children Bill, Ernie, Lottie, Vince, Avamua, Cathie and the entire Haleck family on the passing of this outstanding man and pillar in our community."

Said Amata, "Upon my return to the States from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region where I was on assignment, I happened to call Sepp Steffany on Thursday and was shocked and devastated to learn from him that Lemauga had passed away in Honolulu and that his body was arriving home that very evening."

Continued Aumua, "This hard working man was a leader not only in the business community but throughout American Samoa as well, and he literally built his business with his own hands from the ground up, starting with a bakery/grocery store that expanded into the multi-million dollar empire it is today."

Amata added, "I felt very close to him, he was a father figure to me and he and Dorothy never seemed to mind when I'd dash up to the family home to say hello. He was my Dad's (the late Tali Peter Coleman) best friend from childhood and he often spoke about his close friendship with my Dad and the late Jimmy Sword and he reminded me of their close ages and would always tell me each one's birth date. Now all three of them are together in Heaven where I'm sure they're laughing and telling each other jokes."

Aumua continued, "I treasured my time visiting with Lemauga in his magnificent museum because he was always eager to get an update on the goings on in the Nation's Capitol. He was a quiet man who kept to himself and I knew him to have a heart of gold. I could always go to him with a problem and he always made time to listen and help me resolve it."

Amata explained, "A little known fact is that he was a life-long Republican and, as a major supporter of the GOP, he kept in touch on national issues with the decision makers and 'players' in Washington who corresponded with him. The Republican National Committee is very knowledgeable of Lemauga's contributions."

Amata indicated that Lemauga set the example for the rest of the community and he always believed in treating others the way he wanted to be treated and that is, with courtesy and respect.

Aumua Amata concluded, "From the bottom of my heart, I offer deep condolences to the Haleck clan. We grieve with them as they lay this great man to rest and how beautiful it is to know that families are indeed forever. May Lemauga Tuitagivale Otto Vincent Haleck's soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."

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