Lauofo Meti : A Simple Man To The End

Written by Sue Fale
Friday, 03 October 2008
Vaatuitui Apete Meredith (left) and Manu at home, two of the late Lauofo Meti's three boys ( Fonotoe Pierre is an MP ), struggle to keep things simple as they were told by their father when he was alive. His wishes were simple! “ I don’t want any public broadcast of my death and I don’t want to be praised – God is the only person who deserves to be praised.” This was what one of Samoa’s noted leaders wanted his family to do for him on his final days. Lauofo Meti apassed away from a secondary stroke while undergoing medical attention in New Zealand. The instructions made before his death were easy enough but it was a struggle for the family to contain the outpouring of emotions from Government, family and friends who wanted to mourn his passing in their own special way. Lauofo Meti was a distinguished public servant, political leader and businessman and it was a challenge for his eldest son, Va’atuitui Apete Meredith, to honour his wishes. ‘We had a special service in Auckland before we left and it went well,” Vaatuitui noted, after the surprise that awaited them on their arrival home. On hand to welcome him home was the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, who lead the waiting mourners that included Members of Cabinet and other local dignitaries His village at Luatuanu’u and Solosolo demanded and were allowed to mourn their fallen leader according to tradition at the village on Wednesday night. Last night it was the family’s turn to make their special farewells at the family service at home at the Apia Park. Today at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at Mulivai, his final funeral service was held where the Prime Minister Tuilaepa presented a Government eulogy. Lauofo’s widow, Mrs. Lupe Meredith, and Va’atuitui Apete, spoke on behalf of the family. Lauofo was finally laid to rest at the Magiagi National Cemetery following his Requiem Mass. Comments (1) Subscribe to this comment's feed Sadly missed written by Ata, October 13, 2008 Though uncle we didnt have a tight relationship i was always admirable of your doings. You were a great man and sad to see you gone. Although i know your spirit will forever live on in us and all the memories we've shared. Ia manuia tele lou malaga. Soifua... Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Friday, 03 October 2008 )

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Polls

--ADVERTISEMENTS--

Google Satellite Map of Eveni Carruthers

--ADVERTISEMENTS--

"Where the natives buy and sell"

--ADVERTISEMENTS--

Latest Comments

Manu Samoa In Tough Pool For 2011 World Cup
all the way

Manu Samoa In Tough Pool For 2011 World Cup
samoa god blezz all of each one of you for playing for our country

Deadly Catch For Fisherman
The poor fisherman who minded his own business while trying to get home to his family is assaulted a...

Manu Samoa In Tough Pool For 2011 World Cup
Having the World cup in NZ is the closest we will get to having the world cup near Samoa. We need a ...

To Err Is Human! To Suffer From That Same Err Is A...
10 to 12 deaths first year of RHD----

Social Network

Join the Newsline Team on Bebo

www.bebo.com/newslineS

Become part of the Newsline Bebo Network

Get News via your Email

Subscribe to Samoa Live News Headlines by Email

Get the Latest News on your Blackberry or PDA

Subscribe in a reader

Sounds from Samoa

Listen to broadcasts from LiveSamoa.com
Courtesy of Plantation Feet, SBC(540am) and
Radio Polynesia(99.9 FM)

http://www.samoalive.com/sliveradio.asx

Live on Weekdays from 8am to 9am

Have your Say

We want your Opinion

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
If you would like to submit a letter for possible
publication in the print edition of the Newsline,
please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

We want your News

Submit News from your Area
If you would like to submit News for possible
publication in both the online and print version
of Newsline please feel free to email us
at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Become a News Blogger
Have a passion for writing? Interested in
writing articles for Newsline? Email us
at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
We are looking for Bloggers from
around the world to contribute to our site.