George Wray passes leaving legacy deeply woven into local development

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — George A. Wray passed away two weeks ago on a Sunday, in Florida. He was born on July 10, 1931, and leaves behind many friends and people, whom he helped in both Samoas, over the years, reminiscing of their life experiences that were richer because of “George Wray”.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata issued the following statement in recognition of the life and enduring contributions of the late George A. Wray, a distinguished figure in American Samoa’s legal, educational, and aviation history.

“It is with deep respect and heartfelt remembrance that I acknowledge the passing of Mr. George A. Wray, a dedicated public servant, pioneer, and advisor whose legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of American Samoa’s development over the past six decades.

“Mr. Wray was a trailblazer in our territory, becoming the first Legislative Counsel for the American Samoa Fono in the mid-1960s. His work helped lay the foundation for the legislative process that has guided our local governance ever since. He was known for his sharp legal mind, integrity, and steadfast commitment to the rule of law.

“In 1975, Mr. Wray further demonstrated his devotion to the community by founding South Pacific Academy, an institution that has educated generations of young Samoans and continues to serve as a cornerstone of academic excellence in the territory.

“His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish and operate South Pacific Island Airlines (SPIA), helping to connect our islands and broaden access to travel and commerce. His impact in this arena reflected his forward-thinking vision and dedication to serving the people of American Samoa.

“Even into his 90s, Mr. Wray continued to practice law, providing wise counsel and guidance to those who sought his experience. I, like many others, valued his advice and could always rely on his thoughtful perspective when it came to the unique needs and circumstances of American Samoa.

“We honor George Wray not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his unwavering commitment to our people. His legacy lives on in the institutions he helped build and in the many lives he touched through his work.

“Fa’afetai tele lava, Mr. Wray, for your lifelong service to American Samoa,” she concluded.

A close friend of Wray, Saveatama Sepp Steffany, local businessman and entrepreneur, told Samoa News that he kept in touch with George over the years, speaking with him over the phone every week.

He shared with Samoa News some of his thoughts about George Wray, who he first met when he was a teenager:

“I spent a lot of time talking and also swimming together over in Aua where he resided in the 1960s. Over time I worked with George Wray and my Dad Su’esu’emanogi Antonio Steffany building an airstrip in Tau, Manu’a to accommodate an air service for an Islander Aircraft to fly to Manu’a under the company named SPIA.

“George was a very kind person who has helped many young people get their experience in life to accomplish a future.

“For almost 60 years I have kept in contact with George on a regular basis. And on one trip, I met up with George and he even fly to Hawai’i for my grandsons’ Antonio and Lorenzo graduation.

“Over the years through being connected, I have had many conversations with people that have been blessed by having George Wray in their lives.

“George always talked about American Samoa highly and also was the President of the Chamber of Commerce and on the Board for Hospital Project Patient Care under then First Lady Mrs. Susanna Lutali. 

“George was hit by a wave in Hawaii that paralyzed him, and when he returned to American Samoa he was in a wheelchair and used crutches to get around, and I would go to Sadie’s Restaurant and he would count the stairs as we went up and down. He was a man of determination.

Reflecting on some of his chats with Wray, Saveatama said that George “wrote to me saying, ‘Love having you think of me. It doubles my existence’.”

He noted that George wrote a book — “The Becoming of Years 18 to 28”, that he recommends as “good for our younger generation to read.”

Karl Netzler, a Samoa businessman and entrepreneur, who became a close friend said, “I am deeply saddened to hear of George’s passing, though I am grateful that I was able to visit him once more before he left us, at the beginning of the month.

“He was a remarkable man whose strength, intellect, and sense of humour left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Samoa News was told that George Wray will be buried in North Carolina, where his mother lived and was also laid to rest.