Am Samoa loses a respected traditional and political leader

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — High Talking Chief, Le’i Sonny Thompson, passed away last Tuesday, in American Samoa, after a prolonged illness. He was 73 years old.

Lei retired from the US Air Force as a major after 20 years of service, returning to the territory with his family when he was recruited by StarKist Samoa to be the Safety and Health Manager at the cannery.

His service in the American Samoa Government (ASG) saw him holding posts in three different departments — Director of Administrative Services, then later Director of the Department of Human Resources, and the final cabinet position he held was Commissioner of Public Safety.

Le’i ran as the Lt Governor candidate with candidate for Governor Afoa Leulumoega Lutu in 2012.

During last year’s gubernatorial campaign, Le’i was the Campaign Manager for the team of Vaitautolu Talia Faafetai and Maefau Dr Mary Taufetee.

At the time of his passing, Le’i was a senior executive advisor to Lt Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr.

 Le’i is survived by his wife Vera, six children and nine grandchildren.

Samoa News remembers Le’i for his intense straight talking character,  and his love and respect of the Samoan culture. We extend our deepest condolences to “Vera ma le fanau”.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.