An icon in the business community, fautasi racing, philanthropy and in the early days of self government for American Samoa, has passed away.
Lealaifuaneva Peter Reid Jr. turned 84 a few days before he died peacefully at his home in Nanakilo, Hawaii Saturday morning.
His daughter Olivia said his wife Julie and family surrounded him when he passed away.
Leala was largely a private man and it was only through the sport of fautasi racing that he made the headlines and freely gave interviews.
But his contributions to building the territory through business, his involvement in elections of the first locally elected governor and lt governor, his philanthropy to Catholic schools and building of Catholic churches here and in Samoa, his donations to countless sports organizations and village projects are significant but less well known.
The Leala Reid group of businesses included GHC Reid, Peter Reid Stevedoring, Ford Motors, National Pacific Insurance, WVUV Radio, and he was among the group of business people who started Amerika Samoa Bank.
Residents got a glimpse of the life of Lealaifuaneva in April when KVZK TV aired a documentary on the winingest captain in the history of fautasi racing.
It was evident from the statements of those who were interviewed for the program from politicians to business people to men of the cloth and his children, that he was respected and loved.
When American Samoa voted its governor and lt governor for the first time in 1977, Leala was among the influential individuals behind the successful election of Governor Uifaatali Peter Coleman and Tufele Li’a.
Though he served several terms as Senator, Leala himself was not successful when he made a bid for governor twice.
In the Catholic Church the name of Lealaifuaneva is well known because of his unselfish giving for schools, seminarian education, church development projects and building of churches under the late Cardinal Pio Taofinuu, now retired Bishop Quinn Weitzel and current Bishop Peter Brown.
He was presented two papal awards from Pope John Paul the Second, one for his contributions to the Diocese of Samoa- Apia and the other for his work in the Diocese of Samoa- Pago Pago.
His philanthropy has been continued by his children under the Leala Peter Reid Foundation.
Olivia, who is now president of GHC Reid and the Foundation said in a brief statement: “Our family would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and calls since our Dad passed away.
“He led a fruitful life and was always grateful for every day that God granted him.
“He had no regrets and felt very blessed with his family, friends and business colleagues.
“He did his best to give back to the community and church throughout his life.
“It is our intention to bring him home to Samoa to his final resting place per his wishes.
Lealaifuaneva is survived by his wife Julie, five children and ten grandchildren.
KHJ News extends deepest sympathies to his family at this difficult time.
