“He was a beautiful human being and it was a joy and privilege to be in his company.”
That’s how Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi remembers former Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin.
In a message of condolence to Mrs Hinanui Hunkin, Tuiatua writes, “We’ve just received the sad news about Faleomavaega. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
“We’re leaving for the funeral of Her Majesty Mataaho of Tonga, a dear friend of Faleomavaega.
“And one is mindful that if Faleomavaega was alive, he would be one of the first people to arrive in Tonga for the Queen’s funeral.
“Such was his strong sense of family bonding, and the imperative of attending funerals, or as we say in Samoan, “o le mea taua ia i ai” -.”being there”.
“I dearly wish I could attend both funerals although I know it’s not possible.”
The Head of State continues, “My friend Pierre Trudeau used to say of people he was especially fond of, “he’s a peach of a man”.
“That’s how I shall remember Faleomavaega, as a peach of a man.
“He was a beautiful human being and it was a joy and a privilege to be in his company.”
Tuiatua reflects on Faleomavaega’s multi roles: “In tears I reminisce about him as he passes through my mental radar in his many guises, as a brother, husband, politician, diplomat, singer and dancer extraordinaire flaunting his tattoo as the epitome of Polynesian manhood.
“And even though it may sound blase, I feel in my reminisce a kinship with the words of the English poem, “O to be young again now that Spring is here”.
“But I have to remind myself that this is not a eulogy.
“This is a simple note to tell you that Filia and I share your sadness and that the Polynesian whanauga will be poorer for the loss of his company, his wisdom, his vision, his wit and his compassion.
Sincerely, Tupua.”
