Kind, helpful, community minded, Samoan at heart, intelligent and practical.
These were some of the words that friends and family of Steve Watson used to describe him
Watson, the Governor’s Chief Legal Counsel, passed away at the LBJ Hospital at 5:30 this morning with his wife Debra and daughter Painuulasi Leilua Watson by his bedside.
He would have celebrated his 72nd birthday December 1st.
The California native moved here in 1978 and joined the Attorney General’s Office as an assistant attorney general. American Samoa became his home.
His wife said two weeks ago Steve’s family visited the territory for the first time.
After meeting Steve’s inlaws and his many friends and aiga here they understood why he never returned to California.
The Watsons were in Hawaii for a mini reunion for a few days and returned last Thursday night.
On Sunday, Steve was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at LBJ Hospital where he remained until his passing this morning.
Mrs Watson spoke candidly about her husband of 30 years, describing him as a simple man who loved American Samoa and was always wanting to make things better for the island.
“Steve was a man who treated everyone with kindness, not just those in high positions but ordinary people,” said Debbie.
“People come up to me and say I have your husband to thank for a loan that put my children through college…or that Steve gave them chances to make good on bad mortgage loans which have now been paid off.”
Mrs Watson also spoke about her husband’s love for American Samoa, the culture and family.
“He put family first and understood and respected faaSamoa and the importance of aiga,” she shared.
Many do not know that Steve was conferred a matai title, Muagutitia, from Fagaloa, Samoa where Debra has her roots.
One of Steve’s closest friends, Peter Crispin, said Steve’s signature is on the incorporation papers of the Tool Shop and that was signed in 1978.
He recalls that in the various jobs that Steve has held in government and at the bank, he was always helpful and positive.
“I enjoyed his company very much, he was a positive person and active in the community.”
The two are also Rotarians.
Crispin said Steve’s passing has come as a shock and he will miss a very dear friend.
Taulapapa Will Sword was also feeling the loss of his fellow Rotarian.
“Steve was a second generation Rotarian and he did so much for the community,” said Taulapapa.
“He worked tirelessly on setting up the Territorial Bank of American Samoa with Utu Abe Malae,” said Sword, “and his knowledge of banking was extraordinary.”
Sword said Steve had the best interest of American Samoa at heart and his passing is a huge loss to the Governor’s Office and the territory.
After Watson left the Attorney General’s Office he went into private practice with other local attorneys including the late Willie Reardon and also Togiola Tulafono.
He served as Chief Elecion Officer for the second local gubernatorial election and was Chief of Staff for Governor AP Lutali.
He joined Amerika Samoa Bank and remained with the bank when ANZ took over in 2000. His service at the bank spanned 20 years.
ANZ Country Manager Tasi Scanlon who worked with Steve for 10 years said his tenure at the bank contributed greatly to ANZ’s success.
“Steve has done a lot of good work for not only the bank but the community. He was always thinking of ways to improve the territory,” said Scanlon. “His passing is a great loss for American Samoa.”
In 2013 Watson was picked by Governor Lolo and Lt. Governor Lemanu as Chief Legal Counsel in the Governor’s Office.
Steve served on many boards and task forces including the Territorial Bank of American Samoa, and the American Samoa Economic Development Authority. He also chaired the Task Force on Educational Reform.
Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, Chief of Staff Fiu Johnny Saelua and Assistant Chief of Staff Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia, Port Director Taimalelagi Dr Claire Pounele and Ms Olivia Reid, Chair of the TBAS Board were among ASG officials who attended a prayer service for Watson at the LBJ Chapel this morning.
KHJ News expresses deepest condolences to his wife and daughter for the passing of a great man.
