A pastor of the Assembly of God Church in American Samoa and founder of the All Peoples Pentecostal Church, who passed away in the mainland early this month, was brought home last night.
Rev Viiga Tarrant died January 2nd at the Rancho Springs Medical Center in California. He was 76.
His final wish was to be laid to rest at his private estate in Vaitogi.
Before he was ordained a minister of the Assembly of God Church in 1980, Tarrant was a photographer for KVZK – TV, and a musician and dancer who was involved in tourism promotions for American Samoa in far flung places and the United States.
He and his wife Filigataula Leota Sotoa Tagalosa Tarrant also pursued a number of business ventures including retail stores, taxi services and rental properties.
In his early days as an AOG pastor Rev Tarrant would often lead open air prayer services at the Fagatogo marketplace.
“He was never ashamed to proclaim the Good News to people of all walks of life in such an open platform,” said his daughter California.
Rev. Viiga established 8 AOG churches in American Samoa and Samoa during his ministry. He was also elected as Treasurer for the AOG Council.
In 2004, he founded the All Peoples Pentecostal Church in Pago Pago. The church has two other branches.
Rev. Viiga was to take his preaching to the airwaves with 30 minute programs on Sunday morning on KSBS FM.
His children decscribe him as a strict father wanting nothing but the best for them. “He preached the walk and walked what he preached until the day he took his last breath,” they said in a biography of their father.
Rev Viiga is survived by his wife of 53 years Filigataula Leota Sotoa Tagalosa Tarrant, 6 children, 29 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren
His funeral services will be held February 7th and 8th.
His Family Service will be at 4:00 pm, February 7th at the All People; Pentecostal Church, Pago Pago.
His final service will be held at 10 am, February 8th at the Department of Youth and Womens Affairs Center, Pago Pago after which he will be laid to rest at his family residence in Vaitogi.
We extend to his wife, children and family our deepest condolences.
