Mr. Lawrence P. French, most well known in the territory as a land surveyor, died last Friday in Eagle River, Alaska. He was 85 years old.
He and his wife Jane, a former director of Special Education, first arrived in American Samoa in 1973 and made their home here with their two sons, Lawrence Jr. and John.
After Lawrence, who underwent heart surgery a few Years ago, fell ill, he and Jane left on the first medical flight in July 2020 to seek treatment in Honolulu. They later moved to Alaska where their son John resides.
“Frenchie” as close friends knew him, established American Samoa’s top land surveyor business, L.P. French Professional Services in the early 1980’s.
He was sought after by many local property owners because of his exceptionally accurate surveys and his formidable client defense on land cases before the courts. 
Owner of Moana Sina, Mrs. Isabel Hudson said, “I came to understand, appreciate and most importantly admire Lawrence after we acquired our property in Fogagogo. His work was the best, most accurate and executed with the utmost honesty when it came to land surveying. We trusted him and relied on him for his honesty.”
Frenchie also taught his employees the skills of his trade and some have gone on to establish businesses of their own.
Mr. French served on the Territorial Zoning Board but resigned the same year he was appointed not wanting to become a rubber stamp for land use permits he felt had not gone through proper review.
He and his wife were devoted members of the International Community, Holy Family Parish where they were active in several ministries.
They were the driving force behind an annual Thanksgiving and Christmas collection for needy families.
Their home in Kokoland was a distribution center for the drive and they would go to remote areas to deliver the gift boxes to recipients.
Lawrence was also the go-to builder for stages, props, and whatever was needed for church fundraisers, youth plays and other events.
He was a long time member of the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago Land Board and offered his professional services at no cost for many of the church’s land matters.
Interior Field Representative Lydia Faleafine Nomura described Mr. French as a unique individual and a most principled man.
Last month, as Mr. French was very weak, Bishop Peter Brown sent out a message for prayers for him, Jane and their family.
Bishop Brown said, “I am sure many of you are well aware of this man’s service to our Diocese for decades. Many many acts of love to others unknown to us. We now show our love by our prayers…Jesus is truly waiting to greet this soldier of Christ.”
Funeral services were held yesterday in Alaska. A Memorial Mass will be held in American Samoa at 6:00 p.m. next Thursday at the Holy Family Cathedral. A family service at the cathedral will precede Mass at 5:00 p.m.
