A quiet, hard working and enterprising businessman of American Samoa, Tauiliili Howard Helg, passed away last week in California.
Howard, as all his business associates, family and friends knew him, was best known as the CEO of Pago Plaza, a position he held for over 25 years.
His family said, he passed away Monday, January 23rd, with all his children by his side, after a short battle with cancer. He was 70.
A longtime businessman and silent benefactor to many in American Samoa, Howard operated several businesses that were as diversified as he was, all mirroring the many facets of his interests and personality.
These ranged from building management in the Pago Plaza, a technology company (VCX)—which unbeknownst to many operates the third largest communications and wireless network on the island—and Emelio’s Restaurant, a homage to and named after his grandfather Emil Fabricius, who owned and operated one of Samoa’s first bakeries, next to the Catholic Church in Mulivai, Samoa.
Howard was the son of Jacob Helg and Colleen Fabricius.
Howard cared deeply about the future of American Samoa and often shared with KHJ News his concerns about the lack of economic development, rising cost of basic government services, and how government policies negatively impacted businesses. A conversation with Howard was never short.
SouthSeasBroadcasting General Manager, Pauga Joey Cummings said, “Howard Helg was a problem solver and a people connector. In every broken thing, he had the brains to figure out a solution; what materials and tools were needed. More importantly, Howard knew the right people to put the plan into action. I don’t think Howard ever met a stranger. He had a way of making you feel at ease and that you were both on the same awesome team.”
His employees would attest to a caring and kind man who took care of them and their families. When a hurricane was approaching, Howard would make sure their homes were boarded up and their families had food at home before they reported to work.
He did a lot for many without any publicity.
“His greatest gift was his desire to serve and help those who needed a hand and doing so quietly with humility and kindness,” said his family.
Howard is survived by six children, twelve grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his six siblings and his partner of 25 years, Ngaire Brighouse.
Tauiliili Howard F. Helg will be laid to rest at a funeral service on Sunday, February 5th, at Fry Memorial Chapel in Tracy, California.”
Our deepest condolences to his children and family.
