Apia, SAMOA — The life of former Parliamentarian, Jacob John Olaf Netzler was celebrated during a State funeral held at the Mulivai Cathedral on Saturday morning. 

Families, friends, associates and his fellow church and village members gathered at Mulivai to pay their respects and farewell the 82-year-old who died on Tuesday, Aug 2, 2022. 

Among the mourners were the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Cabinet Ministers, and Members of Parliament, including suspended Lepa M.P Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. 

Prime Minister Fiame delivered the eulogy on behalf of the Government of Samoa, paying homage to the late former politician's service to the country and people of Samoa. 

He served as a Member of Parliament for six consecutive terms which is equivalent to 22 years. Out of those years, Mr. Netzler spent 17 years as a Cabinet Minister for different Government ministries. 

Fiame recalled that those were some challenging times in Samoa with the transition to a new Administration from time to time and the change in leadership. 

The H.R.P.P leader and former prime minister, Tuilaepa also delivered a eulogy on behalf of the party, and spoke of the fond memories they shared with "Siaki", not only in parliament but also in the Cabinet. 

Mr. Netzler is survived by five children, 30 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.