Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA  — In honor of the late Port Director Christopher King, Gov. Lemanu P. S Mauga has declared that the U.S and American Samoa flags shall be flown at half-staff beginning Dec. 12, 2022 to Dec. 14, 2022 as a mark of respect for Director King, who passed away on November 14, 2022.

He was 56.

 “Director Christopher King's love for his Territory is highlighted throughout his many years of public service.

 “For over 25 years, Mr. King served the Territory diligently and faithfully. His commitment to serving our people will never be forgotten.

 “As we reflect on the life of Director Christopher King and his service to our Territory, let us take a moment to be grateful for all the great leaders who have helped preserve the tenets and ideals of our democracy.”

According to the funeral program, the first service will be held Dec. 14, at the Hospital Chapel at 6:30am.

There will be a funeral motorcade to follow visiting all the Port sites in Fagatogo and the Airport in Tafuna — then on to Fatu-o-Aiga, the Catholic compound, where Mr King devoted his time aside from work, as a devout Catholic.

A family service will be held from 8am to 10am. Mr King’s final services will be held at 11am at the Holy family cathedral. The burial will follow at the Clemens family compound in Tafuna.

King was appointed director last year January. He had been deputy director of Port Administration since 2005 and prior to that he was a special assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of the American Samoa Power Authority for 5 years.

He also served as a flight operations supervisor for United Parcel Service at Ontario International Airport for many years.

A devout Catholic, King was an active member of the church. A graduate of Marist he also served on the board of the Marist Brothers Crusaders Alumni Association.

In addition, he was an active member of the Lions Club. He served as President of the Club four times — stepping up when he was needed to lead the Lions in their commitment to community service. 

King was in charge of all seaports and airports in American Samoa.

He is survived by his wife, Danielle and their two sons, Aiden and Baelin.

Samoa News offers its sincere condolences to the King family in these sad times.