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Former Sen. Fuata Dr. Tagiilima I’atala passes away

The United States flag draped casket of the late former Sen. Fuata Dr. Tagiilima I’atala, during his memorial service on Sunday at the CCCAS church in Amouli, with his children and his wife, Manumanu Sipili I’atala  (in white and wearing a hat — far left). [photo: Samoa News]
fili@samoanews.com

Former Sen. Fuata Dr. Tagiilima I’atala who enlisted in 1974 in the U.S. Air Force and served for four years, passed away Mar. 3, at the age of 70.

Fuata served in the Senate, representing Saole county, from 2011 to 2012, after the Saole County council selected him to fill the senatorial seat that had been vacated by former Sen. Utu Abe Malae.

During Fuata’s memorial service, a Fono approved concurrent resolution was read in which the Fono conveyed its deepest sympathies and sincere condolences, and on behalf of the people of American Samoa, to the widow and the I’atala and Fuata families on Fuata’s passing.

The resolution, sponsored by Saole county Sen. Taua’a Saunoa Vaouli, also pays the highest tribute to Fuata’s life and service to the people of American. Taua’a presented the resolution to Mrs. I’atala.

Despite his new post as a senator, the Fono resolution says that Fuata still maintained his position as Chief of Pediatrics at LBJ Medical Center. “His passion for treating the people of American Samoa was first and foremost in his heart,” according to the resolution, which provides background of Fuata’s education at various institutions of higher education including in Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji and the U.S.

The resolution also provided a look into Fuata’s many years of working at various jobs, both here and off island — including two years of internship at Lae Hospital and Port Moresby General Hospital in Papua New Guinea. The seven-page resolution, also details Fuata’s service to his village, church and community projects with which he was involved.

For 23 years Fuata was a “permanent fixture” at LBJ’s Pediatric Department, serving first as acting chief and then as Chief of Pediatrics for the past 16 years.

Fuata “was in constant pursuit of educating himself. He used the vast amount of knowledge he had amassed for 40 years to better the quality of life for his family and the people of American Samoa,” the resolution points out.

Additionally, LBJ staff will miss Fuata’s “sunny disposition in the morning when they would arrive at the LBJ Pediatric Ward, which was accompanied by breakfast for everyone.”

Fuata, who was laid to rest yesterday at his home in Amouli, is survived by his wife, nine children and 21 grandchildren.

Samoa News extends condolences to the grieving family.