Congressman Faleomavaega Eni today expresses his personal condolences to Mr. Nathaniel “Nat” Savali, one of the late Sotoa Savali’s children and former employee of the Congressman’s Washington D.C. Office. In his sympathy letter, the Congressman writes:

It is with deep regret and great sorrow that I express my sincere condolences to you and your siblings on the untimely passing of your father, Afioga i le Vaimagalo, Sotoa Muasau So’oso’oali’i Savali. Such a misfortune is often times hard for us to understand, given that Sotoa was always in seemingly good health. For it to befall at an unexpected and unfortunate manner is something only the benevolence of God can explain and sooth in time. 

Sotoa was well noted for his passionate interest in local issues, especially in their relations to U.S. politics, regional and world affairs. He was a character with fixed principles  and he would always call it the way he saw it. Given the fact that he was naturally quiet, low key and often times kept to himself, I found him to be very challenging and intriguing. Sotoa would always remind me of silent waters and how deep they run.

His intelligence and contemporary knowledge of his traditional roots placed him well within his time, and his love for what he believed was good for the people of American Samoa made him so well respected and loved within the community. 

Sotoa’s sudden passing will leave a great void in all of us whom he touched; and I pray that God, in His everlasting grace, will grant comfort to you, his children, his grandchildren and your family sooner.

Please be assured of my continued respect and esteem.