[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 13, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE OF BISHOP VAIFANUA SUIAVA MULITAUAOPELE

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2019

  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Bishop Vaifanua Suiava Mulitauaopele. He was a friend of many years, a 
trusted adviser, and a respected leader to our Samoan people in the 
islands and in the U.S.
  A native of Laulii, American Samoa, Bishop Mulitauaopele lived a full 
and joyful life in the service of the Lord, and he was a blessing to 
far more people than any of us will ever know. Even as we feel a sense 
of loss at his passing, we know he would be the first to comfort us. 
Our hearts are with his dear wife Eva, the rest of his family and his 
many friends.
  He served our country as well as his church, and retired from the 
U.S. Army as a decorated Veteran of the Vietnam War. He gave 20 years 
of service to medical missions in Samoa, and was engaged in an ongoing 
clinic project at the time of his passing that will be of great help to 
our people.
  He was a spiritual and community leader, and always a man of great 
faith, compassion and integrity. He brought honor to our Samoan people. 
Bishop Mulitauaopele will be missed, and his life is worthy of our best 
memories.
  At the service, Pastors Salt and their congregation sang beautiful 
Samoan hymns, and it was livestreamed to be available anywhere he was 
known.
  In addition to his wife, Eva Gonzalez Mulitauaopele, Bishop Pele was 
also survived by his son Anthony V. Mulitauaopele (Lauren) of Inman, 
SC, and two daughters, Jennifer Cotton (Nikko) of West Columbia, SC, 
Laura Frick (Ted) of Little Mountain, SC.
  He also had six grandchildren: Victor, Grant, Marla, Chloe, Callie, 
and Cash; and his sister, Sua Peko; and two godchildren, Lautofa and 
Sam. Finally, his two beloved dogs were Buddy and Sammi.
  Thank you and goodbye (Soifua).

                          ____________________