A life of humility, hard work and respect for others were the fabric of being Marist . . .'

Cabinet ministers, other government officials, members of the clergy, other guests and hundreds of relatives, friends and acquaintances of the late Leituala, the former Samoan diplomat in Europe, and sitting Vice President of the Marist Brothers Old Pupils' Association (MBOPA) attended his funeral service last week at the Lepea Catholic Church.

Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai, MBOPA President, told the large congregation in his eulogy that 'Leituala epitomised the essence of the Marist Spirit.

'I have never come across anyone whose heart and soul are so dedicated and committed to Marist. His wife even remarked that before Leituala married her, he was first married to Marist.   

'He is surely the most True Blue Marist guy, Through and Through,' he said, and noted that earlier Br Afese had branded Leituala as a ''Real Malisi'' or ''Malisi Mao'i".

He then asked: 'Well what is Malisi?' And added: 'Because if you understand what Marist meant, then you will understand Leituala. Being Malisi has many variations and shades. But I believe it best that I use Leituala's own words to explain Marist. He wrote an article in a Marist magazine in 2010 for St Joseph's College's 60th Anniversary where he stated:

'I did not understand what MARIST really meant at first, but as I moved towards the final years, the message became clear: a life of humility, hard work and respect for others were the fabric of being Marist as Br Iulio later puts it as "O lo'u ola ia ola ai isi." [My life so others can live.]

Essentially, Leituala was describing himself in his own words here, the president said.

He continued: But if I can describe Leituala in five words pertaining to his service to Malisi, then they would be as follows: (1) Leader; (2) Giver; (3) Fanatical; (4) Recruiter; (5) Wingman.

As a Leader:  He became a member of MBOPA when he was still at school. He was elected Vice President at the tender age of 28. He was again elected Vice President, a position he has held up to his passing away.

As a Giver: Leituala always gave back, whether it be money, his time or service. Leituala wrote in 2010 and said that a fundraising activity is, "an opportunity to build relationships, make new friends and a chance to give something back.

Given such a positive attitude, Leituala never shies away from any fundraising activity for such aligns with character of being a giver.

On his being fanatical, the President said: Leituala was a rugby fanatic. He loves rugby. During his time as a diplomat in Brussels, he would attend all the Manu Samoa rugby matches. He would send photos of him being there with his family. He would also take his boys to watch Manu Samoa here at Apia Park, no matter the weather.

On Leituala's work as a recruiter, the president said, 'He understood that the future of MBOPA depended on recruiting younger members to join MBOPA. He wrote an article in 2020 titled "Why the young generation should join now. Why wait, join now, it will be fun. I guarantee it."

'When I became President, Tuatagaloa said, Leituala also shared my vision of supporting the various class associations as affiliates of MBOPA. We both knew that embracing class associations would make MBOPA stronger. Our strategy worked because now we have so many classes we can call upon for assistance during major events. They are also required to send representatives to the weekly meetings of MBOPA.

And then lastly, as the Wingman, the president said: Because Leituala was my Vice President, I also saw him as my wingman. In the movie Top Gun, Val Kilmer was Tom Cruise's wingman. For fighter planes, there is always a lead aircraft. Another aircraft would follow behind on the right wing of the lead aircraft. The aircraft following behind is called the wingman. the wingman's role is to protect the lead by watching his back.

Leituala was my wingman. Leituala was not just the Vice President of MBOPA, he also supported and protected me. He was always there to watch my back.

For any organisation, especially big ones that God has blessed - e i ai foi [there are also] killer McCoy. But I was not worried because I had God, my executive and especially my wingman - Leituala.

Whenever I had ideas - and I had lots of ideas for Marist, I knew I could count on Leituala to support and implement them. I always counted on his support and advice.

There were times when we would have different views, and he would stick to his view. He was never a yes-man but a straight shooter with me. In short, he was my wingman.       

The MBOPA president then concluded: Leituala's life and service for Marist was unquestionable. That is why MBOPA decided to do something that had never been done before - carry his coffin from the school gate to the hall and host a Mass for him.

We could have requested for a Mass to be held at Sefo Pa'u's, but we wanted something special - and we wanted his body to come for one final time to the school he so loves.

And then the President of MBOPA declared: To our Marist family, let's not be sad. Leituala is with his maker. Let's remember him by reflecting the Marist spirit in our lives - by selfless service, by showing humility by being kind.

To Vanda and children, as well as Leituala's brothers and sister and family, ia tou lototetele.

Ia amanuia and God bless.

TA'I'S TAKE adds our deep condolences to Leituala's family, brothers and sisters. As close relatives of Vanda we shall be there for her and the children to offer what comfort and help we can during this very sad time.

We thank lau Afioga i le Peresetene o MBOPA, lau Afioga Tuatagaloa, for sharing glimpses of a life of service, love and kindness of your Wingman, protector, adviser and at times opponent, when views differ, but no doubt always united in efforts to do right for members of MBOPA, Marist students and through them for all Samoans.

We deeply appreciate your sharing of Leituala's commitment to kindness, humility, hard work and selfless service.

The sentiments echo our 'O le ala i le pule, o le Tautua. - The way to Authority is service.

But Pope Francis expressed the same conviction more robustly this way:

For leadership, there is only one road: service. There is no other way. If you have many qualities, the ability to communicate, etc., but if you are not a servant, your leadership will fail, it is useless, it has no power to gather [people] together... Leadership must enter into service, but with a personal love for the people)

We stress authority but the Pope prefers leadership. Perhaps with more selfless service like Leituala's, we may move from Authority, Power and Violence to Kindness, Empathy and Love.

Manuia tele le Aso Sa.