The head of the Samoa Victim Support Group has paid tribute to an anti-violence advocate and a Torch of Peace supporter, saying he dedicated his life to the campaign. 

Lau Fono Perenise Filipo Penitila, 52, of Lotofaga was one of the key organisers of the Torch of Peace when it passed through his area but died minutes after he passed on the symbolic torch.

SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang told Samoa Observer in an interview that the life of the late Lau is one to remember for all advocates of anti-violence as he had played a pivotal role in helping the non-profit organisation spread the message.

"His life and the person he is described by many to be has helped us so much to spread the message across Samoa and for that may his soul rest in peace," said Siliniu. "It's people like him that can take the message further with the life he had lived, loved by many as we heard.

"And worked hard to make the Torch of Peace [march] successful when it reached their village and for that we commend his efforts with so much appreciation."

Siliniu and her team attended the funeral of the late advocate on Friday before he was laid to rest at his home in Lotofaga.

He did not have a health condition, according to his children early this month, who were heartbroken at the sudden passing of their father.

In a previous interview with this newspaper, his daughter, Asofitu Penitila who travelled from overseas with her two brothers for their father's funeral said they had found peace in their father's work despite his sudden passing.

"It's still overwhelming for us to come to terms with his sudden passing but we're confident that he was ready to leave knowing that he has left behind such fond memories not only with our families but also our village and church," she said. 

"He was a family-oriented man, always telling and asking us to contribute to this and that to the church and village, everywhere he goes he's always putting someone else first and himself last.

"Whoever comes to him for help, he never gets tired of helping someone out because he has a humble soul, a loving person and we're proud to carry on those memories of his with us until our last breath."

The late Penitila was a preacher of the Methodist Church in Lotofaga, a chief in the village and among his family, and also held other positions and titles in the village and church.