The American businessman whose Chairmanship of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum's board and charitable work preserving the history of the Scottish author's Samoan connection won him widespread admiration, Tilafaiga Rex Maughan, has passed away.

At 84-years-old, Tilafaiga, who was from Utah, United States, passed away peacefully on Saturday surrounded by his family members.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, and children, Todd, Soni and Gregg. Tilafaiga was a grandfather to 12 and a great grandfather to 16.

A successful businessman, Tilafaiga is better known for his charitable work in Samoa including the establishment of the R.L.S. Museum, which has been operating close to 30 years as a major tourism venue and historical repository of Stevensonsoniana and other related memorabilia.  

Tilafaiga passed as the Chair of the Robert Louis Stevenson Foundation, which he co-founded with another good friend of Samoa, Jim 'Simi' Winegar, who passed last year.

He is the founder, president, and chairman of one of Arizona's largest privately-owned companies, Forever Living Products International, Inc., as well as more than one hundred sister companies worldwide.

The news of his passing was broadcast online by his Forever Loving Products International, saying his legacy will be one of hope and love that has spread all over the world.

“We know this news will come as a shock to many and we are mindful of that, and our love goes out to each of you across the miles,” the announcement posted on Sunday reads.

“He was content in any setting; in the presence of royalty, on a hillside on one of his ranches or simply wandering down a lane in his beloved Samoa.

“Born into a farming family in Soda Springs, Idaho, he grew from those humble beginnings to build an empire that has touched millions.

“Yet, he never lost his love for community and the people around him. He remembered names, hugged everyone and always had time to listen.”

Many people who knew Tilafaiga would know how much he loved Samoa. His eulogy can be found on different online media and each one would include something about his affection for Samoa.

“Many of you may wonder what you can do to help and we appreciate that. For now, we ask that you hug loved ones, be first to say sorry and look for opportunities to serve those around you,” the announcement continues.

“For those of you in Forever, we know that Rex would be telling you to talk to more people and to never forget that the Power of Forever is the Power of Love.”

Tilafaiga first landed in Samoa to serve as a Mormon missionary in his 20s and fell in love with the people, the food and scenery. Even as he grew an empire, he never let Samoa leave his mind.

Giving back to Samoa has been his enduring mission, whether it be preserving historical sites or providing clean water for communities, and his service was rewarded with the prestigious title Tilafaiga.

"In the many years since I left a piece of my heart in the Samoan islands, I’ve had the opportunity to return time after time," Tilafaiga reflected during World Humanitarians Day in 2018.

“We’ve been blessed to restore the home of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson and turn it into a museum, which is still one of the leading destinations for Samoa tourism. We have also been able to preserve Samoan lands from being timbered, ensuring that more people would be able to visit and enjoy these beautiful islands.

There are countless other projects that we have been proud to be a part of in Samoa over the years.”

His funeral is anticipated to be an intimate family funeral and a global digital celebration of life.