Dear Editor,

Being far away demands that we are presently restricted to use only words to convey our love to all of Samoa as you deal with the loss of La’auli Alan Grey.  

We do not mourn for Alan for he has gone to his well-deserved rest and reward.  

We mourn for all of SAMOA who has lost an extraordinary Son of God and SAMOA.

His daily life earned him high honors as he faithfully served as God’s eyes, ears, arms, legs, transportation facilitator, business leader and pillar of the community.  

But those self-imposed responsibilities pale in insignificance when measured against his stewardship as a son, husband, father, provider and protector.  Very few share his vision of what can be done to make the world a better place.  We strongly believe that his influence will be felt for generations to come.

Tilafaiga Rex Maughan and I want you to know of our love, heartfelt thoughts and sincere prayers for comfort for your loss. God will strengthen his individual family members and ALL of SAMOA as you collectively deal with the loss of his daily counsel and encouragement.  

Like his beloved Mum, he leaves a legacy of his own making which is deserving of the timeless tag line - ‘Oh, we never will forget you.’

Ia Manuia lava outou uma I SAMOA aemaise le Aiga Grey.

Jim Winegar

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.