Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (L.D.S.) world over and students at Vaiola College have been thrown into mourning by the news of the passing of Nautu Mika Lolo.

The Savai'i-based Principal of Vaiola College, often referred to as Brother Lolo, passed away last week, while in America receiving treatment for a brain tumour. He was surrounded by his wife, Emily Rebecca Lolo, and children.

In conveying his condolences, the Pacific Area Seventy Elder Sapele Faalogo said the passing has sent the L.D.S community into mourning.

"Members of our church and  the Vaiola High School community convey our love to Mika Lolo's family," he said. "We pay tribute to a devoted family man, and a kind and beloved school leader. May the Lord comfort and bring peace to his family and friends at this time."

On Friday, the Vaiola College social media page posted an official message notifying students and parents of his passing and sending condolences to Brother Lolo's family.

"Even though you have left our school grounds, but your good works are hard to forget as you led with love," the post reads.

"May God be with the mother of your children and mourning family, may you be given strength and warmth from the Lord.

"We thank you [Brother Lolo] for your guidance, for your counselling words, your shared knowledge; you have done well. Rest in Peace, dear Principal."

Heartfelt messages continue to flood social media from mourning families, friends and students of the L.D.S. church.

Lolo developed a brain tumour in 2015 and underwent surgery in New Zealand for its removal. 

And as part of his follow-up treatment, he had to undergo yearly scans to ensure it had not recurred.

A scan this year revealed that the tumour had returned. Mrs. Lolo told the Samoa Observer earlier this year that the scan results required her husband seek urgent surgery, saying that the Cabinet gave approval for him to be treated in New Zealand.

But the family’s plans to take their sick father to New Zealand were hampered by travel and immigration restrictions imposed by the New Zealand Government in response to the coronavirus. 

As a result, the family decided to seek medical treatment in the United States of America.