It was a sad day for the Wallwork family and the Samoan community on Thursday when the patriarch of the family and one of the country's most revered sports personalities, Seiuli Paul Wallwork, was called to rest. 

He succumbed to a prolonged illness and passed away peacefully at home at the age of 82. 

Seiuli carved an indelible legacy in both the athletic arena and sports administration.

Primarily known as a distinguished weightlifter, Seiuli etched his name in history as the first Samoan to clinch a medal at the Commonwealth Games. 

In 1974, he seized a silver medal in weightlifting at the British Commonwealth Games held in Christchurch, New Zealand. 

His prowess extended beyond borders, representing Samoa with pride in multiple South Pacific Games, clinching gold in each appearance.

Aside from his sporting feats, Seiuli was a stalwart in sports administration, playing pivotal roles in various organisations. 

He spearheaded Samoa's inaugural hosting of the South Pacific Games in 1983, leaving an enduring mark on the regional sporting landscape. 

His contributions transcended national boundaries, as evidenced by his membership in esteemed bodies like the South Pacific Games Council and the International Olympic Committee.

Beyond the realm of sports, Seiuli's influence permeated community service endeavours, alongside his wife, Su'a Julia Wallwork. Their dedication to uplifting communities through direct engagement left an indelible mark on countless lives.

Seiuli's illustrious journey began as a career educator, serving as a distinguished principal at Avele College. 

His commitment to education and youth development saw him ascend to the helm of the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, before its amalgamation with the Ministry of Education.

In recognition of his lifetime dedication to sports and service to Samoa, Seiuli was bestowed with the prestigious Member of the Samoa Order of Merit during the 2014 Honours Award ceremony.

Throughout his storied career, Seiuli remained steadfast in his allegiance to Samoa, notably declining an offer to represent Australia at the 1972 Summer Olympics, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to his Samoan heritage.

Beyond his sporting achievements, Seiuli's impact extended to various leadership roles, including serving as the president of the South Pacific Games Council and the Oceania Weightlifting Federation, alongside assuming the presidency of Rugby League Samoa.

It was not possible to get a comment from his wife and children. 

However, the General Secretary of the Oceania Weightlifting Federation, Paul Coffa conveyed his sincere condolences to Su'a and the Wallwork family on behalf of the federation. 

In a statement issued on Thursday, Mr. Coffa said they were sadden by the news of Seiuli's passing. 

"What a great sportsman Paul was," Mr. Coffa said.  

"A true champion not only in sport but in life. He was the first Samoan weightlifter to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games. 

"He competed in world events. Paul became President of the Oceania Weightlifting Federation and he held this office until 2009. 

"If I remember correctly he was also President of the Pacific Games Council and held many important posts in sport, not only in Samoa but internationally.

"We lost a true friend. A true gentleman. A true champion.

"There are not enough words that we can express to Jerry and his family during this very sad time.

"On behalf of the Oceania Weightlifting Federation and the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, we extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Julia Wallwork, to Jerry and to the whole Wallwork family."