The Samoa tourism industry is mourning the passing of Leataataoletaeao “Shaddow” Fau who played a critical role in the development of the industry in the country. 

Chairperson for the Samoa Tourism Authority, Adele Kruse says Shaddow took tourism to a whole new level. 

“Shaddow Fau was very fortunate to have been nurtured under the wings of yesteryear's Tourism Generals raised up by Samoa's legendary pioneer, the late Aggie Grey who inspired passion for tourism in women like Anna Stancil, Jane Leung Wai, and Annie Ah Siu. 

"While humble and unassuming in nature, Shaddow had that spark about her that engaged visitors and colleagues alike,” said Kruse. 

Shaddow’s experience and extensive knowledge in Samoa's tourism sector was called upon on numerous occasions in the development of tourism objectives and strategies. 

“Shaddow was also known for being well organised for tourism trips and packed her suitcase with extras to prepare for the unplanned. 

“On one such memorable occasion, industry travellers to Fiji were able to hold an impromptu Samoan Cultural Fashion Show at Bula Tourism Trade Exchange, compliments of Shaddow's forethought and ingenuity.

“In her capacity as a Destination Marketeer, Shaddow represented Samoa Scenic on the Tourism Marketing Taskforce, Samoa Tourism Industries Alliance, and the Samoa Hotel Association. 

"The fabric of Samoa's Tourism Industry has been interwoven with the life of this lovely Tamata'i of Samoa along with her teachers and mentors, continuing to set pace for the development and future of sustainable tourism,” said Kruse. 

Tanya Kionasina Grey said Shaddow was the face of Samoa Scenic.

“Shaddow had worked for us for a long time. Back in the early 90’s she was pretty much the face of Samoa Scenic and as a kid I was always jumping on her tours. These days she would be managing a lot of our cruise ships events. 

“Recently, she really wanted to push doing a few boutique tours. Trying to tailor a lot of tours to different kinds of tourists. Not everyone wants to see the same thing and so she really wanted to develop some tours showcasing Samoa at a different angle.

“She was just always great to be around. Life of the party and just such a good, genuine person,” said Grey. 

There was also outpouring of grief on social media, including a post by famous Pacific chef, Robert Oliver. 

“R.I.P. my crazy sister Shaddow Fau ...already sharing hilarious stories. I’ll bet the wine distributors are cancelling their shipments to Samoa," he said. 

Avao Tiatia reminisced on the times she spent with Shaddow, including on trips to various parts of the Pacific. 

“Samoa Scenic Travel & Tours, site inspections, trips to Fiji, Australia, dinners at Sinalei, Aggie Greys, Hotel Kitano Tuistala, drinks around Apia, weddings, visits to Vava’u and more.... so many fond memories which I will cherish, saddened to hear of your passing but I know you bless so many lives and you are going to be sorely missed."

A close friend, Ramouner Porter Fong, told the Samoa Observer that she was the life of the party. 

“All of Shadow's friends know that she is the life of any party. She definitely lived life to the fullest. You can say that Shadow was a fashionista. 

“The thing I love the most is the way Shaddow says her name Leataataoletaeao Fau after a few wines. Shaddow has tons of friends and she is loved by all,” she said.