The life of former Parliamentarian, Jacob John Olaf Netzler was celebrated during a State funeral held at the Mulivai Cathedral on Saturday morning. 

Families, friends, associates and his fellow church and village members gathered at Mulivai to pay their respects and farewell the 82-year-old who died on Tuesday 2 August 2022. 

Among the mourners were the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Cabinet Ministers, and Members of Parliament including suspended Lepa M.P. Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. 

Prime Minister Fiame, delivered the eulogy on behalf of the Government of Samoa, paying homage to the late former politician's service to the country and people of Samoa. 

Fiame recalled the well-known "Jack or Siaki" in Samoa's parliament during his time in office, saying he was an M.P. who entered Samoa's Legislative Assembly under the banner of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) as a member of Individual Voters seats. 

He served as a Member of Parliament for six consecutive terms which is equivalent to 22 years. Out of those years, Mr. Netzler spent 17 years as a Cabinet Minister for different Government ministries. 

Fiame recalled that those were some challenging times in Samoa with the transition to a new Administration from time to time and the change in leadership. 

She added that the political landscape in Samoa at the time was not stable and some tough decisions were made then. 

In saying that, Fiame acknowledged Mr. Netzler's great contribution, his leadership and service to Samoa through the different Government ministries he led at the time. 

Fiame remembered that the different Government ministries he served as a Minister during his time in public office included the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Public Works (now known as the Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure) and the Ministry of Telecommunication.

"These respective ministries are vital in the development of any country and we remember with grateful hearts, his service and contribution to the country," said Fiame.

"We pay tribute to his commitment, his leadership and his service to the people of Samoa."

Turning to Mr. Netzler's family and children, Fiame extended her condolences to them, while also acknowledging their father's service to Samoa. 

"The sacrifices and service your father made to the country, is your service as a family and that had contributed to the development of Samoa and its people over the years."

The H.R.P.P. leader and former prime minister, Tuilaepa also delivered a eulogy on behalf of the party, and spoke of the fond memories they shared with "Siaki", not only in parliament but also in the Cabinet. 

Mr. Netzler is survived by five children, 30 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He died early this month at the age of 82.