A former Cabinet Minister and a senior citizen of the community, Jacob John Olaf Netzler passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday morning. 

Survived by five children, 30 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, eldest son Sua Ben Netzler confirmed the death of his father in the early hours of Tuesday morning from health complications. 

Sua, who resided in New Zealand with his family, decided to return home in the past years to spend time with his father and is thankful for making that choice.

Not many Samoans live up to 80 years or more and the longevity of the late Mr. Netzler enabled him to spend time together with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The final service for the late Mr. Netzler will be held on Saturday at the Mulivai Cathedral.

The great-grandfather began his political career in 1982 when he first entered the Legislative Assembly as the Member of Parliament for the then Individual Voters seat. 

A former Cabinet Minister overseeing the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and Public Works (now known as the Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure), Mr. Netzler was in public office for 19 years. 

The Samoa Observer had the chance to speak to Mr. Netzler in 2020 when he celebrated his 80^th birthday. 

At that time his children had big plans for their father’s birthday, but due to restrictions associated with COVID-19 State of Emergency Orders (S.O.E.), the family had to settle for a small intimate dinner. 

 Mr. Netzler said at that time that big celebrations are usually an indication people like himself would not make it to their next birthday.

But he said the small feast put together by his family for his birthday meant everything to him. 

He was grateful for the gift of life and hoped God will grant him another 10 more years so he can thank his family and children for their efforts in caring for him. 

“This is the most important thing in the life of any parent is the wellbeing and nurturing of his children,” he said in an interview at that time. 

The veteran politician hails from the villages of Moto’otua, Safotu and Fasitoo-uta and also has roots in Wallis and Futuna. He is a former student of Samoa College and was married to the late Leinatioletuitoga Cecilia Pereira Netzler.