Amata’s Statement on the Passing of Associate Justice Lyle Richmond

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata released the following statement regarding the passing of Associate Justice Lyle Richmond:

"Associate Justice Lyle Richmond was a blessing to our people. He served American Samoa for many years, and will be remembered as a public servant, a man of integrity, a good legal mind and a man of wisdom. He dedicated much of his life to the cause of justice.

"Many years ago, in his field of practicing law, he worked as Chief Counsel to Governor Tali Peter Coleman. For me, that means fond memories of a family friend, and I know that Governor Coleman trusted his advice and valued his friendship. That role was one chapter in Justice Richmond's lengthy public service on behalf of our islands. He went on to serve as our Territory's Attorney General, and then served as Justice for a quarter of a century from 1991 to 2016. For those 25 years, he had a role in the most important decisions to come before the High Court of American Samoa. Together, we have lost a rich source of institutional knowledge for our Court.

"He also served our country in the United States Navy, and we remember him well in that uniform at our celebrations. In his most important God-given role of all, he was a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Our prayers today are with his wife High Chief Papaliitele Violet Richmond and family. He will be deeply missed."

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