Veteran Journalist Laid to Rest

Alan Immensely Ah Mu, known as Li’o Fa’avaivaiomanū, was laid to rest in Samoa after his body was returned from New Zealand for a family service honoring his life and connection to his people. Ah Mu, 68, died peacefully at his home in New Zealand on Sept. 24, 2026, surrounded by family.

Global Newsflix9 h ago 2 min read

Veteran Journalist Laid to Rest — Photo: Samoa Observer

Alan Immensely Ah Mu, a veteran journalist and former senior reporter and writer for the Samoa Observer, was laid to rest in Samoa. His body was returned from New Zealand for a family service honoring his life and connection to his people.

Ah Mu, 68, died peacefully at his home in New Zealand on Sept. 24, 2026, surrounded by family. His final journey in Samoa was marked by a police escort, as family members carried his coffin from the family residence to Lotopa Cemetery, where he was buried.

Family, relatives and friends gathered to farewell a man whose life connected Samoa and New Zealand. Ah Mu spent a significant part of his 30-year journalism career as a senior reporter and writer for the Samoa Observer, where he became known for his reporting and writing.

He was remembered in tributes as a quiet, intelligent and gentle man who made a lasting impression on those around him. Si'alei van Toor described him as a wise and calm gentle man, while Savea Alphonso Solia remembered his quiet voice, cheeky smile and gentle nature.

Ah Mu was the beloved partner of Sui Tiafau Lavea and a much-loved father to Tipesa, Talitonu, Palepa and Vaifou. He was also deeply loved by extended family in Samoa and New Zealand.

His funeral service in New Zealand was held Sept. 29 at Cockburn Street Chapel in Kilbirnie, Wellington. In Samoa, his final journey brought family and community together to farewell a journalist, father, partner and son of Samoa.

Falealili Horizons Vaa Club president and founder Fuimaono Heatta Fuimaono shaved his head as a sign of respect for Ah Mu.

Key facts

Alan Immensely Ah Mu, 68, died peacefully at his home in New Zealand on Sept. 24, 2026.
His body was returned to Samoa for a family service honoring his life and connection to his people.
Ah Mu spent 30 years in journalism, including as a senior reporter and writer for the Samoa Observer.
He was remembered as a quiet, intelligent and gentle man who made a lasting impression on those around him.

Three perspectives

Neutral

The funeral service for Alan Immensely Ah Mu was attended by family, relatives and friends in both New Zealand and Samoa. His death has been met with tributes from those who knew him, remembering his quiet and gentle nature. The community has come together to farewell a respected journalist and family man.

Positive

Ah Mu's life and career have been celebrated by those who knew him, with many remembering his kind and gentle nature. His family and community have come together to honor his memory and connection to Samoa and New Zealand. His legacy as a journalist and family man will be remembered for years to come.

Negative

The death of Alan Immensely Ah Mu has been met with sadness from his family and community. His passing has left a gap in the lives of those who knew him, and he will be deeply missed. The challenge for his family and community now is to come to terms with his loss and find a way to move forward.