Orthodontist. Statesman. Mentor. Guardian of Truth.
This week, Samoa mourns the passing of a man who served with his heart, his hands, and his mind — Aeau Dr. Peniamina Leavaise’eta.
A specialist orthodontist by profession and one of the longest-serving Members of Parliament in Samoa’s history, Aeau was more than his titles — he was a teacher in the truest sense. His kindness could disarm even the most hardened cynic, and his intellect was never hoarded; it was shared freely with anyone eager to learn.
I speak not just as a fellow professional but as someone who learned deeply from this gentle soul. Aeau never guarded knowledge like a secret. He gave openly, generously, and joyfully. Some of the dentures I crafted early on carried his subtle influence — like the Adams clasps I borrowed from his orthodontic wisdom.
His sons, both dentists and dear friends to me, would laugh and say, “Our old man saw that and said, ‘O le ula foi lea e le kea lava i seisi?’” It was his way — half teasing, fully praising. Through this bond with his dentist sons, I came to know his other brilliant children: Tuitoga, Pipi, Teems, Mus, and Viks.
But his support went far beyond the clinic.
One of my early writings — perhaps too bold for some — reached the dentists’ meeting rooms. Some felt it crossed a line. That I needed to be “put in my place.”
But Aeau stood by me.
In the calm, unwavering way only a man of true principle can, he said, “I don’t see anything wrong with this post. In fact, everything is true.”
He didn’t just protect my voice — he validated it. I will never forget that. Thank you, sir. For standing up for me. For seeing potential where others saw provocation.
For being the elder who didn’t silence the young, but sharpened them.
Samoa has lost a great mind, a healer, and a guardian of truth. But for those of us lucky enough to stand in his shadow — we carry his light forward.
Rest in peace, Aeau.
You’ve done your part. You’ve spoken your truth.
Now may you rest, embraced by the grace you gave so freely.
