Michael Eric Yandall

Michael Eric Yandall was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with playing the role of problem solver. Michael always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Michael was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Michael was born on January 26, 1952 in Leone Village, American Samoa. His parents were Saitaua and Joseph Yandall. Michael was raised in the villages of Leone and Leloaloa. Always able to express himself well, Michael possessed strong interpersonal skills. Armed with a great wit, he was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic. He was outgoing and animated. Michael enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in swimming, rugby, volleyball, football, cricket, and so much more. Michael was raised with eleven siblings. He had an older sister named Barbara and four younger brothers named Robert, Joseph, Philip and Thomas. He also had six younger sisters named Celina (deceased), Tagiilima, Fiapa'ipa'i, Saitaua (deceased), Saita'a, and Tiresa.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and a driven individual, Michael was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. He graduated from Leone High School, American Samoa in 1971. He enjoyed some courses more than others, his favorite course being mathematics. He won 3 championships in high school football as the quarterback. What was significant about this accomplishment was that he had a permanent disability: muscle paralysis in his lower right leg due to side effects of the polio vaccination at a young age. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He used these skills to obtain his Associate of Arts in Accounting.

Michael and Sinuanua “Tolu” Valasi exchanged wedding vows on February 27, 1987 in Long Beach, CA. Michael was attentive to Sinuanua's feelings, and he charmed her and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Michael was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Michael identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. Michael was blessed with six children. He had four daughters: Gwendolyn, Leeanna, Saitaua, and Deeannah, and two sons named Phillip and Edward. They were also blessed with twelve grandchildren: Michael, Sinuanua, Gwendolyn, Amani Jr., David, Aaliyah, Leone, Phillip, James, Matthew, Faafetai, and Noelani. He had one great-granddaughter: Stella.

Michael was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Michael’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. His primary occupation was as the Special Assistant to the Speaker of the House, American Samoa Legislature of American Samoa. He was employed for sixteen years by the American Samoa Legislature, ten years by the American Samoa Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, thirteen years by MacDonnell Douglas in California.

Michael enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were reading history, watching documentaries, and keeping up with American politics. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Recreational sports included golf and cricket, of which he was exceptional at. Michael was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were US football and golf.

Michael was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. It’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Michael was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Leone Village Council, the Leone Village Aumaga, and the Fofo County Coalition. Michael was appointed for eighteen years to the Disabilities Development Program Council (DDPC), for two years with the Development Bank of American Samoa Board, and five years with the Vocational Rehabilitation Council.

Michael held close traditional values and his faith was important to him. He was a member of Leone Parish (Leone Koluse Paia), American Samoa for over forty years. During that time, he was on the Fundraising Committee, the Renovations Committee, the Lector Group, and was also a choir member.

Michael passed away on February 6, 2023 at Summerlin Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada. Throughout his 70th year leading up to his 71st birthday, he fought many illnesses. He also battled cancer and overcame it. However, the chemo treatments took a toll on his organs. This led to many complications that later accelerated when he caught the COVID-19 virus. He was a fighter, and he fought to the very end. As each organ grew weaker, he stayed strong in spirit. Prior to his passing, he was surrounded by his entire family. Each one spent time with him to tell him how much they loved him, and to bid their farewells as he listened and acknowledged their presence. He drew his last breath with his entire family at his side.

If Michael had a theme song written about him, it might as well have been “Oh Happy Day,” which was his favorite song to sing. He enjoyed living his life and the experiences of all that came with it. Everyone will remember Michael Eric Yandall and his warrior spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Sinuanua Tolu Yandall; his children, Gwendolyn, Leeanna, Saitaua, Deeannah, Phillip, and Edward; his grandchildren, Michael, Sinuanua, Gwendolyn, Amani, David, Aaliyah, Leone, Phillip James, Matthew, Faafetai, Noelani; his great granddaughter Stella; his brothers Robert, Joseph, Philip, Thomas; and his sisters Barbara, Tagiilima, Agnes, Saita'a, and Tiresa. His Requiem service will be held at the St. Joseph Husband of Mary Parish in Las Vegas, NV on April 21st, 2023. Michael will be laid to rest in the Ripley Family Graveyard, Leone, American Samoa.