Death Of Georges Spitz

A Tribute To “Papa Lulu”

By Oscar Nordman, His Life- Long Friend

GEORGES SPITZ, a leading and beloved resident of Papeete, Tahiti, well known in Honolulu, a 14th degree Mason, died of a heart ailment at his home early on March 13, at the age of 64.

A long procession of white-clad mourners from all classes of the community, fol lowed the horse-drawn hearse to the cemetery at Paurani, as a tribute to a fine citizen. He leaves one son (Gustave Francis) two daughters, Martha (Mrs.

Norman Gilliland, of Honolulu) and Irma. He is survived by his second wife,

Teura (whom he married in 1945) and her two infant children, Eugenie and .Albert, and by numerous grand-children 'and one great-granddaughter.

The life of Georges William Henry Spitz was a long and valued one to the French Colony in which he was born. He was a well-known jeweller, but he is chiefly to be remembered for his long and devoted public service, his intense patriotism and kindly benevolence.

During World War I he threw himself passionately into the effort to obtain over seas volunteers for the defence of the Mother Country. So valuable were his efforts in this direction that he himself was refused enlistment. However, upon the sailing of the Seventh Contingent of recruits from Tahiti, he was permitted to accompany it, as commander, as far as Australia. For his services he was awarded the Inter-Allied Medal and other decorations.

In World War 11, Georges Spitz was a foremost and vigorous leader in the move ment here in support of de Gaulle. Due largely to his efforts, the plebiscite taken thereon was won by the decisive vote of nearly 6,000 to 16. At this time he was awarded the Medaille de Resistance Fran caise.

In the late war he sustained the loss of his second son Charles (Taro), who, severely wounded at Bir-Hakeim, was exchanged as prisoner,* and died under operation at Damascus.

He was elected Assistant Mayor of Papeete, continuously, for a period of 25 years. He retired from public life two years ago. He was announcer in the Tahitian language for ..the Government supervised Radio of Papeete, per

forming such service gratuitously for seven successive years.

As a vigilant and forceful opponent of all influences he deemed harmful to the Colony and to the Tahitian people, Georges Spitz made his influence felt throughout French Oceania. It will be, however, in his private capacity as a loyal friend and kindly benefactor that his memory will be longest revered He will be remembered always by the title he him self loved best, that of “Papa Lulu.”

The late Georges Spitz.