Thomas Remengesau Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Remengesau Sr.
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| Acting President of Palau | |
| In office 30 June 1985 – 2 July 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Haruo Remeliik |
| Succeeded by | Alfonso Oiterong |
| 2nd Vice President of Palau | |
| In office 25 October 1985 – 20 August 1988 |
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| President | Lazarus Salii |
| Preceded by | Alfonso Oiterong |
| Succeeded by | Kuniwo Nakamura |
| 4th President of Palau | |
| In office 20 August 1988 – 1 January 1989 |
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| Vice President | Vacant |
| Preceded by | Lazarus Salii |
| Succeeded by | Ngiratkel Etpison |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Ongelibel Remengasau
28 November 1929 Koror, South Seas Mandate (now Palau) |
| Died | 3 August 2019 (aged 89) Koror, Palau |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Ferista Esang |
| Children | 7 (including Thomas Jr. and Valerie) |
Thomas Ongelibel Remengesau (born November 28, 1929 – died August 3, 2019), also known as Thomas Remengesau Sr., was an important leader in Palau. He served as the Vice President of Palau from 1985 to 1988. He also stepped in as the acting President in 1985 and later became the President of Palau from 1988 to 1989. He took on these big roles after two previous presidents passed away.
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Becoming a Leader
Thomas Remengesau Sr. had a long career in public service. He was the Minister of Justice before becoming Vice President. His journey to the top leadership roles in Palau was quite unique.
Acting President in 1985
In June 1985, the President of Palau, Haruo Remeliik, died unexpectedly. At that time, the Vice President, Alfonso Oiterong, was away in New York City. Because the Vice President was not in Palau, Thomas Remengesau, who was the Minister of Justice, stepped in. He served as the acting President for a few days, from June 30 until July 2, 1985. Vice President Oiterong then returned to Palau and took over the presidency.
Vice President and President
Later in August 1985, a special election was held. Thomas Remengesau was elected as the new Vice President of Palau. He served in this role until 1988.
In August 1988, another sad event occurred when President Lazarus Salii died. As the Vice President, Thomas Remengesau Sr. once again stepped up to lead the country. He became the President of Palau. He served as President until January 1989, when Ngiratkel Etpison was sworn in as the new president.
His Family
Thomas Remengesau Sr. was married to Ferista Esang Remengesau. She was the First Lady of Palau during his time as President. They had eight children together.
One of their children is Thomas Remengesau Jr.. He followed in his father's footsteps and also became the President of Palau. Thomas Jr. served two terms, from 2001 to 2009 and again from 2013 to 2021.
Another daughter, Valerie Whipps, married Surangel Whipps Jr.. Surangel Whipps Jr. is also a well-known businessman and is the current President of Palau. Thomas Remengesau Sr. passed away on August 3, 2019, at the age of 89. This was during his son Thomas Jr.'s last term as president.
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