HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Former Speaker of the Guam Legislature Joaquin “Kin” C. Arriola passed away early Wednesday morning. He was 96.
Arriola was a member of the island’s greatest generation, having survived World War II and the occupation of Japanese forces.
After the war, he sought a higher education and became, along with Carlos P. Taitano, the second CHamoru to earn a law degree, according to Guampedia.
When he returned, established what is now known as the Arriola Law Firm, Guam’s oldest law office. Soon he was asked to run for elected office and became the top vote-getter in three elections. He served as a senator in the Guam Legislature from 1955 to 1959. He also led the Legislature, from 1967-1971, as speaker, which at the time, was Guam’s highest elected official as island governors were appointed by the U.S. president.
He married Elizabeth P. Arriola who also served as a senator for 12 years. Together they had eight children.
‘An indelible mark’
CNMI Gov. Ralph DLG Torres on Wednesday issued the following statement on the passing of former Speaker Arriola:
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of former attorney and Speaker for the Guam Legislature Joaquin C. Arriola.
“Speaker Arriola was a respected and iconic leader whose integrity, vision, and character shall be remembered for generations. Attorney Arriola left an indelible mark upon the legal profession as a remarkable attorney of over 67 years, whose work greatly impacted the practice of law within the region. His long-standing service will be recorded in the annals of history for having helped shape the face of public policy, law, and politics on Guam and throughout the Marianas in our common era.
“On behalf of my family and the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, we express our heartfelt condolences to his children, family, and friends. We thank him for his valuable contributions to the practice of law in the Pacific, and he will truly be missed.”
Former Speaker of the Guam Legislature Joaquin “Kin” C. Arriola with his children.
