Sen. Paul Ueki said Eledui peacefully passed away around 12 midnight at the Belau National Hospital, leaving behind his wife Elena and one daughter.
The lawmaker had been sick for several months and had been in and out of the hospital recently.
“I am saddened by his passing. But I am relieved that now he can rest from all the pains that have afflicted him,” Ueki said.
According to Sen. Regis Akitaya, Eledui “was one of the most active and dedicated public servants in this country. We will miss him.”
Sen. Alfonso Diaz also lamented the passing of his colleague. “He was one of the strong men of the Senate.”
Eledui, who became a senator in 2008, was born on Aug. 5, 1948.
He attended Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School, Palau High School and the University of Guam.
Eledui later enlisted in the United States military. In 1975, he completed basic non-commissioned officer training in Hawaii.
While in the U.S. military, Eledui received a bachelor of arts degree in administration and organizational management.
Eledui retired as a sergeant major and returned to Palau.
Prior to his successful Senate run two years ago, Eledui served as the director for the Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement of the Koror state government.
During Eledui’s work for the Koror state government, he was responsible for the management and protection of the Rock Islands area.
As a senator, he chaired the Senate Committee on Resources, Commerce, Trade, and Development.
