A man who led the Northern Marianas with love for the people and who was loved by many.

That’s how Gov. Arnold Palacios, the 10th Governor of the CNMI, is remembered. 

“We have lost a great leader, a great statesman,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “For me, I have lost a great friend.”

Gov. Leon Guerrero witnessed his steadfast advocacy for the commonwealth, unwavering before leaders in the Pentagon, White House and Congress. 

“Throughout his two year [term], I really got to know him. He is a man of great love for his people, his island and of course the whole Marianas,” said Leon Guerrero. 

The Guam and CNMI community gathered in prayer at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatna on Friday, offering support to First Lady Wella Sablan Palacios and her children.

“As you take your husband home back to Saipan, know that you will not travel alone, that we will accompany you in our prayers,” said Monsignor James Benavente. 

“Not enough words can express our condolences and our sorrow for this time. All we ask is that we keep him and the family in prayer,” added Vice Speaker Tony Ada. 

During the solemn day, many shared fond memories, whether they knew him in passing or deeply in friendship.

“I remember him as a people's Governor,” said Sen. Joe San Agustin. 

“He had a very good demeanor. He had a very strong handshake,” added Sen. Chris Duenas. 

“I always say that we graduated together. We were both in the class of 1974, Academy of Our Lady Guam and Father Duenas,” said former First Lady and Guam Legislature Executive Director Joann Camacho.  

Camacho recalls when the two schools walked these aisles together at this very cathedral. 

“Just know that Arnold, you were very loved and you will be missed greatly by the people of Guam and of course the people of CNMI,” said Camacho. 

He was a dear friend to Guam Parks and Rec Director Angel Sablan, who was his junior at Father Duenas Memorial School. 

“Being gone now, I just look back and I think ‘did he accomplish everything he wanted to do?’ I know that he tried and I still pray that whatever his hopes and dreams were, Governor Apatang will carry on and fulfill his legacy,” said Angel Sablan. 

Palacios passed away on Wednesday at the Guam Regional Medical City after being medevaced to Guam from Saipan, following a medical incident. 

He was said to be in “stable condition” and in “good spirits” just hours before his sudden passing, leaving many in shock and sorrow. 

Governor Palacios was 69-years-old.