Ropate Jone Maiwiriwiri

Ropate Jone Maiwiriwiri (Pate), surrounded by loved ones, passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2023 in West Valley City Utah at the age of 64.

Son of Mosese and Jessie Maiwiriwiri, Pate was born August 11, 1958 in Suva, Fiji. 

He grew up in Taveuni and Suva where he enjoyed playing rugby, basketball and going spear fishing. As a child, his father would always have him and his brothers by his side, listening to music while enjoying kava and just being together. As he grew, his love for Kava continued with family and friends, telling stories, joking, and singing favorite songs and became one of his greatest joys. Pate spent a lot of time hanging out with the policeman in his neighborhood. At the age of seventeen, he became an officer in the Royal Fiji Police Force. After ten years, he decided to pursue his education and attended Brigham Young University-Hawaii Campus. He worked at The Polynesian Cultural Center with his mother in the Fijian village. While at BYU-HC, he met the love of his life, LeAnn Blake. They were sealed for time and all eternity on May 14, 1988 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Pate loved his Family. His oldest Son, Ropate Jone Maiwiriwiri II, was born while they lived in Las Vegas. When they moved to Fiji, their second Son was born, Elijah Blake and eight years later, Braeden Mosese joined the family and made it complete. 

While living in Fiji, Pate initiated a move in Lautoka City with market vendors where he wrote letters to the mayor to have proper restroom facilities constructed. The move worked in his favor and because of that project, it created a deep love and respect between Pate and the market vendors.

Pate was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel and love for our Savior. In Fiji, Pate served as a Bishop and Stake President. He loved unconditionally as the Savior did because of this he helped many Members and he was able to build relationships with Church leaders from other denominations, which opened the door for Missionary work. 

Pate is survived by his loving wife, LeAnn. His children Ropate (Monique); Elijah
(currently serving a mission in San Leandro, California); Braeden and grandchildren Zhaida and
Ropate III. He is survived by his Mom, Jessie and his siblings, Navitalai Qali (Melaia) Maiwiriwiri; Viliti Sue (Eloni) Qiolevu; Mere Biu (Anare) Kubuabola; Ifereimi (Fulisia) Maiwiriwiri, Rosalini Small, Susu Filiti Maiwiriwiri and many nieces and nephews. 
He is preceded in death by his father, Mosese Maiwiriwiri, parents-in-law Easton and Barbara Blake and brother-in-law Aca Small.

A viewing will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Jordan North 4th Ward 4270 South Falcon Street, West Valley City, Utah 84120. A funeral service will be held
immediately following at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at the West Jordan Cemetery.

The Funeral Service will be available to watch on the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/94418475152?pwd=ZTRqK1VsdWdONUZjZnRRSjlMQU1tUT09