TEVITA KATA TU'AKALAU

Our beloved father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather Tevita slipped away in his sleep on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 surrounded by his loved ones, at the University of Utah hospital, in Salt Lake City, Utah, after a series of health complications due to a cerebral vascular accident. He was born August 21, 1927 to Tevita Kata (Fifita Motu'a) Tu'akalau and Sepiuta Siu'ima'una Toamotu in Ha'alaufuli, Vava'u, Tonga. On May 5th, 1954 he married his eternal companion, Mele Olive Ma'umalanga Tui'ono of Tatakamotonga, Mu'a in Nuku'alofa, Tonga and later solemnized at the, New Zealand Temple, October 23rd, 1967. He is survived by his wife Mele Olive; their 7 children, Amelia Vaokakala Vanisi (Tangiloi Vanisi), Viliami Tu'akalau (Valenisia), (Vika), Seli Tu'akalau (Asinate), Lelea Tu'akalau (Lotomou), Taumoefolau Tu'akalau (Uinise), Tuitokaloto (Amanaki Tuitupou), Pulonga a Tonga (Monson Peterson), 45 grand children, 18 great grand children. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 small children; Luana Leihua Tu'akalau, Mafitea Tu'akalau, and Sepiuta Siu'ima'una Tu'akalau. Tevita's life was devoted to serving in many capacities for the LDS Church as Branch Pres., District President, Bishop, Stake Mission Pres., and Stake High Council. He served 7 fulltime missions with his beloved wife in Haapai, Vava'u, Tonga, Niue and Salt Lake City, Utah. He taught Seminary at Saineha High School and retired from the Church Educational School in November 1986. He then relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah where he resided with his family for the last 26 years. Tevita Kata was a man of words! He had a passion for the scriptures in which he knew them by memory. His voice was big and heard through public speaking. He was never ashamed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ at every opportunity he received to speak in many settings and gatherings. Ko e tamai mataa tangata pea ngalingali 'eiki 'ene ha mo hono le'o 'i he fai fatongia ki he siasi pea moe fonua. Folau 'a siema'u tamai 'ofeinaa. 'Ikai ke mau fiu he fanongo ki ho le'o fie fanongoa. Kuo lava sio fai fatongia kihe famili, siasi pea moe fonua. 'Ofa pe ke tau toe fakataha fiefia 'i he kolo o e 'Otua! Viewing will be held Friday 6:00-10:00 p.m. at the Tongan South Stake Center, 4460 West 5015 South, Kearns, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Tongan North Stake Center, 3350 South 4440 West, West Valley City, Utah. Interment to follow at Redwood Memorial, 6500 South Redwood Road in West Jordan, Utah.