Tuitui "Tui" Moea'i

Aloha From Tuitui Moea'i Tuitui "Tui" Moea'i was born on January 4, 1946 in Faleniu, the village of his father's family in American Samoa. His parents were Tuitui Moea'i Sr. and Tausagafou Tevaga Moea'i. When he was a child, his father joined the U.S. Navy and his family moved to Laie, Hawaii. Tui attended Laie and Kahuku schools and church seminary. Tui was an excellent speller. He learned to play any sports well and could hit a golf ball a long distance. He joined the Air Force in 1963 and returned to Laie in 1967 where he attended Church College of Hawaii and majored in Education. He met Ann Cooper there and they were married in the LDS Hawaii Temple in 1969. They have seven children, 19 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Moea'i was a much loved junior high school teacher at Pleasant View School in Poplar California from 1972 until his retirement. He was principal of Manu'a High School in American Samoa from 1980 to 1982. It was well known that he didn't tolerate disrespect, but he had a tender heart for kids who had it rough. Tui loved to play and coach sports, including youth football, women's volleyball and he was a high school basketball referee. He also had many fishing adventures. Tui was seldom alone. He made friends and found family wherever he went and he didn't forget them. He enjoyed being able to greet people in their native languages and learned enough words in several languages to do that. Tui especially enjoyed the little children and youth who were a part of his friends at Morgan's Senior Activity Center. Tui was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was an enthusiastic singer and loved the hymns and Christmas carols he learned as a boy. His faith helped him overcome obstacles in his life. He won the victory of his 40-year battle with Parkinson's disease by staying involved and actively living until his time here was up. Tui passed away on February 25, 2014 surrounded by his family in Orem, Utah where he has lived for the past 12 years. Tui was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn, his parents Tuitui Sr. and Tausagafou Moea'i, his brothers, Joseph, Paki and Harvey Moea'i and his sister Fia Sataraka. Tui is survived by his wife, Ann and the families of his children Mark and Ofa Moea'i, Alai and Renee Kalaniuvalu, David and Rebecca Moea'i, Richard and GeAnna Moea'i, Vic and Ashley So'oto, Evan Moea'i and fiancé© Samantha Knight and many dear relatives and friends. Services will be held at Lakeview Stake Center (400 West 1800 South) in Orem, Utah on Saturday, March 1st at 11:00 am, preceded by a viewing at 10 A.M.