Tevita Tu'ipulotu Tongi
With profound sadness and heartache we announce that our Beloved Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle, Friend and Husband; Tevita Tu’ipulotu Tongi of West Valley City, UT, passed away at the age of 63, Saturday September 26, 2020 at 9:06am due to complications of COVID-19.
Tevita was born of Sateki Uanoa Tongi(DEC) and Malia Akanete Teu(DEC) on January 27, 1957 in Ha'ateiho, Tongatapu Tonga Islands. He and his siblings were raised by hard working, God-fearing people who were devout Christians and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was baptized in 1965. Recieved the Aaronic Priesthood in 1969. He attended Ha'ateiho Government Primary School(GPS) in 1963 and then went on to Havelu Loto LDS Middle School from 1969-1971. He was a proud Liahona High School Graduate/Alumni and attended from 1972-1975 where he would excel in both education and sports. He passed the Higher Living exam in 1974 and played Fly-Half for the Liahona Senior Championship Rugby team. In 1976 he was accepted to BYU-HI but was denied Visa's in his attemps in 1976 & 1977. He served an Honorable full time mission from 1978-1980. During his mission he served as a District Leader, Zone Leader, and Assistant to the President. In 1980 he met his Beautiful girlfriend and Wife to be, Ana Lolohea Vakapuna, Daughter of Viliami and Manulua Vakapuna. They were married on October 29, 1980. Traveled to New Zealand immediately after to be sealed for Time and Eternity in the Auckland, New Zealand Temple November 4, 1980. This October 29th wouldve been their 40th wedding Anniversary. They returned to Tonga November 29, 1980 and in December 1980 he was called as a 70 in the Tonga South Stake. In April of 1981 they landed in Samoa and applied for Visa to the USA. They arrived in Los Angeles, CA in May of 1981 and 3 days later traveled to Salt Lake City, UT where they would settle and raise their Family. He would dedicate his life to working hard and providing for his family and enjoyed his career as a Bus Driver! He worked many years for UTA and Granite school District but ended his career and retired from LeBUS in 2017. He enjoyed meeting new people and happily helped anyone he could. He held many church callings throughout his life. He served as a Bishop from 1998-2002 in the Hunter 13th Ward where he would make long lasting friendships with many loving people. His smile, kind, and humble demeanor will be sorely missed. He is loved by many!
Tevita had many hobbies. He loved Sports especially Rugby, Tennis, Ping Pong, Basketball and Football. He Loved to go fishing with his kids and grandkids. He Loved his Utah Jazz, BYU Cougars and San Fransisco 49ers.
Tevita is survived by his Wife Ana Lolohea. Sosiua 'Eva I Salt Lake(son) and wife Mary Kauvaka. Sione Motumanu(son), wife Audra Kaisa and their children: Tevita Jr, Sione Jr, and Alofa. Teukifelepule Jr(son), wife Kueni Tuimoala and their children: Sateki Jr and Sosiua. David Jr(son) and wife Tinamarie Tupola. Silika Jensen(Daughter) and husband Spencer. Sateki Uanoa(son), wife Marieta Meafou and their children: Evelyn and Olivia. Pauline(Daughter). Siblings; Faiana Faeamani(Sis) Kisione(Bro) and Sione Taufa(Bro)
He is preceded by his parents Sateki Fonuaevalu and Malia Akanete. Brothers; Teukifelepule and Okusi and Sister Silika.
A Public viewing and Funeral services will be held in his honor on Thursday October 8, 2020 at the Hunter 37th Ward Building from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
4660 W. 5015 So.
Kearns, UT 84118-6203
His final resting place will be at the Valley View Cemetary at 2:00pm.
***SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASKS WILL BE ENFORCED***
"WE LOVE YOU DAD!"