Tevita Mapa Vaenuku, born on February 4, 1926 to Pauliasi and Ana Susana Vaenuku, was an adored and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
He returned to be with Heavenly Father on June 11, 2001 at age 75. Moved to the United States from the Islands of Tonga on October 8, 1962 seeking better opportunities for his family. Long time resident of San Mateo, California. Retired employee of American Airlines after 26 years of dedicated service. He was a man who truly made a difference in the community and his church. His time and energy was focused on his family and his church. He served five full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His unconditional love, caring and guidance helped nurture his surviving eleven children, Ilavalu (Mele) of San Mateo, CA;
Viola (the late Siosaia) Naeata of Salt Lake City, UT; Bishop Pauliasi (Mele) of West Valley, UT; Pisinga (Katalina) of Salt Lake City, UT; Inoke (Henlieta) of Salt Lake City, UT; Seini Emaile (Soakai) Lutui of Salt Lake City, UT; Peter (Linda) of West Valley, UT, Fred (Joyce) of San Mateo, CA; Telesia (Koni) Finau of Las Vegas, NV; Sini (Bishop Toni) Fonua of Euless, TX; Kaliko (Sela) of Euless, TX, three adopted children Anau (the late Vea) Vehikite of San Mateo, CA; Mele
(Pilani) Moala of Salt Lake City, UT; Kalolaine Vaenuku of San Mateo, CA; sixty-three grandchildren and forty-two great-grandchildren, who learned from him the lessons of honesty, hard work and family values. He is also survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Leinata Hausia Vaenuku, and one brother Mosese and one sister
Lesieli Vaenuku.
To his family and friends, he was a visionary, a beacon for fairness and justice, a person of the utmost integrity, trustworthy, forceful but dignified, passionate, intellectually curious and most importantly, loving and caring. His advice and wisdom will be missed by all.
Services will be held on Friday, June 15 at Evans & Early Mortuary located at 574 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT at 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 16, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 135 No. "A" Street from 11 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. Interment will be in Salt Lake Cemetery.