Sione Tavo Le'ota, 65, passed away Jan. 19, 2002, in Salt Lake City.
He was born Nov. 23, 1936 in Nukualofa Tonga to Alai Motuapuaka and Ana Le'ota. He married Elevina F. Hola on March 26, 1968 at Nukualofa Tonga. Sione Tavo Leota was a professional Rugby player from 1956 -1969. In the Island of Tonga he will remain a legend in his sport of Rugby as he played for his country with all his heart and might. Sione Tavo and his wife migrated from Tonga to the U.S. in 1970. They settled in Hawaii for a short time where he received a scholarship to BYU Hawaii for his talents in sports. He studied plumbing and worked as a plumber for the Polynesian Cultural Center. In 1971 Sione Tavo wife and family migrated and settled in Utah where he became a self employed landscaping contractor. He lived for his family and grandchildren. This was a man that could never go past a beggar and not stop to help or lend a hand. He was a friend to all that new him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, especially his "Queen" (Vina)!
Preceded in death by his first wife, Liliani Pepe Fifita, parents and two sisters. He is the third from a family of 13 brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Elevina F. Le'ota; Asupa, Viviani and (Fifita), Ana and (husband), Tevita Kuluni and (wife), Sitita and (Husband), Sisifolau (deceased), Sione Tavo Jr. and (Wendy), Sulia M. Moleni and (Alipate), Sisi Mafi'leo Katoa and (Moses), MeleMounu, Kiati Lupe and 21 grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held Saturday Jan. 26, 2002, 11 a.m. at Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 South Redwood Road. A viewing will be held Thursday, Jan. 24, 2002 from 7-10pm for family and on Friday from 7-10 p.m. for the public and one hour prior to services on Saturday at Redwood Memorial Estates. Interment Redwood Memorial Estates Cemetery.