Obituary: PILI, NATHAN

Nathan O. K. Pili1960 ~ 2012Nathan battled pancreatic cancer for 15 months the way he did everything else in life like a warrior -but always with that gorgeous smile. He was born on September 8, 1960 in Laie, Hawaii. He grew up in the surrounding area in a family where much of their efforts were directed towards helping the LDS church grow in Hawaii. Nathan was a quietly spiritual man. He was grateful for prayers said on his behalf during this ordeal and they helped him keep a very positive attitude. He experienced many miracles including recently welcoming another granddaughter. Nathan always missed the Islands and his favorite memory is taking his family ten years ago to visit the places of his childhood and tell them the stories of cliff jumping into the ocean, picking passion fruits before school, or playing Pop Warner football on the same team as his brother Darren. Nathan married his sweetheart, "Juke" in the Salt Lake Temple on June 26, 1982. They raised a family of 4 children in the gospel and always made time for fun together. Nathan was an extremely hard worker first as a brick mason and for the last 12 years at Pepsi. He was a man of integrity and quickly earned respect and friendship everywhere he worked. His most recent joys were playing with his granddaughter, seeing extended family, watching his son play football, and just being proud of his children who are making a positive difference in the world. He had a special relationship with each child. They follow his example and are all very close. He had a love for sports and kept himself in excellent physical condition and shared this passion with his family. Nathan was a private person who often hid his wonderful sense of humor and charm. He made and kept many good friends over the years. He died at home on May 18, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Julia; his children Natalie (Robert), Rachel (Sam), Thomas (soon to be wed to Julie), and Taylor; two granddaughters, Mikaela and Jocelyn; his parents, FaleFau and Genevieve Pili, and seven brothers and sisters. His family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Sunil Sharma and the staff at Huntsman Cancer Hospital and also the faculty and staff of the Molecular Medicine Program at the University of Utah. Funeral services will be held 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at the Taylorsville 25th Ward Chapel, 4505 South 3420 West, Taylorsville, Utah with a viewing from 6 to 8 pm, Tuesday at the church and one hour prior to services on Wednesday. Online condolences at www.premierfuneral.com