Samiu Tukuafu Obituary (1945 - 2021)

My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. (D&C 121:7-8) ‘Oua lau e kafo kae lau e lava. (Tongan proverb. Stay positive and count your blessings.) Samiu Tukuafu was called home to our loving Heavenly Father on March 19, 2021. He passed away peacefully under the watchful care of his faithful, beloved wife, ‘Ofa. Samiu was born in Fua’amotu, Tongatapu, Tonga, to Viliami Kauvaka Tukuafu (survived by ‘Ilaise Vainikolo Tukuafu) and Losaline Lapuaho Tukuafu. Samiu is the second child and oldest son of 16 children, whom he cared for and watched over. He is a proud alumni of Liahona High School, and served a mission in the islands of Tonga. He later migrated to America, seeking opportunities for his family. He met and married his eternal companion, ‘Ofa Vakalahi, and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Samiu loved God, country and his family. His greatest endeavors and accomplishments revolved around being a disciple of Jesus Christ. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, family member and friend. He and ‘Ofa raised 7 children and welcomed 34 grandchildren, all whom continue to reap blessings based upon his relentless work ethic. Samiu emphasized the importance of getting an education, and he proudly sent each child to college. He taught his children to develop talents, including in music and sports; he taught them to use their education and talents in order to serve others. Samiu led a lifetime of service and leadership. He was also a printer by trade, and ran his own printing press for over 30 years in the Printing Services Division for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was known for working 14-18 hour days to support his immediate and extended family. Nevertheless, he always made time to take his children to music lessons, sports games, camping trips and sledding/snow tubing. He was a master gardener, and taught his kids to harvest lu and a variety of vegetables, which he freely distributed to families that visited his home. He was also a loyal BYU fan, and all who knew him knew for whom he cheered. Go Cougs! “Sam” will be missed. He was a genuine friend to each person he encountered. Despite the emptiness felt by his family here, they find joy knowing he is having a beautiful reunion with his many, many family members on the other side of the veil, including his parents; grandma Fa’aoso; uncles Hauati, Sione Tina and Feongoi; sister Ku’ulei; brothers Finau and Silivenusi; and nephews Sione, Finau Leka, and Lopati. The Tukuafu family is incredibly thankful for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from countless families and friends, including famili Vakalahi, Tukuafu, Lapuaho and their extended branches, as well as the networks of Samiu’s children and their spouses. Sincere thanks to his medical care team. Additionally, thank you to the Liberty 3rd Ward family, past and present. Bishop appreciated your fellowship and ministering, particularly during his final years when he was unable to leave his home. Thank you all for your visits, messages, shared memories and calls. Your words of comfort continue to lift Samiu and ‘Ofa’s family during this period of mourning. Funeral services will be held on March 26th-27th, and specific details will be disseminated by the Tukuafu family. Please wear your masks, social distance and follow proper protocols. Kuo mapaki e fa ka oku kei 'alaha. (Tongan proverb. You are gone but your legacy lives on.) Ka ke leo pe akoe i he mea kotoape, kataki ae ngaahi mea mamahi, fai ae ngaue oe evagelio, fai ke kakato hoo ngaue fakafaifekau. He oku ou tali pe ki hou lilingi, pea oku ofi ae aho o hoku tukuange. Kuou tau ae tau lelei, kuou lava’i ae fakapuepue, kuou tauhi mau ae tui: Ngata ai, kuo hilifaki mooku ae pale oe maonioni, aia e foaki mai siate au i he aho koia e he ‘Eiki, koe fakamau maonioni: pea kai kite au pe, ka kilte kinautolu kotoape foki oku ofa ki hono fakaha mai. (2 Timote 4:5-8)