Sai'a Falema'i AhLoe

Sai’a Falema’i AhLoe, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones at the age of seventy-seven on October 18, 2023. Sai’a’s life was a testament to the strength of his extended families, whom he cherished dearly. Born in Tuana’i, Samoa, on August 22, 1946, Sai’a was the third child of Sai’a Solamalemalo (Faleula, Samoa) & Talaia Togaga’e Tupa’ilesa (Tuana’i, Samoa). From a young age, it was evident that he possessed a unique, loving, and resilient spirit that would impact the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. After the passing of his father, Sai’a was lovingly embraced by his uncle Tauofemaaitu Falema’i Togaga’e AhLoe (Apia, Samoa) & aunt Maggie “Meki” E. Te’o AhLoe (Pago Pago, American Samoa) who eagerly welcomed him into their hearts and home by the age of eight. This loving family dynamic showcased the power of love transcending traditional boundaries. Together with all his parents, they formed a bond based on unconditional love and support and the shared joy of nurturing Sai’a into the remarkable individual he became. Sai’a was a natural leader whose physical appearance and presence demanded attention. The traditional ideal notion of a “tall, dark, and handsome” companion certainly rang true in his case. His large stature and good looks pay homage to his inherited biology, while the man and father Sai’a became primarily honors the Christ-centered home he was raised in. His testimony of and belief in Jesus Christ were fundamental to the legacy of service and unwavering faith Sai’a left behind. Sai’a spent his early years in Tuana’i, Samoa, and Mapusaga Fou, American Samoa. He enjoyed fishing, caring for his blind grandmother, reading, and dominating on the volleyball court. He also enjoyed making people laugh, cheering for his favorite sports teams (San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and BYU Cougars), cooking, dancing, and singing. He absolutely loved the Tabernacle Choir. Sai’a’s robust and vibrant tenor and bass vocals were captivating. In addition to singing at various church functions and conferences, one of his most memorable highlights was singing solo in the Oakland Temple Pageant. After graduating from Mapusaga High School, Sai’a served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: a two-year full-time mission in the Samoa Apia mission and a proselyting mission in the California San Francisco Stake. His testimony of the gospel and Jesus Christ was one of his most prized possessions. Among his numerous church callings and leadership positions, Sai’a loved being a teacher most of all – maintaining his missionary mentality and sharing the gospel with all who were willing to listen. Professionally, Sai’a, fondly known as “Sai” by his peers, had a strong work ethic that served him and his family well throughout his life. While working at a mattress factory with his brother Pulemau, Sai was thrilled to deliver mattresses to celebrity John Wayne and hall-of-fame horse jockey Bill Shoemaker. Sai jokingly credited their success to the excellent night’s rest he provided them. As an entrepreneur in southern California, Sai supported his family as a landscaper and graphic designer. In American Samoa, Sai’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to own an aiga bus and grocery store. Sai also worked as a band technician, painter, artist, restaurant manager, and healthcare manager of group homes for adults with disabilities. Regardless of his paid profession, Sai was known for the quality of his work and built a reputation for having integrity and being honest and dependable. Sai’a’s wife describes him as thoughtful, patient, calming, grounded, and level-headed. His children admire his wisdom, charity, humility, and firm but loving nature. His grandchildren will remember their grandpa’s counsel, humor, laughter, and singing. His passing profoundly saddens those who knew and loved him, but in their hearts, Sai’a Falema’i AhLoe will live on as an everlasting source of inspiration and love. Sai’a was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brothers Pulemau Sola Sai’a and Larry Willis; brothers-in-law Papali’itele Tua’imalo Pisimaka and Robert De La Cruz; and sister-in-law Malia Tuigamala Alofaitama Enesi. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Penina Afualo AhLoe; children Spencer Sai’a AhLoe (Vanessa) and Jillana Siasaga AhLoe; and eight grandchildren – Daniel Nu’uelua Pu’u (Miranda Matafeo), Penina Maria AhLoe, Samasoni Tupa’i AhLoe, Valerie Rose Orosco, Mariah Sianna Pena, Amarett Jillana AhLoe, Leilani Sadie AhLoe, and Teva Sai’a Tamalelagi AhLoe. He is also survived by his siblings Solialofi Papali’i (Papali’itele Tua’imalo), Kerisiano Alofaitama Tupa’ilesa Enesi (Malia), Opetera De La Cruz (Robert), Apelu Enesi (Sopoaga), Alofaitama Tupa’ilesa Enesi, Edde AhLoe, Onetiario Coats, Safsten AhLoe, Vesi Tauti (Galulolo John), Solo’au Jenkins-Te’o (Darcy), Sadie Taula (Nibley), Siafuafuomalo Roberts (Tala), Nick AhLoe (Geri), Salamasina AhLoe (Alex), and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. As we celebrate Sai’a’s life, we honor the strength and unity of his families, recognizing the extraordinary love and support they offered him throughout his life. Sai’a’s legacy is a testament to the beauty of extended families, where love knows no boundaries, and family is defined not only by blood but also by the bonds of the heart. Special thanks to the caregivers, nurses, and staff at Life Care Center of Salt Lake City, Bristol Hospice Utah, Serenity Funeral Home, and Valley View Memorial Park for the heartfelt care and support they offered Sai’a and his family. Family visits (Si’i alofa) will take place at: The AhLoe Residence 5179 S. Danshill Circle Taylorsville, UT 84129  Thursday, November 2, 2023, 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.9:00 p.m.  Friday, November 3, 2023, 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2030 W. Chateau Avenue Taylorsville, UT 84129  Viewing: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.  Family Service (open to public): 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.  Funeral Service: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service & Interment to follow from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. at: Valley View Memorial Park 4335 W. 4100 S. West Valley City, UT 84120

Sai'a Falema'i AhLoe

August 22, 1946 - October 18, 2023