Talaia Maloseuga Laumatia

LIFE SK LIFE SKETCH OF TALAIA LAUMATIA: Talaia Maloseuga Laumatia was born on August 6, 1925 in the village of Fausaga Western Samoa. His father is Manuele Gasolo Laumatia of Fausaga and his mother is Meleane Tuiteleleapaga Thompson of Leone American Samoa. As a young man, he was very talented in playing slack guitar and loves to dance. He also loves sports, especially boxing and Polynesian cricket. He was selected by many cricket teams throughout Samoa because of his skill in scoring points and an excellent out- fielder. Also, as a young man, he developed a passion for farming and fishing which later help supported his big family of 16 children. Talaia married Siasulu Sifea daughter of Lagaali Leifi of Saleaumua and Afamasaga of Fasitoouta. Because of his service to his family, he was asked to take the Laumatia Manu title which he turned down because he wanted to take his 8 children at the time, to attend school in American Samoa. In 1960, he moved his family to American Samoa where he stayed with his older sister, Laulaau Liufau in Faleniu where they were blessed with 8 more children. While in American Samoa, he was given the matai title Maloseuga from his Savea side of the family in Faleniu. Also, in American Samoa, they were visited and taught by LDS missionaries and in 1962, the Laumatia family members were baptized at Mapusaga high school to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Talaia started his services in the church at the Faleniu Ward as a counselor in the bishopric. He also served as a teacher, high priest group leader, and a very devoted home teacher. He was blessed with the gift to heal which he blessed the lives of many, especially his own family. To support his family and put all his 15 children in school, he worked as a carpenter, brick layer, painter, farmer and fisherman. In 1980, Talaia moved to Hawaii to be close to his children and was sealed to his wife and children in the Hawaii Temple. He worked at the Polynesian Culture Center as a carpenter until he retired. While in Hawaii, he took up golfing which became his favorite sport. He received many trophies and played various golf tournaments. In Hawaii, he was called to serve as a stake missionary. With his companion Vaifoa Brown Sr, they baptized a few in the gospel by teaching gospel lessons taught by Lafi Toelupe and Talaia would teach investigators how to play golf. In 2003, Talaia moved to Utah by his doctor’s recommendation to give him a break from his farming and raising hogs. When the first Samoan ward was organized in Utah County Orem 9th, he was called to serve as an assistant with brother Avei to the high priest group leader Enosa Wilson. In 2009, he was diagnosed with a heart problem where he was recommended by his doctor that he needed to have a pace maker. His last trip back to Samoa was to take a 40 footer container of food and other needed items from our stake and community to help the people in Samoa who were affected by the tsunami. In August of this year 2014, he was admitted to the Utah Valley hospital and then discharged to receive therapy at the Orem rehab and nursing facility. He enjoys going to senior dance activities and dance with his friend Bro. Salanoa. On Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 4:50 am, Talaia peacefully crossed to the other side of the veil. Talaia enjoyed life to the fullest. He would dance on his bed for his care givers to his favorite song the MAKALENA. Talaia is survived by his two brother. Saseve Mau and Faaniniva Laumatia, 15 children,64 grandchilden, 111 greatchildren, 4 great great grandchildren and Proceeded in death by his older siblings: Taugali,Laulaau, Faaae, Tautulu, Gese, Folo, Logo, Alapapa Sione,Tafale and his eternal companion Siasulu Sifea Afamasaga and his older son, Manuele Laumatia. Talaia’s life was full of faith promoting stories where he cast out evil spirits, stopped wild fires at his farm and healed the sick. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather and a faithful servant of the Lord. He was an exceptional Shepard to his family. We as a family, express our heartfelt appreciation to many who touched our father’s life for good and cared for him: his long time doctor Kingi Langi, staff at Orem rehab & nursing, especially his therapist Liz and Amy, his hospice team, MaileTavake and staff at Angels Crossing, his heart doctor Allen at Utah valley hospital and staff, and the wonderful services provided by Dick Johnson, Peni Malohifo’ou and Larry Hansen of Serenity Funeral Home. Especially, to all his priesthood leaders in the Ward and Stake, his dear friend, high priest quorum president Semisi Makai and all his friends in the various wards. You all certainly have brought joy and happiness to his life. Have a happy holiday season!!!!! . Talaia Laumatia’s funeral services and celebration for his new life will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 at the Provo Wasatch Stake Center @ 1625 S Slate Canyon Dr. Provo. 9am-11am family service 11:30-12:30 Bishop service 1:30 pm Burial- Place: Orem City Cemetery 1520 N 800 E in Orem. We thank all of you again and would invite everyone for lunch provided by the family back at the stake center. If you have any question please contact Vai Laumatia @ 801-427-2900 or e-mail vtlaumatia@hotmail.com Resident 2877W 1010N Provo, Utah 84601. Male Faaaloalo Lava Vai Talaia Laumatia Male Aiga SOIFUA!!!!!

Talaia Maloseuga Laumatia

August 6, 1925 - November 23, 2014