Sephaniah Starlight Leakehe

Sefanaia “Naia” Leakehe passed away on March 10, 2023, at the age of 52 surrounded by his loved ones and friends. If you knew Naia, he was known to some as a ‘fighter’ and to others as a ‘comedian’. It just depends on which side you stood with him, either way you were happy to have known him. Naia had served a two year LDS mission in Nukualofa, Tonga from 1989-1991. He was a teacher at Liahona High School for about a year before he migrated to Salt Lake City, UT to meet the love of his life Elizabeth Tauaalo. They were sealed for all time and eternity on December 15, 1995. He has five beautiful children and one grandchild and helped raised several wonderful nieces and nephews: Prescilla, Sefanaia Jr. (Kaya and Naia Jr), Isileli (Tiane), Nganatatafu, Abbylene, Maeakafa Lasalosi, Makelesi Taufa, Amalani Taufa, Meian Tauaalo, and Fololina Tauaalo. Sefanaia Leakehe was a hard worker and a dreamer. He came to the US with nothing and basically created a business in which many people were able to benefit from his sacrifices. Naia had one of the biggest hearts in which he shared everything he had and expected nothing in return. He had opened his home to anyone in needing a place of refuge. He valued family and God above everything and it was evident in his actions and word. His contagious smile and laughter can spark any occasion from boring to excitement in minutes. Born in Niuafo’ou Tonga, Naia was the sixth child of eleven children. He is preceded by his father Sione Vaisa Leakehe and survived by his mother Paea Lao; Stiveni (Marcella), Viliami (Lisi), Pisila (Maea), Mele (Mosese), Penina (Jay), Peni (Hinelei),Moana, Paula (Mia), Nunia (Mapa),and Vaisa(Daphne). Naia was very proud of his Niua upbringing and he loved to talk for hours of his childhood years. Since, Naia’s father had passed away at a young age, he was very fortunate to be raised by Tava and Makaafi Lotulelei’s family since the age of 9 years old. He will always be grateful to this family for their endless love and countless sacrifices. His funeral services will be held Thursday, March 16,2023 at 14550 W. Juniper Crest Rd Herriman UT followed by internment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley, Riverton.

Sephaniah Starlight Leakehe

March 13, 1971 - March 10, 2023