Tevita Hualela'i Moana Funaki

Tevita Hualela’i’Moana Funaki passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, in Provo, Utah, at the age of 66. He was born on April 28, 1948, in Ha’atu’a, ‘Eua, Tonga, to Sione Kolo Funaki and Nau Kakala Napa’a Funaki. Tevita was a 1967 graduate of Liahona High School. He served a full-time mission in Tonga for the LDS Church from 1968-1970 under Elder John H. Groberg. He attended the Church College of Hawaii (BYU–Hawaii), where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts and met the love of his life, Lolina Tupou. They were married in the La’ie, Hawaii, temple for time and all eternity on May 29, 1976. The Funakis returned to ‘Eua, where Tevita was principal of the Tongamama’o LDS Middle School for over 20 years, before moving to Liahona, Tongatapu. He also served in many capacities in the LDS church: Sunday School teacher, branch president, high councilor, stake patriarch (called at the age of 37, the youngest at that time), Seminary and Institute Coordinator for Tonga, temple worker, mission president of the Papua New Guinea Port Moresby mission, and stake family history director. Tevita loved sports, especially rugby, which he played and coached for many years. He enjoyed serving others and regularly took opportunities to lift others’ burdens. He cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren: Makai, Ame, Tevi, Lepi, Vaha, Vita, and Lopi, and was looking forward to the arrival of two more at the time of his passing. In addition to his grandchildren, Tevita is survived by two brothers (‘Inoke, Fe’ofa’aki), five sisters (Louena, Temaleti, Sepi, Melenau, Lupe), his wife Lolina, and five children: Fe’ofa’aki (Lindy), Temaleti (Kelepi) Valu, Melinda (Jade) Collier, Tevita Jr. (Keisha), and ‘Inoke (Mandy). A wake for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 23rd from 7:00 –11:00 PM and, the following morning (Saturday, May 24) from 8:00 – 9:30 AM. Services will be at the Provo Utah Wasatch (Tongan) Stake Center located at 1625 S. Slate Canyon Drive in Provo. Interment will be held at Provo City Cemetery For more information and condolences: www.serenityfhs.com Services are under the direction of Peni Malohifo'ou of Serenity Funeral Home

Tevita Hualela'i Moana Funaki

April 28, 1948 - May 13, 2014