Sione Po'uha Jr

Our beloved father and grandfather, Sione Po’uha Jr, 76, passed away on December 19, 2014. Sione was born in Nuku'alofa, Tonga on August 7, 1938 to Sione Po’uha Sr. & Ma'ata Nau Funaki. Sione married Ana Kilifi on January 24, 1968. Sione was a long time resident of Kearns, UT for over 40 years. Sione traveled the world as a Professional boxer and trainer. The Salt Lake Tribune wrote “Pouha hails from Tonga. He is 6'2, 200-pounds, and has a 77 inch reach. He has 28 victories in 30 bouts, including 24 knockouts. He has fought 10 times in Auckland, New Zealand, four times in Sidney, six in Fiji, three in Tonga, three in Tahiti and four in Los Angeles in his career.” Sione was his happiest in the corner of his sons. Some of Siones proudest moments included taking his son Samson back to the Island of Tonga in 1990 where Samson took gold in the Oceanic games, represented the U.S at the 1992 Pan-American Games receiving their second gold medal and becoming the Golden Gloves Champion that same year, then having his son turn pro ranking as high as 9th in the WBC. Sione also trained his youngest son Sione and traveled all over the nation also traveling to Finland to compete in the Tammer Turnaus tournament. Sione has shared his gift of boxing with many whom he considered his sons. Sione loved only one thing more than he loved boxing and that was the Lord. Sione was a strong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. At the peak of his boxing career, he was preparing to leave for New Zealand for a boxing match when he was called into the office of his bishop who extended a mission call. He explained to his bishop that he was leaving for New Zealand the next day. While walking home, he thought about having to tell his Dad of his choice, he went home and packed to leave for his mission that day where he served in different parts of the Island. Sione was seen daily at the dining room table reading and studying his scriptures. He loved to share his testimony with others, but taught more by the way he lived his life. He shared his love for sports with his children, but cared more about their spirituality and their relationship with their Heavenly Father, many times calling them on Sunday asking if they attended church and if their answer was ever “no” he would cut their explanation off of why they missed saying “Don’t tell me..tell Jesus”. Sione has 2 grandsons serving full time missions Elder David Finau (Auckland, New Zealand) and Elder Amone Finau (Detroit, Michigan). Both wish they could be here to say farewell to their grandpa but know that on their missions is exactly where grandpa would want them to be and that he is with them now more then ever. Sione is survived by his six children whom he protected and kept safe till his last day. Jeffrey Po’uha (Sara) Samson Po’uha (Mehea) Loyann (Seteki Jr Finau) Christina (David I Tongolei) Lelu & Sione Po’uha (Alysha) and his 21 grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he adored and would say often that he was still here on this earth to teach them. Aarron Po’uha (Brisha) Fanueli, Mosese, Ana, Christina, Samson, Oakland, Kala, David, Amone, Sione, Lil’ Lelu, Iman, Teki, Baby David (Smile), Raymond, Samson, Aden, Sione, Feki, & Ana. His siblings Peni Po’uha, Ma’ata, & Vila. Sione is preceded in death by his eternal companion Ana K Po’uha who passed away on February 7,1998 and has been waiting a long time for him. his parents Sione and Ma'ata Nau, his grand daughter Ana “Nini”, his siblings Mele, Feki, Ana Lahi, Latu, Na’ati, Nephi, Sonasi, Olive, Lelu. SERVICE INFORMATION: Viewing will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 6 PM in the Kearns 9th Ward, 4660 W. 5015 So., Kearns, Utah. Funeral services (same location as the viewing) will be on Monday, Family service 9 AM - 10:30 AM, Bishop Service 11 AM - 12 PM. Burial at Redwood Memorial Cemetery at 6500 So. Redwood Rd following the Bishops service. Thank you to all who have reached out to our family in any way your love and support has been a comfort to our family during this time as we adjust to being without our Father, hero, trainer, mentor, and confidant. Our father left us saying "There's only today to prove yourself to the lord, there is no tomorrow". We will live each day to prove ourselves worthy to be with our father again. Please share memories and condolences at www.serenityfhs.com

Sione Po'uha Jr

January 24, 1938 - December 19, 2014