Tevita Lea'aevai Netane

December 16, 1957 - September 23, 2013

Tevita Lea’aevai Netane, known simply as Netane, passed away on September 23rd 2013, at his home in West Valley City, UT, at the age of 54. Netane was born on December 16th, 1957 in Ha’alaufuli, Vava’u, Tonga to Vika Ngaluafe Motulalo and Tevita Veatoutai Netane. Known as a “missionary builder,” Netane labored in Tonga constructing church buildings. He then served a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1978 to 1980. Soon after, he was sealed to Viviena Motuliki for time and all eternity on September 2nd, 1981, in the Hamilton New Zealand Temple. They are the parents of six children. In 1986, they moved to Orlando, Florida. From Florida, they relocated to Reno, Nevada, before settling in the Salt Lake Valley. Music was Netane’s life. He loved composing music, singing and was known as the first Tongan DJ in Utah. He loved spending time with his wife and grandchildren and talking on the phone with his brothers. He was very outgoing. When physical ailments required use of a wheelchair, he was determined to not be immobile. He loved being out and about and was very active in his ward. He was known for always being early to every function, especially if it required any aspect of the Gospel or his Netane family. Netane is survived by his wife Viviena, children: Noma Netane, Vika (Sione) Ngaluafe Le’o, Kisione (Linda) Tuineau Netane, Kakalahingoa Netane, Lavinia Netane and Tevita Lea’aevai Netane, Jr. (currently serving in the Arizona Tucson Mission), nine and a half grandchildren: Lupineti, Samuela, and Viliami Jr. Toutai; Alaitolu Moala; Penisimani, Mele, and Siaosi Le’o with one on the way; and Tevita and Viviena Netane, sisters: Tilema Latu and Lupineti Netane, and brother: Sani Keali’i Netane. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Lavinia Poumele, and brothers: Tupou, Viliami, Hala, Timi, Uluaki and Kirkome Netane. Viewing for Brother Netane will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2013, 6 PM-10:30 PM at the Salt Lake Utah (Tongan) Stake Center, 3325 South 4440 West, West Valley City, UT. Final viewing and services will be held on Friday, October 4, 8:30AM-10:30AM, with interment to follow at Valley View Memorial Estates, 4335 West 4100 South in West Valley City, UT. The Netane family would like to thank the West Valley 9th Ward, the Salt Lake 2nd YSA Ward, and all other family and friends for their unconditional love and support. Also, Serenity Funeral home staff for the loving care of our father. Funeral Services is under the direction of Peni Malohifo'ou of Serenity Funeral Home