Tevita Tangata 'o Lakepa Niumeitolu Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Tevita Tangata 'o Lakepa Niumeitolu, a Historian, Scholar, was called home in Heaven on Saturday, June 1, 2013. He was 75. He was the first born son of the late Rev. Dr. Siaosi Niumeitolu and Sauliloa Kupu Niumeitolu. He came into the world on April 13, 1938. He had 3 brothers, Pasivulangi Niumeitolu, the late Sione 'Akotau Niumeitolu, and Rev. Dr. Henry Taliai Niumeitolu and 1 sister, Patiola . He was nourished and raised by his grandmother, Mele Lei. At the tender age of 6, his parents set out to serve a Methodist medical mission in Papua New Guinea where his Father set up the first free health clinic. His parents wanted to provide the best education and life for Tevitia Tangata 'o Lakepa. They sent him to to boarding school in Melbourne, Australia to be raised by an Australian Palangi Mum, Dad and brother, the Harris Family. At age 16, he returned to Nuku'alofa, Tonga and placed top in his class. He earned the full scholarship to attend Epson Boys Grammar in Auckland, Aotearoa (New Zealand). This was an honor and rare opportunity, for only a few were chosen to study and live overseas. In his search for his truth and calling, his journey brought him home to return to his heritage and culture. Upon returning to Tonga he used the knowledge and expertise of the English language while reviving his memory of the Tongan language to interpret for the Tongan government and courts, a gift and blessing he would later Master. A dashing man with genes from the Niuas, Vav'au and Hihifo combing back his thick set of Elvis hair, he was smitten, immediately his heart was spoken for, he asked Litia Makakaufaki to sew a button on his shirt. She would come to sew and mend the largest piece in his heart. They married in August 30, 1968 and shared 45 phenomenal years. Tangata cherished his calling as a husband and father. There was still a void in his life, something was missing. His better half and sweetheart, Litia introduced him to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Tangata's life now confirmed his purpose. He shared his testimony in action and in word, whether serving as an Interpreter for the LDS Church Office Building for thirty plus years or answering his calling as a Primary Teacher, Greeter, Geneology/Historian, he shared joy in confirming that the LDS church saved his life. He was blessed with six children. Son, Niupalavu Niumeitolu, daughter, Fuifuilupe 'Alilia Funaki Toutai, daughter Sauliloa Francisca Niumeitolu, daughter'Amelia Leafaitulagi Niumeitolu- Tavai ( Ti Tavai), son, Tevita Tangata 'o Lakepa Niumeitolu Junior ( Ronnie Mailo Niumeitolu) daughter, Vaimoana Litia Makakaufaki Niumeitolu all born in Tonga. His journey with his wife and children called him to BYU-Hawaii. The milestone in Hawai'i would further ensure the education of his wife and all of his children obtaining a college degree. In the pursuit of the American dream, the Niumeitolu family left with their small children with only the bags in their hands; there was no security of work or of a home. Tangata 'o Lakepa, a Practitioner of Faith decided they leave the tropical islands, warmth and ocean for desert, snow and mountains. They raised their children in Provo and Orem, Utah. Tangata's love for learning, the power of love, heritage, truth, social justice, and art continue to be revealed in his six children. The world he shared through Tongan music/arts, Shakespeare, literature, poetry, philosophy, country, rock n roll, classical, geography, cultures, history and civic engagement allowed his children to visit Italy, Fiji, South Africa, return to Tonga, perform on stage, speak in City Hall, advocate in court, and stand on the front lines of many invisible voices, all in the service of our Maker. His legacy continues to be explored and shared through his sixteen grandchildren, his first great grandchild, and one on the way in October 2013. The children of Niupalavu and Liza are: Siaosi (Terri Tavui ), Sione Pulusau, Nahe, Summer, Tuniloa, Tevita and Autumn. The expected baby of Ti and 'Amelia in October 2013. The children of David and Ronnie are: Siaosi, Sarah, Vaimoana, Edna, Fuifuilupe Leafa, Tangata 'o Lakepa Jr., Mailo, Victoria, Sauliloa Niumeitolu and the late, Filipe Saafi son, Nikolasi. The first child of Siaosi and Terri is his first great grandchild, Niupalavau Niumeitolu Jr. Tangata's legacy of faith, love and service continue in all the lives he shared light and compassion. We love you Tangata, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle and Hero. Your love let us shine. 'Ofa lahi atu Church and Family Services will be Saturday, June 8, 2013. The Viewing will be from 9-11:30am. Bishop's Program will be from 12pm-1pm. Grave Dedication will be from 2:30-3:30pm. Memories of Tangata 'o Lakepa Niumeitolu and Lunch will follow at the same location Sandy Stake Center 1050 East Galena Drive Sandy, UT 84094 from 4:00pm - 7pm

Tevita Tangata 'o Lakepa Niumeitolu

April 13, 1938 - June 1, 2013