Tevita Longani Tali

September 30, 1937 - November 8, 2020

Topic: TEVITA TALI FUNERAL SERVICES Time: Nov 12, 2020 08:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8017509016?pwd=cE9XWjI1RnJhc1BPUzVsb0V2TWFmdz09 Our beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle & Friend, Tevita Longani Tali, age 83, transformed on to Glory surrounded by his wife and daughter on sabbath Sunday, November 8, 2020. After overcoming cancer once before, it returned at a rapid pace and he chose to let nature take its course.Tevita was born on September 30, 1937 in Tatakamotonga, Tongatapu, Tonga to Kepueli Taliapeape and Lesieli Fifita Okoa Taliapeape. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served a full time mission in Tonga. In 1972 he migrated from Tonga to the United States to live the American Dream. Later on, he became a citizen of the United States on October 20,1980. He married Virginia Lee Nay on April 29,1977; later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on August 19, 1978. Virginia stated in her journal, "She never knew such peace and security." They adopted 2 girls within the family, Virginia (Nia) in 1984 and Losaline (Losa) in 1986. Virginia passed away June 8,2004 due to health complications. Tevita later married Ofa Etina Tuipulotu on February 3, 2005 and was sealed to her on December 13,2008. Tevita was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints serving in many callings. He loved agriculture/landscaping, Tongan History, listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir but most of all genealogy and family history of our Tongan ancestors. It became an obsession and a passion throughout the last 50+ years. You could tell him your Grandmother or Grandfather's last name and he could tell you your family's lineage tracing back to the 3 Royal Lines of Tonga. He was gifted in connecting people to the past. He's researched, found and completed Temple work for hundreds if not thousands of people throughout the years and we can only imagine the reunion he's had with all of them on the other side of the veil. He is survived by his wife, Ofa Etina Tali. Two daughters: Virginia Angelica Tali Tuifua (Kasitano) and Losaline Tali Latu (John). 12 Grandchildren: Lamoti Jr. Manusete (Kisione), Emma Ana Manusete (Faith), Elenoa Latu, Viliami Lavaka, 'Otuamu'a Tu'ifua, Vaeatangitau Tu'ifua, 'Atelaite Latu, Asipeli Tu'ifua, Takatakatu Tu'ifua, Roman Latu, Gunner Tu'ifua and Violalosehina Tu'ifua. 5 Step children: Sokopeti Iolani, Mafi Kelevi Mosese, Sisifa Finau (Tana), Suliana Malaeulu, Angelina Mosese and 8 step grandchildren: Marry Fisi Fakahafua (Sa), Sam Lonely Alaska Fisi, Tevita Longani, Manufehi, Ofa, Naomi, Etina and Matilda. Great Granddaughter Baby Nana. Our family would like to express our love to the doctors and nurses at Utah Cancer Specialists of Utah for helping Dad through his cancer battle the last year and a half and also CNS Hospice for helping our family take care of him and cope with his final days. Funeral services will take place Thursday, November 12, 2020 at the Woods Cross Stake Center in Woods Cross, UT (2064 S. 800 W, Woods Cross, UT 84087). 8am - 10am family services followed by bishops service from 10am - 11am and burial services at 11:30 at Redwood Memorial Estates (6500 S. Redwood Rd., Taylorsville, UT 84123). Covid restrictions limit the services to an immediate family only guest list set by the family. Masks required! Please respect that this is a serious time with the virus and we ask that you tune in to the webcast set by Serenity Funeral Homes if you'd wish to be a part of his services. Thank you Serenity Funeral Homes and Redwood Memorial Estates for taking care of our family and services for Tevita.