Tunufa'i Fasi Ta'ase's funeral service (09-12-2023)
Tunufa'i's obituary:
Tunufa'i Fasi Ta'ase passed away on the beautiful morning of September 2, 2023. He lived 55 full years here on Earth and now joins the amazing legions of our Heavenly Angels.
He was born on November 19, 1967 to Fasialepia and Tu'umafua Ta'ase in Pago Pago, American Samoa. His parents lovingly allowed Tunufa'i to bless the life of Fasialepia's cousin, Ana Malo and her husband, Aieni Nga Woo, and be raised as their son. Growing up in the beautiful village of Sailele, American Samoa, Tunufa'i was the youngest brother of his 3 sisters, Naomi, Tapu, and Ana. His sweet mother, Ana, precedes him in death, passing away when Tunufa'i was 6 years old. He lovingly reminisced of her his whole earthly life and we know without a doubt, there was a joyous reunion as he returned to her. When Tunufa'i was 12, he and his father moved to Ventura California where he attended junior high and high school. He graduated from Port Hueneme High School, in 1985. During his time in California, Tunufa'i not only learned how to speak English, but he also excelled with his abilities as a very natural and talented athlete. At the time of his high school graduation, he had accepted a full ride scholarship to play football at University of Utah as a Defensive End. He moved to the beautiful valley of Salt Lake City, Utah in the summer of 1985.
In the fall of 1987, on a volleyball court at the University of Utah, a true stunner caught his eye. She was a tall, blonde, green-eyed beauty and her name was Laurie Ann Meyer. During their first encounter, he was frustrated after one of his hits was completely blocked by her and from then on, he made every excuse to get to know her. Laurie played volleyball at the university and Tunufa'i quickly fell in love with her. Their story began and continued there on campus, filled with walks from class to class, dates to the trading post, twix & frescas, The Pie, sharing a mug of root beer from Hires, competitive games of sports, and supporting each other as collegiate athletes. They dated for 2 years and on September 16, 1989, they married in Laurie's hometown of Mesa, Arizona, budding the start of what is now a magnificent family unit. In August of 1990, Tunufa'i and Laurie moved to Mesa, Arizona where they set roots down and purchased their first home on Lindsay Road in between McKellips and Brown. Then came their pride and their joy, all their ten children: Tiana Rae, Talia Ashley, Malia Ann, Te'ia Ashton, Mata'ava Aieni Joseph, Taleni Elenoa, MaiAnalani Anjanae, Malaki Tupou Iosefa, Tavita Tuaoloina, and Tineimaia Elisiva. Likewise, Tunufa'i is a stellar Father in Law to Lorance Vea Kaufusi (Tiana), Jackson Halm (Talia), Dillon Roberts (Te'ia), and Ellie Thornton Ta'ase (Mata'ava).
Tunufa'i's life was made infinitely better on January 3, 2011 when his very first granddaughter, Anahlia Jade Halm entered the world. This ushered in a new title, one he loved and cherished endlessly- Grandpa. Shortly thereafter, Nora Simea Halm followed, and the next 11 years brought the rest of his pepes to him earth side. Ika Helani Vea, Lolei Tu'umafua Vea, Rula Aieni Halm, Laurae Elisiva Vea, Laleta Maileni Vea, Manaia Ann Roberts, Liahona Ann Vea, Elli'Ana Mae Ta'ase, SiakiAtali'i Ta'ase Halm, Lahna Marie Vea. His grandchildren were the absolute apple of his eye, and he would cater hand and foot to their wants and needs. It was not abnormal to walk into the house and have him holding multiple babies. He endlessly ensured that all of his babies were fed, clothed, showered and dried, sang to, and loved. He is the most wonderful patriarch of our family.
Tunufa'i was the supreme example of what it means to provide for his family. There was never a time when he begrudgingly went to work to take care of his family. His work ethic is unmatched. Tunufa'i held an array of jobs, and at times multiple, until he landed in his passion: working with youth. He was able to create and own a wonderful company, River of Life Behavioral Health Services, where he serviced the at-risk youth of the Gila River Indian Community. Tunufa'i is the epitome of care, and he was able to be a pillar to these young people and their families. It was apparent that his true happiness came through when he served and loved others, and we are so happy that he was able to make a living doing what he loved the most... (continued... click link below for the full obituary as YouTube only allows a limited amount of characters.)
Tunufa'i has left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and community. We love and acknowledge the power of sharing stories. This email has been created, in hopes of people being able to share with us fond memories, stories, and photos of our dad. [email protected]
link: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sea...