Sione Fisi'Ipeau Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving and hardworking father, Sione Tupou Fisi'ipeau. Dad graduated from this life peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in Orem, Utah in the comfort of his home, surrounded by so many who loved him. Dad was born to a loving mother, Salote 'Ahouiaki Tu'itahi Fisi'ipeau - R.I.P from Pukotala Ha'apai and father, Sione Fisi'ipeau Lelei - R.I.P from Felemea, Ha'apai on November 12, 1936. Dad was the third child of six children, one sister, who was the oldest and four brothers. Mahina Fe'ahoaki Fisi'ipeau Tutone - R.I.P (Tevita - R.I.P), Sa Lelei Fisiipeau - R.I.P (Ana), Sateki Toalala Fisi'ipeau - R.I.P (Mosiana), Henele Vaea Fisiipeau (Foli - R.I.P) and Sione Ngavisi Fisi'ipeau.
Dad married our Mother, Ilaisa'ane Talavao Kaufusi (Fe'aomoengalu) on January 14, 1974 and then sealed for all time and eternity in the Laie Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 21, 1975. Our parents had Sione Tupou Fisi'ipeau Jr in Tonga, (Kahea - 11 children - Keali'i, Kawehi, Siua, Taleah, Tevai, Sina, Jeremiah, Temana, Johnny To'a "JT", Duke and Tui). The next five children were born in Ha'ula Hawai'i, Salote Kelela Tatafu (Kena - R.I.P - 9 children, Seini, Sa'ane, Sena, Molini, Vika, Vili, Sai and Tevita), Dee Sidehighway Lelei (10 children - Marissa, Tyler, Kingston, Alo, Vita, Sesi, Sharlize, Juni, Lui and Zaiden), Luckley Smith Fisi'ipeau (Fine - 5 children - Kingi, Analeah, Lucky, Jacob and Joseph), Henry Vaea Fisiipeau Jr (4 children - Isaiah, Eli, Xavier and Lina'Ofa) and Melanie Leina'ala Siamelie Fisi'ipeau (6 children - "Baby Lote", "Nemo", Moroni, Vine, Emporess and Henry). After moving to Salt Lake City, UT they had - David Latu Fisiipeau (Elsie - 2 children - PetaJoe "Feti" and Reign) and Mahina Fe'ahoaki Purcell (Vini - 9 children - Nalani, B.G, Kree, J.O, E, Kimi, Matikz, Mata and Lave).
As a child, Dad was an exceptional student, he was intelligent and scored high in his grade level but when he took his physical exam to go to the Methodist high school (kolisi) the doctor advised his mother to keep him from going due to a heart and kidney condition. As dad got older, he started to build things that surprised many people because of his condition. No one thought that he'd have the ability to do such strenuous work. Missionaries who knew Dad on the island, referred him to a businessman who came to look for workers to take to American Samoa. Dad was recruited by this businessman to do work for his company there, where he worked to pay for schooling for his younger siblings and other family members.
A couple who was living in Hawai'i (Loiti and Ofa Talakai) knew of Dad's work ethic and referred him to PCC management and told them that he could be of help to build and fix things. While still working in Am. Samoa, he got a letter, offering him a job at PCC. Dad took the offer and was instructed to build canoes for entertainers to perform on. With this opportunity, he made it possible for his parents, siblings and others to come to America to have a better chance at life. This man worked so hard to provide for everyone he loved and would go days or weeks without food or shelter to bring people here to make a living for themselves.
When sharing stories with us, he would mention how he never wanted us to experience what real hunger was like. The stories Dad would share of his upbringing were humbling and inspiring. Our Dad was known for his impeccable work ethic and prided himself in being the community carpenter. He found joy in what he did and was successful in his craft. His hands were gifted and his ability to build was from God Himself. Dad had a hand in building and remodeling numerous homes, construction projects and building boats and carving canoes. He worked tirelessly to bring his family to the U.S. and did so without a complaint.
He lived a long and meaningful life, full of service to those he loved, acquaintances and strangers alike. He made it his life's mission to serve others whether he knew them or not. He would work for free, take broken down cars or food as payment to lighten the burden for those in need. He willingly used his own money to pay for projects he knew people couldn't afford. That was the type of man dad was, selfless in every sense and aspect of life.
There's a quote that states, "A father doesn't tell you that he loves you, he shows you." Our father did both. He spoke of his love and showed it too. Towards the end of Dad's life he was still trying to help out in any way that he could even if that meant he was sweeping the table with the broom, washing dishes with hand soap, fixing the blinds with bandages and on his hands and knees picking up after his grandkids. This is all he wanted to do his entire life, provide and work to help his family.
Dad was sick with prostate cancer and dementia for years but we never heard him complain about the pain he dealt with daily. Any time we'd ask about him being in pain, he'd deny having any. He was the strongest man we knew. Nothing could stop him from wanting to work and provide. He was constantly on the go and he didn't want to accept that his body was incapable of working anymore so he made it a point to pull out his tools and build things or find things to fix.
Dad also loved writing in his journals and reading his scriptures. His faith in our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ allowed him to forgive and love unconditionally. This loving son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather and great-grandfather will truly be missed and forever in many of our hearts! Dad is survived by his 8 children, 52 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and so many other family and friends who looked after him.
Ofa lahi atu Teti, malo ho ngaue ofa, mo ho ofa ta'engata. He'ikai ngalo ia mautolu.
There will be a Condolences and Visitation day held with his children on:
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at:
Dad's Residence
772 East 1740 South
Orem, UT 84097
(Throughout the day/night)
Memorial services will be on Friday, January 24, 2025 at:
Salt Lake Granger West Stake Building
3901 West 2925 South
West Valley City, UT, 84120
Time as follows:
8am-10:30am: Public Viewing/Visitation
11am-12pm: Bishop's Services
Burial Service:
Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery
6500 S Redwood Road
West Jordan, UT, 84084
1pm-2pm: Burial
Condolences may be extended at www.bergmortuary.com