Finau Taufa Tukuafu

Finau Taufa Tukuafu was born on August 27, 1978 to Finau and Tivinia “Mele” Bloomfield Tukuafu. In his youth, he spent time in California, Tonga, and Idaho before finally settling in Salt Lake City where he attended high school and was an avid rugby player.

Much of Finau’s life can only be spoken about and understood by those who walked his path with him. His early life was full of excitement and energy, and Finau will be remembered for the intensity with which he embraced all aspects of living. In 2003, Finau met Kalani Tonga, and the two married in 2009 and had five children. He worked hard to provide for his family and was a concrete finisher by trade, well known to others in the field for his skill and impeccable work ethic. Finau always made sure to credit his father for teaching him how to wake up early, work hard, and to do that without complaint, day in and day out.

Finau was a man who said what he meant, and meant what he said. Those he loved, he considered family, whether or not they shared blood, and he consistently went out of his way to be there for his family in ways that others might not. Finau will be remembered for the generosity with which he gave his resources and his time. He was a natural leader, though he often preferred to handle things behind the scenes. He was a wonderful combination of simplicity and complexity, and he was a man of his word who could be counted on to stand firm in his beliefs, even when they were unpopular.

Finau is survived by his mother, Mele, his siblings, Foshtina Tukuafu, Elva Tukuafu, Finau Tukuafu (Kalani), Viliami Tukuafu (Eseta), Popua Tahi (Maikeli), Tivinia Apelu (Lendl), Seluvaia Fatu (Jake), Carmilla Afu (Tevita), his wife, Kalani, and his children, Foshtina and Viliami, and Ilaiasi, Ovaka, Kamila, Elva Kalea, and Sofia. Finau was preceded in death by his son, Aisake, and his father, Finau.

He will be so very missed.