Finau Tukuafu was born December 14, 1946 in Ovaka, Vava’u, Tonga. Growing up, he was blessed to spend time in several households, and, thus, was dearly loved by many. He was a labor missionary for the LDS church in Tonga from 1966 to 1968. In 1971, Finau migrated to Utah with his father, ViliamiTukuafu, and brother Samiu Tukuafu. Finau worked in construction and helped build prestigious landmarks like Trolley Square. He became a general contractor who specialized in masonry, and had much success, largely due to his exceptional work ethic and construction industry knowledge, which were taught to him by Fakatou Vaitai, a beloved father figure in Finau’s life.
Finau married Tivinia Mele Bloomfield in the Los Angeles Temple on September 26, 1975, and in 1983 their family of 7 traveled back to the island of Tonga, where the family served an LDS mission. They returned to the US in 1989.
Finau was well-known for his big, loud presence, his sharp wit, and his wonderful sense of humor. Even at the end of his life when his ability to communicate diminished, he could still deliver a punchline with just a slight head nod and a raised eyebrow. His world revolved around his grandchildren, and they adored him in return. Finau’s generous spirit and impeccable work ethic live on through his children, and his jokes and teasing will be missed at family gatherings.
Finau is survived by his wife, Mele, children Foshtina Tukuafu, Elva Tukuafu, Finau Tukuafu (Kalani), Viliami Tukuafu (Eseta), Popua Tahi (Maikeli), Tivinia Apelu (Lendl), Seluvaia Fatu (Jake), Carmilla Afu (Tevita), 43 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT. A viewing will be held from 1:00 – 2:45 prior to the services. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
Please join us to view the services by clicking on the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81781998829?pwd=eUwzYUJ5MjJ6Zjc1VnpYNmNPV1VWdz09
My dear Tukuafu family,
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of a wonderful man whom we love dearly. He served at the same time I did back in 1964 to 67, and he then served with his family during my time as mission president from 1983 to 1986. He will be sorely missed. What a great man and a great family are the Tukuafu's. We love you all so much, our dear Tongan friends. What a blessing it is to know that we will see him again as we also will all pass through the veil at our designated time. Carol and I wish we could've been there at the funeral, but we are just recovering from the COVID-19 virus. May the Lord continue to bless your family, and we all live worthy to be with this good man again.
'Ofa lahi atu, Mel and Carol Butler
Dear Mele and family,
We were saddened to learn of your husband Finau's passing. His countenance in this picture tells a story of love and dedication for his family and the Lord. It's a beautiful obituary!
We know of your love for the Lord and for His house, the temple. We have felt of your pure faith and commitment to the covenants your have made. We love you!
May you be blessed abundantly with the comfort of the Spirit of the Holy Ghost and may your family relish in the legacy of this great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Much love, Jack and Rosemary Wixom