Pasami Matautia Vaai

Pasami Matautia Vaai passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, at Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah on June 12, 2019 after a battle with Cancer.

Sami was born February 22, 1974, to Lumā and Faafua Matautia Vaai in the village of Satupaitea, Samoa. He is survived by his devoted wife Jenni Taylor Vaai, who never left his side during this battle. Sami and Jenni were married October 17, 2009. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and is survived by 7 sisters and 3 brothers.

Sami graduated from Tafuna High School and earned a degree from American Samoa Community College in Criminal Justice. He worked for the Law firm of Holland and Hart in Salt Lake City and loved his job. He grew up committed to serving his family and the Samoan culture. Because of his invaluable service, he was bestowed the high chief title Gasū from his mother's family and the chiefly title Fonoti from his father's side. As a high chief, he grew up promoting the value of the Samoan faaaloalo or 'face-to-face respect' through his own life. He was well versed with his family genealogies as well as Samoan customs and traditional stories. He cared very much for his nieces and nephews and was loving towards children. Sami was very talented and passionate in music, dance, and art. He also enjoyed playing volleyball, being with family and especially loved traveling the world with his sweetheart Jenni. He was loved by all those who knew him.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, June 27th at Anderson & Goff Mortuary in Draper. Utah, 11859 South 700 East. Viewing will be from 10 am-11 am, and the funeral services will start at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Bountiful City Cemetery, 2200 South 200 West in Bountiful.