Tupule Poloa

Tupule Mautofu Poloa April 1, 1954 - April 20, 2015 Tupule Mautofu Poloa was born on April 1, 1954 to mother Senetenari Aukiioga and father Tufugafale Mautofu Poloa�ali�i in Saleaaumua, Samoa. Tupule is the fifth of thirteen children. Seven sisters and five brothers with six sisters and four brothers still living. As a young man, while living in American Samoa and attending college, Tupule saw a sign on a building which read, �A few good men. The Marines.� He walked into that building and came out registered to be a Marine. Soon after, he left the island for basic training in San Diego, California. He would go on to serve in the military for 23 years until retiring after his return home from a tour in Iraq for Desert Storm. In 1977, Tupule befriended men in his platoon who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was then that he began attending meetings with them and subsequently decided to join the church and had the opportunity of being baptized by his eldest brother, Pouono. One year after his baptism, Tupule met his eternal companion, Miriama Pata Sauni. They married and were sealed in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on July 15, 1978. After welcoming four children, they would move from Compton, California to settle in Sandy, Utah where they would welcome their fifth child. They have three sons and two daughters, and three grandchildren. To his children he was a rough military dad, but a teddy bear to his grandkids. They all really love their papa. Aside from his time in the military, he also worked for the Department of Defense and various jobs as a security officer. But, his greatest joy was found in working at the LDS Temple with his wife. They began work at the Jordan River Temple in 2002 and continued their work at the Draper Temple after its dedication. He was a firm believer in temple work for many family members that had passed as well as his parents. Shortly after his 60th birthday, he retired and spent time with his family and friends. In 2013, Tupule was diagnosed with Salivary Gland Cancer. He underwent surgery, radiation therapy, and went into remission. Unfortunately, near the end of 2014 his cancer had returned. On April 20, 2015 just after noon, 19 days after his 61st birthday, Tupule Mautofu Poloa passed away peacefully at his home in Sandy, Utah surrounded by family. He is loved by many and will be sorely missed. His love for the Savior and his fellow men and women were always reflected through his service and love for the gospel. He will always be in our hearts and minds. Tupule is survived by his wife, Miriama Sauni Poloa; son, Orlando Tupule Poloa, daughter-in-law, Wendy White, grandson, Dominik Makai, granddaughter, Matea Lyn; daughter, Yolanda Miriama Poloa; daughter, Crystal Titilo Poloa; son, Oliver Fuataina Poloa, daughter-in-law, Brenda Poloa, granddaughter, Eliana Nafanua; son, Philip Murray Poloa; brother, Pouono Mautofu Kenneth; sister, Tomuamai Mautofu Tu�uao; sister, Sinaipua Mautofu Ale; sister, Sakala Mautofu Ale; sister, Tataionu�uoti Mautofu Mafo�e; brother, Poloa�ali�i Aula�ioge Paulo Poloa; sister, Pila Mautofu Manai; brother, Pouono Mautofu Poloa; sister, Fuala�au Mautofu Poloa. Tupule is predeceased by his father, Tufugafale Mautofu Poloa; mother, Senetenari Aulai�oge Poloa; brother, Falemalama Mautofu Poloa; sister, Tataionu�uoti Mautofu Poloa. �And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them�� Abraham 3:25 Viewing: 1106 East 8050 South Sandy, Utah Sunday April 26, 2015 6 - 7pm Family Service: Immediately following viewing 7 - 9pm Funeral Service: 1106 East 8050 South Sandy, Utah Monday April 27, 2015 10 - 11 Burial Location Veterans Cemetery at Camp Williams 17111 South Camp Williams Road Bluffdale, Utah 84065 1 Attachment Download