Leatigaga Taeoalii

Our Superman
Admired by so many, Seminale Taeoalii, a man of great strength, a formidable warrior against leukemia, a mentor and role model for his three sons, Jeremy, Joshua, and C.J., a husband who partnered with and was strengthened even more by his wife of 41 years, Shirley Ann Howard, gathered his family near him, and on March 10, 2014, moved on to his next life of building his family a home in paradise. Aiomanu and Leitu Aiono Taeoalii’s eldest son of sheer brawn and a pure heart was born in Fasito’outa, Samoa on September 2, 1951. As a small boy he loved riding his pet pig on the family land, ached to be in his hard-working father’s presence, and loved his mother so much that he sweetly brought her an ice cream cone from far away, not realizing it’d be melted upon delivery. Hungry and missing his parents during his time at Pesega Primary School, it wasn’t uncommon for him to pick-up (without a word to his guardians) and walk the long journey home into the dark of night. First generation immigrants, Semi and two of sisters were sent to Los Angeles, CA in 1965 to live with the Lavatai family. Once the rest of the Taeoalii’s arrived in the States, they made their way to Salt Lake City, UT in December of 1968. Semi graduated from West High School where he was a wrestler, part of the rugby team, and excelled in his shop class. His family eventually moved to Murray in 1970, and it was then that he met the little blonde-haired, hazel-eyed Dutch girl from around the corner and married her April 14, 1973. With Shirley by his side, Semi became a diligent father and a well-respected mason of 35 years. The strength of Semi’s hands expressed his big heart and meticulous approach to life in the way that he perfected the quality and speed in which he laid brick, built tree houses for his (grand)children, barbequed anything, fished and camped with family and friends, fixed-up vintage cars, and hid $100 Easter eggs for his annual hunt. He knew how to make something out of nothing, firmly giving value to the discarded or overlooked. A man of few words but when uttered – wise words, cool words. We will deeply miss the love and generosity of our hero, our patriarch, our Superman. We will continue to honor his legacy by working hard, staying healthy, and putting our families first. We know that his spirit will watch over us and his fale (house) in Lepale, Samoa. Aiga fa’avavau. Semi is survived by his spouse: Shirley Ann Howard Taeoalii. Children: Jeremy Taeoalii (Kelly), Joshua Taeoalii (Adrienne), and C.J. Lake. Grandchildren: Moses Taeoalii, Isaac Taeoalii, Eli Taeoalii, Faith Taeoalii, Mason Lake, Nalei Taeoalii, Sariah Taeoalii, Soul Taeoalii, and Grace Taeoalii. Mother: Leitu Aiono Taeoalii. Siblings: Tua Taeoalii, Lise Tafuna (David), Taumaia Taeoalii, Fotu Taeoalii (Pam), Maugasa Slagowski (Boyd), Voi Taeoalii (Ronette), Siuao Luzitano, Lai Davies (Matt), Manu Taeoalii (Jamie), Oliana Kamoto (Vita). Predeceased: Father: Aiomanu Taeoalii. A viewing and family services will be held Friday, March 14, 2014 from 6 pm – 9 pm at the Murray 16th Ward – 619 W. 5750 S. Murray, UT 84123. Interment will be held Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the same location, viewing from 10 am – 11 am, funeral service at 11 am, burial directly following at the Redwood Memorial Mortuary & Cemetery – 6500 S Redwood Rd., West Jordan, UT 84123. For online condolences, please go to www.redwoodmortuary.com. The Taeoalii family wishes to thank the Huntsman Cancer Institute for their professionalism and care for Semi and Shirley.