Ropati Tauafagaoe

Ropati ‘Pa’apa’a’ Tauafagaoe, 75, courageously fought a rare and rapid form of cancer. He passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by his family on Monday June 23, 2014. Ropati was born on March 20, 1939 to Ioana Godinet and Pa’apa’a Lavea in Salelologa, Savaii, but he was adopted and raised by his stepfather Tatupu Tauafagaoe in Sa’asa’ai, when his father passed away. He was the fourth of 7 children.
Ropati was a God fearing man, he was passionate about Christ and lived according to his teachings. He taught and raised his children to do the same. Ropati was a humble, hardworking, dedicated and loving husband, father and brother. He was a man of faith, even til the end.
He worked for the Star Kist Samoa Company for the last 20years and retired in 2004.
Ropati is survived by his wife of 45 years, Aipopo Misa; son Sofeni Paisa Pa’apa’a, daughters, Ioana Lina (Taioalo) Tooala, Mareta Marie (Owen) Tipa and Feiloaiga Fa’avevela (Petelo) Olomaalii, sisters Selina Laufou, Iliui Fiti, Vevesi Tupa’i and Maria Yandall, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, numerous of nephews, nieces and relatives.
Ropati was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Aukusitino, sister Ivona Sao, sons, Kitiona Tuia and Aleki Misa.
A special thanks to St. Marks Hospital, U of U, Huntsman Cancer Institute and Liza from the Community Nursing Services Hospice of Salt Lake for their loving care and support.
Viewing will be from 9-10:30a.m. on Monday July 7, 2014 at the West Jordan Seventh-Day Adventist Church on 9000 S. 2125 W. A celebration of his life will follow from 11-12:30p.m. Burial will follow at the Redwood Memorial Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah at 1p.m.