Timote S Latu

Beloved Father, Grandfather and Uncle, Timote (Tim) Solo Latu, passed away tranquilly in his home on July 1, 2018 with his children by his side. He was born December 22, 1932 in Kolovai, Tonga to Solomone and Ana Sinauele Latu. He was the oldest son, the second of their 6 children.
He attended Atele High School where he enjoyed playing rugby. Soon after graduating he began teaching at the elementary school in Kolovai. When he was 20 his dad passed away, leaving 4 younger siblings that were still at home. Tim willingly became the provider for his family and stepped in as their father figure. In addition to his teaching job, he farmed large crops and grew kumala, taro, manioke, and ufi, making sure no one in the family went hungry, including his nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own.
In 1972, he followed his family to Hawaii to start a better life in the U.S. He bought his first car at the age of 40 and began working as a laborer doing various jobs; installing sprinkler systems, tree trimming, and laying concrete. He also farmed land in Laie, selling the produce he grew at the roadside fruit stands to make extra money. He lived frugally, handing his paychecks to his sisters so they could afford the visas for their family members to immigrate from Tonga.
He eventually moved to the Los Angeles area where he met his wife, Marjorie, at church. He had put his life on hold to help raise his siblings and their children, but at the age of 47 began his own family. They moved to Salt Lake City in the early 80’s and raised their 3 children, and later divorced.
He was an expert gardener and enjoyed working in his yard every chance he got. He loved to share the bounty of his garden with his family, neighbors and church congregation. He took first place multiple times at the Utah State Fair for his Dutch flathead cabbages. One of his favorite activities was taking the fun bus to Wendover on Friday nights to eat crab legs and play the slot machines.
He was the president of the Tonga College Old Boys Society for many years. He enjoyed helping raise funds for the schools back in Tonga, which was his way of giving back. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Kearns where he attended faithfully for 36 years, and was given The Bishop’s Award for his dedicated service in 2008. Tim was unwavering in his faith, always a reminder to his friends and family of what mattered most to him throughout his life.
Tim was a great example of faith and hard work. He will be missed by many.
Tim is survived by his 3 children, Deborah (Trevor), Christian (Jenny), and Charlotte (Ryan) and 4 grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church (3610 South 4400 West, WVC), with interment following immediately after at Memorial Estates Redwood. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Service Information
Viewing July 6, 2018 at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
United Methodist Church, 3610 South 4400 West, West Valley City, Utah 84120





Funeral Service
July 6, 2018 at 11:00 AM
United Methodist Church, 3610 South 4400 West, West Valley City, Utah 84120