Vaivelata Sotele

On Sunday, November 17, 2013, our beloved husband, father, & brother passed away surrounded by family in Honolulu, Hawaii. Vaivelata Mafile’o Sotele was born on December 19, 1955 in Tonga as the eldest child of Vilisoni and Nusipepa Sotele. They relocated to Hawaii before making Utah their home. He remarried Taina Lotulelei in 2001. He loved his family with a pure and abiding love.
He worked at Delta Airlines SLC for 16 years. He loved to travel, especially to visit his homeland. A humble man who was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He lived his life with much faith and love for the gospel. Never one to judge, but was there to ensure all that our Heavenly Father is always there. Hours before he left us, he told Brother Samuela Mataele, “I lived a good life”. We know thru the Plan of Salvation that we will see you again, Dad. We love and miss you!
Preceded by his loving parents, Vilisoni and Nusipepa, brother Tupou, nephew Marion, sister Polini Kafoa, and niece Rose Marie. Survived by his wife, Taina; children, two daughters from his first marriage: Heilala (Zachry) & Kalolaine (Leon), followed by Ana Malia, Latu, Marion, Lote Molia, and Etita; siblings Vasimata (Lolohea), Paea (Nightingale), Lolo (Fala), Latu (Mary), and Maliana (Natisolo); and a clan of nieces and nephews. Famili ta’engata.
A viewing will be held Sunday, November 24 at the Tongan Stake Center, 3300 South 4440 West, West Valley, UT, 6pm to 10pm. Family and friends service will be held Monday, November 25 at the Hunter 37th Ward, 4715 South 4300 West, Kearns, UT, 8am – 12:00 noon, followed by funeral services at 12:30 pm. Interment to follow at Redwood Memorial Cemetery, 6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan.
For online condolences, please visit www.redwoodmemorialpark.com