Hamani Etuate Po'oi Obituary (1962

Our family’s provider, protector, father, and “Papa”, Hamani Etuate Po’oi, 58, was reunited with his late wife Patrice after passing away on October 3rd, 2020 following an arduous struggle with several health-related complications. Born on January 17th, 1962 in Vava’u, Tonga to Tevita Holokaukau Po’oi and Ana Taeiloa Liongi Po’oi, Hamani spent his early years developing an unbreakable sense of pride in his Tongan heritage and culture. Even as a child, Hamani recognized the splendor of his beloved Tongan islands and the inherent strength and importance of family. While growing up, he enjoyed spending time with friends, especially while playing the only sport that mattered to him at that point: rugby. Hamani was as tough as nails and a highly gifted athlete who exemplified incredible resilience and strong leadership. These qualities allowed him to excel in athletics and to set a good example for his siblings whom he loved deeply. Shortly after immigrating to the United States in the early 1980’s, Hamani met and fell in love with his greatest blessing: a beautiful, no-nonsense Pleasant Grove native, Patrice Loader. Patrice’s nurturing disposition provided Hamani with a greater feeling of stability and purpose, while her firecracker personality and quick wit helped temper his somewhat youthful tendencies. During their time together, Patrice was Hamani’s greatest advocate and guide. Through her unfailing patience and charity, Hamani grew and matured into the man his family and friends loved and admired. For over 35 years, they worked together in cultivating a loving and supportive family environment for their three children – a legacy that will hopefully be continued for generations. Hamani was a skillful handyman and provided for his family by working long hours as a concrete finisher. His extraordinary work ethic and craftsmanship were unmatched, and his colleagues always held him in high esteem. During his time off from his regular job, he would spend many of his weekends helping family and friends with various odd jobs. Generosity was one of the premier priorities in Hamani’s life, and he would often go to great lengths to ensure that the people around him felt appreciated and were taken care of. During their final years, both Hamani and Patrice’s greatest loves were their grandchildren. These little ones were their favorite topic of discussion, their favorite pictures to look at, their favorite accomplishments to share and brag about, and their favorite people to spoil. Family was everything to “Papa Mani” and “Granny Pat”. After Patrice passed in March of 2018, Hamani spent most of his time longing to be with the love of his life once more. Hamani’s loved ones take great comfort in knowing that even though his time in this life has ended, Hamani again finds himself enveloped in the sweet embrace of his angelic wife. To our “Daddy Lion”: God be with you till we meet again. Hamani is survived by his three children, Corrienia (Hikifo’ou) Folaumahina, Hamani Jr. (Christina) Po’oi, and Matthew (Sara) Po'oi; 9 grandchildren; his caring mother, Ana Taeiloa Liongi Po’oi; and siblings, Tenisia Vaimoana Vaka, Talatala Po’oi, Malia Losa Po’oi, Liongi Po’oi, Sosefo Po’oi, Sela Tuifua Po’oi Guttenbeil, Savelio Po’oi, Ana Po’oi Bernhard, Kolinia Po’oi Kofutua, and Tisiola Po’oi Feiloaki. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Patrice Po’oi; and his revered father, Tevita Holokaukau Po’oi. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the Provo 11th Tongan Ward, 780 North 700 West, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah on Friday, October 9, from 7-9:00 p.m. and at the church Saturday, from 10-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.