Samisoni Uasila'a

Samisoni Uasila'a was born on August 10, 1947 in Feletoa, Vava'u, Tonga Islands to Viliami Uasila'a and Ana Manu Latu. He was raised in Feletoa, Vava'u until he was 12 years of age. He then went to Liahona High School in Tongatapu and stayed in the school dorms. Here he learned to be self-sufficient and to rely on the Lord in all things. During his time in Liahona High School, his parents and younger sister, Pelepetua, passed away from eating poisoned fish. Samisoni was only 14 years of age when he lost his parents and sister.

 After graduating from Liahona High School, he went on to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Tonga Nuku'alofa Mission. Upon his return, he lived in Tokomalolo where he met his eternal companion, Meleane 'Oto'ota Vave. They were married in September 1969 in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Through miracles, Samisoni found his way to the Church College of Hawaii. Here he was sealed to his loving companion Meleane in the Laie Hawaii Temple in September 16, 1970. Then their son, Samisoni Jr. came along in June 1971 and then Regina (Sina) in December 1973. Samisoni graduated from the Church College of Hawaii in 1975. In 1976, with the news of the new church high school in Vava'u, Samisoni and Meleane decided to move back to Vava'u Tonga to teach Music in Saineha High School in Neiafu Vava'u, Tonga. 

In Vava'u, Samisoni and Meleane had their remaining 10 children. In total, they had 8 boys and 4 girls. While teaching in Saineha High School, Samisoni was also the band instructor and coached rugby for the school. He also coached the Feletoa rugby team. He was an enthusiastic sports fan where he supported and pushed his own children to participate in sports. His own children were in track and field, rugby, and netball. He instructed his children on playing brass instruments ranging from the trumpet, trombone, and the baritone. When his children were young, they would play their brass instruments during the holidays while caroling to neighbors. His love for music and sports were second to none.

Samisoni and Meleane opened their home to all. Their house was a home for students from motu and 'uta that couldn't travel far for school so they would stay in the Uasila'a home during the week and then return to their homes on the weekends. Samisoni taught in Saineha High School from 1976 to 1992. He was then called to be the Mission President for the Tonga Nuku'alofa Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as a valiant servant with his eternal companion from 1992 to 1995. They moved their family to Tongatapu while serving their mission. Upon their return to Vava'u, he returned back to Saineha High School. In 1997, he became the principal of Saineha High School until his retirement in 2007. 

In 2014, Samisoni was called to serve as the Nuku'alofa Temple President and Meleane as the Temple matron. They moved to Tongatapu to serve in the Nuku'alofa Temple from 2014 to 2017. Samisoni led a life of faith. He dedicated his life to his callings and led his life as an example of service. He served as Bishop, Stake President, Young Men President, Stake High Councilor, Stake Patriarch, Seminary teacher, and Sunday School teacher.

 Samisoni is preceded in death by his eternal companion, Meleane 'Oto'ota Vave Uasila'a, his parents, Viliami and Ana Manu Uasila'a, his sister, Pelepetua Uasila'a, his brother, Tevita Ma'ukoloa Uasila'a, and his granddaughter 'Apenisi Uasila'a. Samisoni is survived by his 12 children, Samisoni (Mary Ann), Ruth Regina (Lui), Moakava (Emily), Tevita Peikaki (Melissa), Viliami (Nici), Pelepetua (David), Sione Ti'o (Suli), Ana Manu (Calvin), Adney (Talite), Eunice (Fatafehi), Hauati (Kaloni), and Russell (Lizzie). 58 grandchildren, 3 grandchildren in laws, and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his 5 siblings and their spouses.

Samisoni led a life of service and dedication to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through him we were able to see the example of living a Christlike life.

Funeral services were held Saturday April 18, 2026.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.