Lanu Mapu September 8, 1949 - April 3, 2021

Mapuilefala Lanulelei Tu’ufuli was born on September 8, 1949 and passed away April 3, 2021 in the Robarge family residence in Spanish Fork, Utah.  He was surrounded by his family as he slowly and peacefully took his last breath.  He is survived by his children and grandchildren.  Preceded in death by his late wife Lilian Mulitauaopele and his parents.

 

Mapu was born on the island of American Samoa in the village of Leone, to the late Salave’a Mapuilefala Lanulelei Tu’ufuli & the late Satuiasina Tuatagaloa Tu’ufuli.  He was the second eldest of the ten children.  He graduated from Leone High School in the year 1969 and went on to work at the Coca Cola Company.  Later on, in 1970 he joined the Police force, promoted to lieutenant until he retired after 37 years of service.  During his years in the force, he was a member of the police marching band; also played the saxophone.

He loved his Samoan Culture.  He was bestowed the talking chief title “Mapuilefala”, after his father passed on.  He was the voice of his family, in all events he spoke on behalf of the family, mainly the Salave’a family.  He was also bestowed a chief title of Falelauli’i by his wife’s family in Lauli’i.  Dad was also chosen as a mayor of Lauli’i for 4 yrs.  Before Holding the title, he was the leader of the untitled men of the village called the “aumaga”.  He was also a mentor to the young men of the village of Leone.  Supported their Rugby & Cricket teams.

 

Mapu finally felt the affects of treatments and medications after 13 years of being on dialysis.  He lived a good and blessed life, until he was called home by our Heavenly Father.  Just like he dealt with all the experiences in life, he managed his illness with strength & grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible.  On his final day, he was surrounded by his family, whom he loved more than anything in this world.