Aivini Halaufia

Aivini Halaufia (Pa'angakatoa), 83, of Logan, Utah passed away April 5, 2007. He was surrounded by family members and passed away peacefully at home.
He was born July 31, 1923 son of Taufa Fangupo Halaufia and Olivia Ofa Talakai of Koloa Vavau, Tonga Islands. He was the second oldest in a family of twelve growing up in the islands. As a young boy, Aivini enjoyed all sports including tennis, boxing, and especially rugby. He was very athletic and loved competition. He had a very positive energy and throughout his life portrayed a work ethic admired by his children and grandchildren.
Aivini graduated from Tonga College with an Assistant Teaching Certificate. He continued his education at the Teacher Training School and received his Teaching Certificate. During this phase of his education he met and married Kauiniata Vaipapalangi January 14, 1948 in Vavau. He soon became a head school teacher for the government. He was called on a mission to the main island in Nuku'alofa where he accepted an assignment to teach at Liahona High School. After teaching there for four years, he and another colleague, Saia Lauvulo were the first Tongans awarded scholarships to attend Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. In February 1956 he left to further his education, this was a great sacrifice as he left his wife with five children for Rexburg. While pursuing his education he managed to work and save enough money to send for his wife and children in January 1958. On March 16, 1958 Aivini and Kauiniata were sealed in the Idaho Falls temple. Upon graduating from Ricks College in June, he moved the family to Logan, Utah where he attended Utah State University and graduated in 1964. The awarded scholarships along with the completion of his education were two of his most esteemed accomplishments. Aivini was a hard worker and although his passion was education and teaching, he also loved his work as a carpenter. Through his employment at Spindler Construction he made many dear friends with whom he shared many fond memories.
Aivini was an active member of the Mormon Church. He held various positions including Scout Master, Bishop Counselor, President of the Elders' quorum, and Assistant President of Sunday School. He also fulfilled a mission with his wife in the Tonga Islands from 1991 to 1993. Aivini served as District President for nine islands while serving the church. He remained active while he had his health and maintained a strong faith and testimony to the end.
Aivini loved to work and his greatest trait was service. He was always willing to assist a family member, neighbor, and friend. His greatest love was for his family and church. His greatest smile would be seen while playing with his grandchildren (and a dog or two!) or dancing with his wife. Aivini's integrity could only be matched by his sincerity and love.
He is survived by his loving wife who took care of him through twelve years of Alzheimer's; Kauiniata Halaufia and his eight children. Tuitamaha (Hania) Halaufia; Willie (Patti) Halaufia; Emma (Kaleti) Otutaha; Tupou (Timmie) Thompson; Seluvaia (Steve) McOmber; Marcia (Wendell) Johnson; Vonda Halaufia; Natatlie Heather; 27 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; his siblings Kupu Halaufia; Fatafehi Vuki; Halatono Netane.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Siaosi Halaufia; brother Isileli Halaufia; brother Saia Halaufia; sister Vahoi; sister Silia; sister Anaseine; sister Latu; sister Faleaka; granddaughter Salote F. Otutaha.
Special thanks to Dr. Vera Carlson and Hospice Alliance for the care and support. The family would also like to give a personal thanks to Diane Crockett. The last hours would not have been as peaceful or as spiritual without your guidance we thank you for helping us say good-bye. It was beautiful.
Friends and family may attend a viewing Tuesday, April 10 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the Mount Logan Stake Center, 565 East 100 South Logan, Utah.
There will be a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday April 11 at the church, after which funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. at the Mount Logan Stake Center. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .
Aivini was always a good example, hard working and very loving. We all believe him to be a peaceful warrior. We'll celebrate your life and honor your memory always- Ofa Lahi Atu.