Vainga Kinikini

Vainga “Vai” ‘Imoana Kinikini, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and sibling, passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on August 1, 1952, the oldest of 9 children, to his then, 20-year-old parents, who were serving an LDS couple mission in Fahefa, Tonga. Although, he met many medically life-threatening situations, from birth to his passing peacefully August 25, 2022, he never forgot, that the miracles of answered prayers and fasting, required a dedication of his life, in the service of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Vai was born with every good quality. He always spoke of L-O-V-E being spelled as T-I-M-E. He valued his time, and only engaged in activities that fed his soul; time with family, meeting new people, serving community/church, reading good books, but especially, regular attendance in his favorite place… the Temple. Vai’s family migrated to America, in his teenage years, where he attended West High School. He excelled in wrestling, and was later called to the Seminary Council. He returned to Nukualofa, Tonga after graduation, when he was called on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Vai served in the US Army for over 23 years, until his retirement. Every Veterans Day, he was always proud of the gratitude he received from his country, when he could go to a restaurant and have his meal fully paid for. He later worked for the City of Riverton for 20 years as a “meter reader” which he loved. It helped him maintain his health, as he’d ride his bike, while proudly wearing his personalized embroidered shirt with the name “Via”. He later made Riverton his home.

Vai had many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days, serving adolescents at Decker Lake, prisoners at the Utah State Prison, Young Single Adults at the University of Utah, or Tongans/Americans in Utah Stakes… but his most cherished calling, was as a Temple Sealer. He was called and set apart by President Thomas S. Monson and spent his final 16 years of church service in binding families eternally in the Jordan River Temple. He would always advise couples that the 3 sentences to get through any marital challenges were humbly saying, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I love you”. Any free time he had, he was in the temple; prioritizing his assignments over important family functions and doctor’s appointments.

Vai was afflicted with social anxiety, but he bulldozed through that diagnosis, speaking to large crowds and impacting many people with his message. His character was defined by integrity, generosity and a great sense of humor. His kind, approachable and loving nature, made ALL feel important. He absolutely adored his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, cousins, and many friends, making sure they absolutely knew it. His faith, dedication and LOVE of our Savior Jesus Christ, above ALL, is his greatest legacy. He will be missed by so many.

Vai met the “Love of my life and my ticket to the Celestial Kingdom”, Rosemary Vea, while serving in the military in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was smitten by her natural beauty, but especially her testimony of the Savior. He married his “Sweet” Rose in the Ogden, Utah Temple on November 26, 1976. She was the greatest source of his humility. Together they have 5 children and 7 grandchildren, of whom he is survived: Amulek (Mandi) – Deacon, Jada, Keilana, Nakoa; Kalolaine; Clarence (Corinne) – Fay, Meleseini, Sela; Lenisi (Joe) Mila; Peter.

Vai is also survived by 6 siblings: Ailine (Isileli) Lao, Uenita (Tevita) Havili, Leo Tongi, Susana (Sifa) Fonua, Muli (Latu), Maile (Trina)… and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He is preceded in death by: parents Kime & Faleaka Tauteoli Kinikini, brother Sione, sister Tofilamoa Aho, brother-in-law Siotame Fili-Tongi , paternal grandparents Tevita Muli & Leo Langi Kinikini, maternal grandparents Tevita Tauteoli and Ana Tu’uhetaufa Tauteoli.

A viewing will be held in his honor, on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at the Riverton 24th Tongan Ward, from 7pm-10pm at 12691 South 3600 West, Riverton, Utah 84065. A Family Program will be held at the same location September 2, 2022 from 8am-11am, with Bishop’s Service to follow from 12pm-1pm. Interment will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South at 13001 South 3600 West, Riverton, Utah 84065.