Tevita Ha'unga Fonua

"When Heavenly Father gave me Tevita Fonua nearly fifty years ago, I never understood how difficult it would be when he would one day call that gift home again." — Wendy Fonua

Tevita Haʻunga Fonua, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend, returned peacefully to his Heavenly Father on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the age of 74, after many years of physical health challenges borne with quiet strength and dignity.

Tevita was born on February 3, 1952, in Haʻakio, Vavaʻu, Tonga, to Sinipata Fonua and Amelia Makalita Naupoto Fonua. He was one of nine children, growing up with six brothers and three sisters in a close and loving family.

As a young man, he attended Liahona High School, where he discovered both a love and a remarkable talent for rugby. His abilities eventually earned him the opportunity to play for the Tongan National Rugby Team, allowing him to travel throughout New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and many other parts of the world. A highlight of his rugby career was being a member of the historic 1973 Tongan National Team that defeated Australia.

Before pursuing rugby professionally, Tevita faithfully served as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Nukuʻalofa Tonga Mission. He served throughout Tonga and the outer islands and at one point, had the opportunity to serve alongside his brother Kalisiante as his missionary companion.

Following his rugby career, Tevita accepted a rugby scholarship to BYU–Hawaii, where he continued his education while working at the Polynesian Cultural Center. During this time, he met a young woman from Smithfield, Utah, who would become the love of his life. Though she had never heard of Tonga and he had never heard of Smithfield, their paths crossed in Hawaiʻi, and their friendship grew into a marriage that would span nearly fifty years and bless generations of their family.

Tevita loved the United States and was extremely proud to become an American citizen, but he never forgot his family in Tonga. He was proud of his heritage and roots and carried a deep love for his homeland throughout his life.

An athlete at heart, Tevita enjoyed rugby, tennis, volleyball, golf, and nearly any activity that allowed him to move, compete, and spend time with others.

Above all, his favorite thing was the love for his children that could only be matched by the love for his grandchildren!!! Tevita was welcomed home and preceded in death by his father, Sinipata Fonua; his mother, Amelia Makalita Naupoto Fonua; his older brother, Kilisi Fonua; his sister, Kesaia Finau Fonua; his younger brother, Atunaisa Fonua; his sister, Lupi Fonua; and his sister-in-law, Saʻili Fonua and his Father in Law Blaine Bolton Rich.

Tevita is survived by his beloved wife of nearly fifty years, Wendy Fonua; his mother-in-law, Janet Rogers Rich; his children and their spouses: David and Hilrary Fonua, Derek and Shannon Fonua, Daniel and Shelice Fonua, Drake and Emily Fonua, Tiffany Fonua, Tia and Beau Howell, and Talisa and Hamilton Ciramagua.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Kyler, Kieren, Keaton, Amalia, Mele, Mason, Makai, Roman, Malina, Tatiana, Layton, Dahcston, Leila, Lanaia, Kash, Quinn, Kiana, Bexli, Kalia, Bentlei, Parker, Noah, Luka and Bolton.

He is further survived by his brothers James, Sam, and Sunia Fonua; his sister, Nia; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

His family finds comfort in the knowledge that families are eternal and looks forward to the day they will be together again. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered until that joyful reunion.

Dad and Grandpa — your lessons, laughter, and love will remain with us always!

ʻOfa atu pea toki fetaulaki leva!

With love, until we meet again!