TAUNIMA, Taniela Havea

Taniela Havea Taunima, 48, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on May 22, 2005. He was a kind and loving husband, father, nephew, cousin and friend. Taniela was born to Sonatane Nukuleva and Vasi Tai Taunima on September 5, 1956 in Fahefa, Tonga. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Katalina; 2 daughters, Ainise (Carson) Criddle from a previous marriage of Layton, UT and Iwalani Taunima of Mesa, AZ; 7 sons, Michael Daniel Gallegos of Salt Lake City, UT, Danny, Samisoni, Sonatane, Simon Latu, Malakai Pahulu and Taniela Jr.; and 7 sisters, their husbands and families. Visitation was held at Bunker's University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ., and also at Tongan 1st United Methodist Church, 301 N. Longmore, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services were held at the Tongan 1st United Methodist Church. Bunker's Garden Chapel handled the arrangements. Published in The Arizona Republic on 5/26/2005.