Donald Vili Tialavea

Donald Vili Tialavea, "Sweet D", 52 years old of West Jordan, Utah serenely passed away at home Monday, November 4, 2013 after a 22 year battle with various illnesses. Donald was born April 10, 1961 in Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California to Taeaolelei Ava Tialavea and Maoai Alaipalelei Tialavea. He was the 7th of 9 children born to Taeao and Maoai: Anaiovise Salima (Miller), Tulifaga "JT" (Ese), Margaret Toia (Wayne), Julie, Richard (Robyn), Debbie Taufi (Loto), Robert (Rubyn), Debbie Taufi (Loto), Robert (Ruby), and Eileen Talatau (Isaako). Don enjoyed singing and playing the saxophone and piano. Sports were a big part of his life. In high school he played baseball, basketball, and football. Don played football at Santa Ana College in California for two years. After which he was recruited as an offensive lineman by Coach Ron McBride and transferred to the University of Utah. In honor of his deceased first cousin, Don began the Big John Manumaleuna Foundation of Utah in the 1980's. He ran Polynesian basketball tournaments which grew from 6 teams his first year to 42 teams in 2002. Donald was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had righteous desires of his heart to please his Father in Heaven and to be a good member of His church. He pleased his Father in Heaven as he married his sweetheart, Tamara Marie Scott on February 11, 1989 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. This was the beginning of a union that brought three choice spirits into this world: Julianne, Donald Jr. (DJ), and Abigail. He received great joy in rearing his children, teaching them the Gospel, and watching them grow and develop. He served in the church and taught, encouraged, and built faith in those with whom he worked. In June 1991 Donald was suddenly diagnosed with acute viral cardiomiopathy. This ended his career as a State of Utah Youth Corrections counselor, and was the beginning of a long and difficult life of illness and disability. Soon thereafter, he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. This painful autoimmune arthritic disease began to break down his body, eventually leaving him unable to walk. Through his many years of illness, he had the faith to be healed. Through this faithfulness his life was extended an additional 22 years. Don had many gifts and talents and made use of them in building up the Kingdom of God. He had the gift of congeniality, the ability to get along with others and have their confidence. Although Don was unable to physically carry out his desire to serve others, he ensured that service was performed for others in his behalf. His desires were right and his works proved his faithfulness. He was gifted with leadership qualities, leading by example which influenced many. His most remarkable gift was that of bringing his extended family together. Family was the most valuable thing in Don's life. Donald was adamant that his extended family stay close in relationships. He had an overwhelming sense of responsibility over his family. He wanted to rid his family of any negative feelings. He said, "I always want my kids to be close. If they don't see that I am close with my brothers and sisters, how are they going to stay close?" During his last 10 years, Don was unable to get out of his bedroom often. Therefore, his bedroom walls were filled with pictures and accomplishments of his children. He was such a great family-man that in 2004 he was presented with "Pacific Islander Family of the Year" by the Utah Governor's Initiative on Families Today for the success he showed with his family. His children are truly monuments of the great man and father that Donald was. Don wads faithful and valiant to the end of his mortal life. We all look forward to our reunion with our beloved father, brother, uncle, friend, and eternal companion. Preceded in death by his parents, half-brother Aila Tuipelehake (Fou), brother JT, and his sister Debbie. A viewing will be held between 6-8pm on Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the West Jordan LDS Stake Center 2700 West 7000 South, West Jordan, Utah. Services will be Monday, November 11, 2013 at the same chapel. Family service (Open to all friends and family) 9-10:45 am. Viewing 10:45-11:15 am. Bishop Funeral Service 11:30 am-1pm/ Burial to follow at Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road. Condolences can be left at www.McDougalFuneralHomes.com Place of Birth:Oceanside, California Place of Death:West Jordan, UtahOccupation:Youth Corrections Counselor Occupation:State of Utah