Tumolehu Liee Payne
January 23, 1933 - March 30, 2010
Tumolehu Liee Payne
Tu died on March 30th, 2010. He was born on January 23rd, 1933, in Hihifo, Tonga, to Meleane and Alfred Payne.
Tu grew up in Nukualofa, Tonga. He learned to play homemade guitar as a child and grew to be able to play all string instruments and formed many bands over the years. While going to school to become a lawyer, he was a guard for the Queen of Tonga and a police officer. Later, he moved to New Zealand and become a detective. He moved to America and became an American citizen in 1975. He married Anita Harms who passed away in 1987. He married Dorothy Buelow in 1988. Tu worked for the Jordan School District and retired in 1996. In 1983, he joined the LDS Church. He was a hard worker. He was very loving and non-judgmental with a great sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy; children Dateline (Salote), Diana (Seasau), Eileen (Lonny), Kelly (Nancy), Brian (Kathy), Judy (Uulopa), Jane (BA), Tomasi (Joy), Maryann (John); 32 grandchildren; one great grandchild; brother Raymond; and other extended family in New Zealand.
Preceded in death by his parents and first wife Anita Harms.
A viewing will be held on Friday, April 2nd from 7 to 9 PM at Crescent Ridge 5th Ward, 10975 S. Prescott (1650 E.), Sandy. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 3rd at 12:30 PM with a viewing 2 hours prior to services, also at the church. Interment will be on Monday, April 5th at 11:00 AM at Lake Hills Memorial Park, 10055 S. State Street, Sandy.
In Loving Memory
You are such a supportive family full of love and care. It is great to see that you all came together to support Tumolehu in whatever plans God has for him. My heart has been with all of you for days and will continue to be with you. May you be blessed as you say goodbye and as he greets his Savior.
LeNae Onstad
West Jordan, Ut
What a shocker this was as I saw this online tonight as I was browsing the internet. Tu and I are relatives on my Dad's side of the family. I have played music with him on many occassions in Salt Lake while we were playing at the old Hawaiian Restaurant on Highland Drive. I have played with him on dances, luau's, wedding receptions, and many other occasions. His favorite song that he always liked to sing as I called him on stage was 'Sunday Morning". I missed you Tu and you're definitely in a better place and say hello to my folks.
Unga Kioa
Mandan, ND