Isileli Uto'imoa Hopoate

Isileli ‘Uto’imoa Hopoate, age 80, passed away October 10, 2020 from complications of pneumonia and renal disease in Riverton, Utah. Isileli was born on October 22 1939 in Fuamotu, Tonga Tapu to Viliami Makamapeli Hopoate and Ilaisaane Latu Tomasi Hopoate. He was married to Seluvaia Lino in the late 60’s; sealed for time and eternity at the Hamilton, NZ temple in the early 70’s.

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Isileli lived a remarkable and quiet life with his wife and children in who he loved very much in SLC UT. He was an amazing father and provider and always took time out to play and spend time with his children. At a young age he sacrificed an education to provide for his younger siblings and his parents. He loved the outdoors and immersed himself in hunting, fishing, and working with his hands to provide. He was a labor missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints after attending trade school in Liahona in the mid 60s. He met his sweetheart Seluvaia Lino while building in the remote island of Niuatoputapu and married there in the late 60’s. He came to the US as a builder and worked himself into a specialized field in concrete as a foreman. He served many callings in the church as a high priest counselor, home teacher & Sunday school teacher. He loved to help his family immediate and extended in whatever he could. He received his U.S. citizenship mid 2000’s. He was a family man from a young age and loved to provide and serve. He had a strong worth ethic and was meticulous in any project he worked on. He loved to laugh, sing, dance and joke with his grandkids and always found time to play with them every chance he got. He embraced their time and had a special relationship with every single one of them. He always taught the importance of hard work and attention to detail.

He is preceded by death: Mele Seini Hopoate, daughter (1980s); Viliami Makamapeli Hopoate, father (1981); Ilaisaane Latu Tomasi, mother (1983); Taniela Webster Hopoate, brother (1943); Viliami Taumoha’apai Hopoate, brother (1990); Mele Olive Hopoate Lao, sister (2014); Taniela Webster Hopoate II, brother (2015); Mele Polokalama Hopoate, sister (2017); Seleti Hopoate, brother (2018).

He is survived by his wife Seluvaia Lino Hopoate and their five children, Heilala Taumofolau, Akesa Fuapau, Kymberlee Fehoko, Alexandrina Senine Lutui, Isileli Fetu’u Hopoate as well as his brothers Siosifa Fotukava Hopoate, Pita Foliaki Hopoate, Sitaleki Hopoate.

Following Salt Lake County’s mandate on facial coverings, face masks are required at all public gatherings. Social distancing will be enforced. For those unable to attend the services, Memorial Mortuaries and Cemeteries are offering a livestreaming of the funeral service on Zoom.

Joining by computer

• Go to zoom.us in any internet browser

• Click “Join Meeting”

• Enter the meeting ID – 8012981564

• A box will open saying “https://zoom.us wants to open this application”. Click “Open Zoom”

• Click “Join with Computer Audio”

• Click “Mute” in the bottom left hand corner so that your audio does not interrupt the funeral service

Joining by phone or iPad

• Download the Zoom app

• Open the app and select “Join a Meeting”

• Enter the meeting ID – 8012981564

• Select “Join without Audio”

• Select “Call using Internet Audio”

• Select “Mute” in the bottom left hand corner so that your audio does not interrupt the funeral service