Anetone “Tone” Simanu

True to his life’s motto, Anetone “Tone” Simanu, 36, from West Jordan, Utah was, “Here for a good time, not a long time.” Family has always joked that he has nine lives and on Sunday, September 3, 2023, he left this world too soon.

Born on August 23, 1987 in Falefa, Samoa, Tone was a spirited and fearless child who received plenty of sasas (spankings) as the result of his childhood antics.  His near-drownings in the oceans of Hawaii and chasing volleyballs into oncoming traffic kept his parents in a continual state of worry.

As a brother, he loved to tease his siblings and knew he could get away with it because he was his mother’s “pele.”  He enjoyed giving his siblings a hard time, but his love for them was immeasurable and they always knew “Tone had our back.”

Tone moved often and made friends wherever he landed.  He never looked down on others because he understood and respected different walks of life.  He loved shooting the breeze in good company, with a cold Modelo, fresh cigarette and Maoli’s version of “Every Night Every Morning” playing in the background.    

Tone was known for “pulling Houdinis,” but he recently returned home to Utah where he worked as a Traffic Control Maintainer, a position he was proud to have earned.  Family will forever cherish the last few months they spent with him. 

In his short life, Tone was a loving father, dutiful son, irritating brother, favorite uncle and cherished friend.  He was a Dallas Cowboys football fanatic, a car junkie, the king of trash talk and the family comedian.  His family will sorely miss his contagious laugh and claim of an onion allergy.

He is survived by his parents Taito Tafaoimalo and Sofai Simanu, siblings Ailao (Randi) Simanu, Gataiala (Maile) Lutui, Lita (Alfred) Simanu-Tau, Norman (Justine) Simanu and several nieces and nephews who will miss him sneaking them sweets.

The Final Viewing and Pastoral Services will be held on Thursday, September 14th at 10AM at the First Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Utah (8574 West 2700 South, Magna) with the burial following at the West Jordan City Cemetery (7925 South 1300 West, West Jordan).

The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support at this difficult time and would like to ask that you continue to support them on their new journey.  Finally, the family sends a special thank you to Detective Kory Olsen with the Salt Lake City Police Department and his team for their efforts.

“If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”

Arrangements in care of Dalton-Hoopes Funeral Home. 435-884-3031