Alaifatu Lotonu’u Neil Lavea passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Neil, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, will be remembered as a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, a loving husband and father, and a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. His unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and vision created opportunities that continue to bless generations.
He was born on September 8, 1947, in the village of Samatau, Samoa, to hardworking parents, Sele Lavea of Samatau and Toesagone Faalogo of Sagone, Savai’i. He was one of nineteen siblings, including thirteen full siblings, one half sibling, and four step siblings. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work while fishing, farming, and caring for the family plantation.
Neil attended Samatau Primary School before graduating from Mapusaga High School in American Samoa in 1968. He later earned his teaching certification through a Brigham Young University sponsored teacher education program. He went on to teach mathematics at Pesega High School and Church College of Western Samoa (CCWS), where he found great joy in educating and mentoring the youth of Samoa.
As fate would have it, Neil heard a radio announcement about an opening with the Western Samoa Government Treasury. The position attracted many of the nation’s brightest applicants, yet Neil was selected. This opportunity marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, for it was there that he met the love of his life and eternal companion, Lotuatamaiti Anesone Masina, who was then a nursing student.
Neil and Lotu were married on August 8, 1975, and soon relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, where Lotu pursued a nursing scholarship. Together they welcomed their children, Sharon (Ken), Teuila (Reti), and their beloved son, Grady Antony, who preceded his father in death. Though they experienced profound sorrow with the loss of their first son, their faith carried them through life’s greatest trials.
Over the following years, their family continued to grow with the births of Grady (Celina), Patricia, Mona (Junior), and Lotonu’u Jr. (Jane). Through many moves, career changes, and sacrifices, Neil and Lotu remained steadfast in their commitment to providing their children with every opportunity possible.
Always a visionary, Neil dreamed of a brighter future for his family. In 1983, determined to pursue the American dream, he and Lotu made the difficult decision for Neil to move alone to California to establish a new life before bringing the rest of the family to join him. Beginning as an entry-level laborer, his intelligence and determination quickly earned him promotions, and within just ten short months, he had saved enough to reunite his wife and children in America.
In 1989, Neil and Lotu made West Jordan, Utah, their permanent home. It was there they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and hard work. Their family was sealed for time and eternity in 1991 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Neil passed away peacefully in the very home he worked so tirelessly to provide for his family a fitting testament to a life of sacrifice, perseverance, and love.
Neil is survived by his beloved wife and eternal companion, Lotu Anesone Masina; his children, Sharon (Ken), Teuila (Reti), Grady (Celina), Patricia, Mona (Junior), and Lotonu’u Jr. (Jane); his eighteen cherished grandchildren; his soon-to-be nine great-grandchildren; his siblings; and countless extended family members, ward members, and dear friends.
Among his many talents Neil was a self made carpenter, electrician and a translator for General Conference which he took a lot of pride in. However, his greatest accomplishment was not the positions he held or the places he lived, but the family he loved, the faith he lived, and the legacy he leaves for generations to come. As the pioneer of his family, his courage to leave his homeland, his unwavering trust in the Lord, and his willingness to sacrifice for future generations forever changed the course of his family’s history.
Neil fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds peace and comfort in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that families can be together forever.
Family service will be held on Friday evening, July 10th from 6-9 PM at the Heritage Stake Center, 7332 So 3200 W., West Jordan, Utah. Saturday morning, July 11th a viewing will be held at 10-11:30 AM and the Bishop’s service will be held at 12 Noon. Everything will be held at the Stake Center. Burial will follow in the West Jordan Cemetery.
One Response
Hi Lotu,
Faamafanafana Le Atua ia te oe Auntie, ma le fanau. Ona o le toesea o le tama ia Alaifatu Lotonu’u, poo se Uncle foi ia te au. Poo matou uma o fanau a ou uso ma ou tuagane. Ruta Sititi, Tiatia Lolani Anesone, Taele Filipaina Anesone, Taulago Heather ma Tavita Anesone. Tatalo i Le Atua, ia maua sona nofoaga ma tatou fetaui ai i le lagi i le lumana’i. Manuia tele ona toe sauniga i le aso a taeao. Tatou toe feiloa’i ai ini aso a sau. Momoli tele atu foi o’u alofaaga ia Sharon, Teuila, Tavita, Patricia, Mona ma Junior.
Alofa pea Le Atua ia te oe auntie Lotu, faaopoopo nisi o lou soifua aua le tatou mafutaga i lenei olaga.
Alofa tele atu le fanau, ma fanau a Tiatia Lolani ma Vai Anesone mo outou uma lava.
Soifua ma ia manuia,
Tiafau Anesone
Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.