Semisi Kalanite Brown
Date of Birth: 09/11/1931
Date of Death: 01/13/2013
Our beloved father, grandfather,
great-grandfather, uncle and husband, Semisi Kalanite Brown returned to the
loving arms of our Heavenly Father at the age of 81, surrounded by his wife and
loved ones in his home.
Semisi, also known by his
friends and family as ‘Nite’ was born on September 11, 1931 in Pangai, Haapai,
Tongatapu, Tonga to Siaosi Tupou Katakata Brown and Sokopeti Latu
Likiliki. He was the 2nd oldest of 7 children and was
protective of his siblings. He was an honorable son to his parents and as
a teenager he worked as a storekeeper, helping his dad provide for his family.
On May 21, 1959 Semisi married
Taiana Salomefo’ou Wolfgramm and solemnized their marriage on June 6, 1961 in
the Laie, Hawaii temple while serving there as Labor/Building
Missionaries. Together they had 12 sons and 2 daughters.
Among Semisi’s many
accomplishments, the greatest was his dedication to his family.
Throughout his life he taught his children by example. In the early
1960’s he was a labor/building missionary in Tonga and Hawaii. While in
Hawaii he worked as a carpenter and mechanic building the Polynesian Cultural
Center and the expansion of the Laie Hawaii temple.
Wherever he went, the first thing
you noticed about Dad was his contagious smile. He was always willing to
lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Semisi was a diligent man as he
worked several jobs to provide for his family. He taught his children the
value of hard work running a landscaping business with his sons. In the
late 80’s he opened Brown’s Bakery in West Valley and taught the children to be
independent and future entrepreneurs.
Semisi had a great testimony and
love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Most of his free time would be spent
reading the scriptures or learning from books about the gospel. His love
of the gospel was evident in his decades of service in various callings for the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His greatest calling of all
was being a husband, father, uncle, grandfather and patriarch of his family. He
also had a great love for his extended family. He loved his many uncles,
aunts and cousins along with his many nieces and nephews. He would often
take many of them into his home and raising them as his own.
He will always be remembered by his
faith, humility, strength, charity and love. His posterity will continue
to carry on his legacy of great faith.
Semisi is survived by his wife of
54 years, Taiana Brown, his children: Viliami (Patricia), Paul (Betty), Stanley
(Seini), Tony (Tila), Tomasi (Mel), Sione (Victoria), Kingsley, David (Lynda),
Taiana (Sama Tupoumalohi), Sio (Xochitl), Semisi (Sarina), Eric (Leeanna),
Peter (Jane), Ane (Kenneth Tupea) and last but not least Cris Palauni.
Semisi is also survived by 65
grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and sisters Leola Brown and Makeleta
Brown Patterson.
Semisi was preceded in death by his
parents, brother Tevita ‘Alapuku Brown, three sisters, ‘Alisi Brown Mataele,
Finehika Brown Tuione, Melekatalina Brown and granddaughter Christianna Brown.
Special thanks to the staff at
Lighthouse Hospice especially Sergio, Kim and Annette for years of service and
care to our father.
Dad, thank you for your unwavering
love, example of faith and eternal dedication. ‘Ofa atu until we meet
again.
