For Ane: Something to remember your father by

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 2^nd 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).

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.