Paulo Lokeni

It is with great sadness to learn that my former Bishop Lokeni has peacefully passed on from mortality. 😢😭
Bro. Pea and I with our sons wish to extend and express our deepest condolences and sympathies to Sister Lokeni, children, and all the families. May the peace of the Savior rests in your hearts and abides in your homes during these difficult times!
Despite the grief we feel because of earthly association, we can be comforted to know that families are eternal and he is at peace, no longer suffering the pains of the flesh. ❤️🙏🌷

I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven for the wonderful opportunity I got to see bishop one last time this past week before he departed; and I'd like to dedicate this post to him:

Bishop Lokeni was one of my earthly heroes! I am so honored to have known him. He taught me so many wonderful lessons during his time as a bishop in our Nu'umau Ward. He was a man of his word. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind and he boldly stood for his beliefs. His conversion stories to the gospel were some of the greatest I have ever heard, and I wouldn't even mind hearing them over and over again. He certainly was steadfast and immovable in the faith. His demand for obedience and support of church leaders was evidence in his own life. He talked the talk and he walked the walk. He was ambitious, industrious, resilient, and talented. He was a great composer and had a beautiful bass vocal. I would have loved to sit closer to him in the choir and heard his strong bass. He was the kind of man who wanted things done a certain way, the right way, even perfect!

Bishop Lokeni may have not had a great secular education like the Prophet Joseph Smith, however, he had a great intellect of spiritual things, knowledge and wisdom. When he spoke, he commanded the stage and drew a crowd. SILENCE obeyed him. There was not a sound heard but his very own voice ringing in the ears of the spectators or congregation. His memory defied both the old and young. He was ever articulate and on-point; never missed a beat! He was always prepared for whatever the occasion. He was the kind you would want present when someone didn't show up for a speaking assignment. He was ever on time, sharp, and ready to lead, teach, and sing. He truly believed that time and tide wait for no man. If you did wrongly be sure He would rebuke and correct you and don't waste your time being offended or mad, because he would state exactly what he meant and truly meant what he said. It would be up to you to apply, use it, or figure out your own madness. This is one of the traits I loved about him. (lol)

Bishop Lokeni, you stayed true to your covenants. You were a giant among men ever faithfully attending the temple and made it a habit to encourage the ward members to do likewise. You were a faithful leader and diligent in what you did and said. You endured so much to the very end!
I love you and miss you; but know that your teachings I will always remember and hold dear to my heart. Thank you for your examples of love and service. Thank you for your testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for being you!
I am so grateful to have served with you and under your leadership! Forever thankful to have known you my leader and my brother. Rest in peace my dear friend with all my love. Manuia tele lau malaga. So long bishop til we meet again!❤️🌹🌺

This song comes to mind as I mourn and think of you:

Nearer my God to thee, Nearer to thee!
E'en though it be across That raiseth me.
Still all my song shall be Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee!

Though like the wanderer, The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, My rest a stone,
Yet in my dreams I'd be Nearer my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee!

Then with the my waking thoughts, Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise;
So by my woes to be Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God to thee, Nearer to thee!

•Sis. Pi’i Tonumaipe’a•

Viewing
Monday, Oct. 12th
Will be held at home, contact Pila Lameta for location.

Final service & Burial
Tuesday, Oct 13th at 10am
Green Hills
Limit to 100 people.
Please wear your mask and practice social distancing. It will be streamed live so you can watch from your vehicle.