Vai Robert Toomalatai

September 15, 1954 - January 22, 2021

Born in the village of Matautu-tai, Apia, Samoa on September 15, 1954, Vai Robert To'omalatai (Lesā/Bishop) was the second of fourteen children and the eldest son of High Chief Peniamina F. To’omalatai and Kolini Fepulea’i To’omalatai. In addition to growing up in a large, loving family, Vai grew up in a Godfearing, Christian home mentored by his grandfather, former long-standing member of the newly independent Samoan Parliament, High Chief Fa’aagi To’omalatai. After graduating from Teacher’s Training College in Samoa, Vai taught mathematics and science and worked on his family's vast plantation estate. In 1977, Vai immigrated to the United States where he served proudly in the U.S. Army and completed Army Airborne training with the 101st Airborne. Following his service, he worked in real estate banking, trucking, Oahu's The Bus, and the U.S. Postal Service. Vai honorably worked 20 years for the U.S. government at the Federal Protective Services (FPS) and retired at the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). In 2019, he returned to Samoa to receive his Matai title,“Lesā” from his wife’s family (Saseve) in Lotofaga, Samoa. Among his many roles and responsibilities, Vai will be remembered most for his dedicated, faithful service as a Bishop for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Long Beach 15th Samoan Ward. His love of the gospel and his Savior, Jesus Christ, was undeniable. Vai’s hobbies included playing sports (tennis, pickleball, and rugby), singing, reading, traveling with his beloved wife of 37 years, Tumua Sally To'omalatai, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. On January 22, 2021, Vai Robert To’omalatai left this world peacefully at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Long Beach, CA. He was surrounded by his wife, his six children, and was led to glory by his son & angel, David. Vai is survived by his wife, Tumua, their children: Doreen To’omalatai Egan, Maraea Marlene To’omalatai, Michael Vai To’omalatai, Savaliolefilemu May Siko, Elizabeth Tumusa To’omalatai, and James Fa’aagi To’omalatai; seven grandchildren, Damien Benjamin To’omalatai, David Christopher Siko, Brooklyn Miti Egan, Liam Vai Egan, Alana Rose Tumua To’omalatai, Aria Jane Aiulu To’omalatai, and Talalei Derae To’omalatai (expecting); twelve siblings, Katerina Leung Wai, Tipo To’omalatai, Lauolive Lui, Malaea Coleman, Kelly Tue, Masele Tauaefa, Tina Matua, Elizabeth Siufanua, Louisa Thompson, Foi To’omalatai, Fitu To’omalatai, and Lepe Lehenbauer. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 6th from 10 am – 12 pm at the Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Funeral Directors: Green Hills Memorial Park.