Maniti Taufaiai Faamau, 69

Maniti Taufaiai Faamau, a devoted husband, cherished father and grandfather, beloved brother, uncle and respected church deacon, passed away peacefully at home May 21, 2025, in Post Falls, Idaho. He was 69.

Born on Feb. 12, 1956, in Vailuutai, Western Samoa, to Maniti and Mafina Faamau, he was one of 11 siblings in a large and close-knit family. From a young age, Maniti was grounded in faith, hard work and community. He spent his early years playing rugby in the village fields and later pursued studies in agriculture, setting the foundation for a life built on perseverance, integrity and love.

In 1981, Maniti married the love of his life, Suli. Together, they built a loving home and raised five children, instilling strong values and a deep sense of family.

Maniti began his career as a supervisor at Van Camp Seafood, a role he took great pride in. It provided stability and opportunity for his growing family, and he cherished the work and the relationships he formed there. In 1995, following a severe back injury, he moved his family to Hawai‘i in search of better medical care. Through determination and rehabilitation, he recovered and later rejoined the workforce as a security officer, ultimately retiring as chief of security from Securitas after 25 years of loyal service.

A man of deep faith, Maniti was a dedicated deacon at Kanana Fou Church in Waipahu, Hawai‘i, where he helped build the church physically, spiritually and communally. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer a prayer or provide quiet encouragement to anyone in need.

In 2008, he and his family settled in Ewa Beach, and in 2019, he moved to California to live with his daughter. His final move came in 2022, when he relocated to Idaho to be with his son and family — a move he embraced fully, never looking back.

Maniti’s siblings were dear to him. He was preceded in death by Tenari, Salesa, Keneti, Vaimoe and Letonu, and is survived by Faasina, Maatulimanu, Pelefoki, Saita and Solomua. Their shared memories, jokes and sibling rivalries shaped him, and the love among them never faded.

Maniti is survived by his loving wife, Suli, three sons: Maniti Jr. (Sheena), Ologagae (Shyla), and Fiatagata; and two daughters: Josie (Sione) and Logoua. He leaves behind a proud legacy of 15 grandchildren.

Though his later years were marked by health challenges, Maniti faced each day with courage, humor and an enduring light in his eyes. He never lost his ability to laugh, to love or share the Good Word.

He was the heart of every gathering, the voice of every prayer and the steady strength behind the family he cherished. His life was a testament to faith, resilience and unconditional love.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 6, 2025, at Bell Tower Funeral Home: 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854, at 1 p.m.