Lui Tuatoo

LU'I TUATO'O, Lu'i Tuato'o, age 60, (although he never admitted it and certainly didn't look it) died peacefully of natural causes at his home in Chico, California on February 2, 2013. He was born in Samoa and raised to assume the role of High Talking Chief for the Saole District and the island of Aunu'u. He received a scholarship to the University of Idaho and was the first member of his family to receive a college degree. He taught elementary and high school in Pago Pago where he met and married his wife, Mary Anne. They relocated to California where he was able to realize his dream of becoming an American citizen. Lui was a dedicated teacher for the Hamilton Unified School District for the past twenty-six years. Some of his favorite summers were spent fighting forest fires for the US Forest Service alongside his eldest daughter. Lui is survived by his wife, three children, and three grandchildren. He was also the patriarch of a large extended family including ten siblings and countless nieces and nephews. Final arrangements have been made through Brusie Funeral Home in Chico. A graveside service will be held at Glen Oaks Memorial Park at 11115 Midway in Chico on Saturday, February 9, at 1pm. If desired, donations may be made to the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department or the Butte Humane Society.