Atherton Faga Leota

Atherton Faga Leota

I am Atherton Faga Leota (Afa in Samoan). I was born of godly parents, Faga and Tauave Leota, in Torrance, California on November 19, 1960. I moved to Layton, Utah in June 1968, where I spent most of my life and graduated from Layton High School. I am the sixth of my siblings. Football was my passion as a young man. I also spent 23 A½ years as a Crew Chief in the 419th Tactical Fighter Wing of the United States Air Force Reserve. After my retirement, I continued my employment as an Aircraft Mechanic at Hill Air Force Base. I loved my country and I was proud to defend it.

I married my sweetheart, Marsha RoiLene Mills on August 7, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marsha, I want to thank you for your sacrifice and putting up with me. I love you with all my heart. I tried to show you love the best way I could. To my step-children Matthew, Trever and Brittani LeRoy; and their spouses, and grandchildren, take care of your mother and grandmother, and thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives. To my siblings, Nyoka, Esera, Teleni, Carl and Wayne; and their spouses, I am grateful for your love and the time we spent together. Mom thank you for all you have taught me. You have worked tirelessly to help me to be a better person. I am sorry I was not able to talk to you this afternoon, just to say how much I love you. In the beginning, I did not know when I was to come to our family here on earth. But today, November 8, 2009, eleven days short of my 49th birthday, I left my home in Clearfield, to catch up with my dad and my brother Sile and my grandparents, whom have gone before. To all my families and relatives, we had the most joyful and happiest reunion last June-July, thank you for being part of my life. To my two best friends Scotty and Curt, I love you guys a€" we are brothers. To all my comrades, thank you for being my friends.

You are invited to come and say your goodbyes at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road on Friday evening, November 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning, November 14th from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. My farewell will follow at 11:00 a.m., I will then be retired near my brother Sile, at Lindquist''s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah.

Now I must bid you all farewell. May God be with you until we meet again. He lives, I know that. Tofa soifua ma ia Tu leova I lo Tatou Va. Smile on happy times. I love you all, sincerely yours, Afa (Art).