John Latu Fangu

John Latu Fangu (Latu) was born on December 27, 1971 to Mele Seini Fe’ofa’aki Mausia Fangu and Sione Fangu in Oakland, California. He later became an older brother to Wayne Keali’i Fangu. Since he was young, he always stayed close to his parents. Latu could sit with his parents for hours, talking about life and listening to their counsel. He worked alongside his late father, doing gardening and handyman work. He also grew up on Laguna Avenue, along with his first cousins that lived on the same block, where their sibling-like bond became inseparable.

 He graduated from Oakland High School in the late 1980s and attended Rick’s College in Idaho. Latu then served a full-time mission in the Australia Brisbane mission Tongan speaking. In 1998, he married Onita Velma Fangu in the Oakland California temple and had nine children together during their marriage. 

Despite being 6’5’’, he was the gentlest of giants and the kindest of hearts. His faith in the renewed gospel of Jesus Christ never wavered. Latu also loved attending Come, Follow Me sessions on ZOOM in the mornings. A father figure to his younger cousins, nieces, and nephews, he never missed a chance to counsel and care for them. His younger cousins attested that he was always dependable and was always available during times of need. His obedient example resembled that of the Savior. Entrusted with many church callings, including being a bishop, he helped many individuals return to the Savior's fold and counseled with many families to prepare to take temple covenants. 

He loved to serve others wholeheartedly. Whenever a family member or ward member needed help fixing a pipe or remodeling a room, he did it without hesitation. 

Nothing was more important than his calling as a father and a provider for his family. Latu unconditionally loved all nine of his children. His first priority was to teach his children to learn and love the gospel. Latu often treated his children out to eat and catch up on their latest agendas in life. His children always remember joking around and laughing with him. Before each school year started, he gave a father’s blessing to each child for growth and protection. Although his life was cut short unexpectedly, it was a life fulfilled in the service of his fellowmen, his family, and ultimately his Heavenly Father.

A funeral service will be held in his honor at 12:00 noon on Friday, August 23, 2024 at the Bountiful 6th Ward Building located at 3350 S. 100 E. Bountiful. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 8:00-11:30 am at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Bountiful City Cemetery.