Obituary: Taefu Samoauatasi Taisi Heka, Jr. (Sam), The Dalles
Taefu Samoauatasi Taisi Heka, Jr. (Sam) Age 51, formerly of the Bay Area (SF, CA) as well as The Dalles (OR), passed away October 15, 2022.
Sam was born in American Samoa on October 18, 1970. He passed away October 15, 2022, in Kent, WA doing and working with what he loved, Asphalt.
Sam is a graduate of McAteer (J. Eugene) High School (1989 CA).
After graduation, it was per his mother's request to stay close to home and honor their religious 7th day Sabbath, that Sam made a choice to turn down a sports scholarship to UCLA. Sam went on to pursue another path in education with Chabot College.
In 1992, Sam took on the most challenging, but rewarding job a man can have, he became a father for the 1st time.
Soon Sam found himself with 4 very handsome mini-me's. Sam loved all his boys, with his main focus now on the youngest of the 4, Alo Dawson.
Taefu Samoauatasi Taisi Heka, Jr. was known by his loved ones, friends, and cohorts as 'Sam' and or Sammie.
While he had a dormant dragon-like disposition, those who captured his heart knew Sam to be kind, empathetic and generous. He was his mother's gentle giant.
Sam is preceded in death by his sister, Alao L. Heka, and Grandmother Valelia Auva'a A'eau Su'a Matiseni.
He is survived by his Parents, Mr. Taliaoa Taisi Heka & Mrs. Fa'atamali'i Su'a Matiseni, 4 sons, (Daniel, Matthew, Moises & Alo), 4 honorary brothers (2 adopted cousins Tui Tago and Su'a Fa'aiu, brother-in-law James Steele, Uncle Joseph), 5 sisters, and several loving nephews and nieces.
Letters of endearment and or floral arrangements may be sent to:
Mr. & Mrs. Heka
In C/O
Spencer Libby & Powell Funeral Home
1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR 97058
Services will be November 3 & 4th, 2022
Family Viewing
Date: November 3rd, 2022, at Spencer, Libby and Powell gathering hall
Time 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Eulogy, Testimonials 2:00-3:30pm
Reception to follow w/slide show, meet and greet @ Civic Center
Second Service
Date: November 4, 2022
Service Time & Eulogy: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Burial: 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Formal reception to follow @ 2pm Civic Center, 2nd floor (elevator available for handicap and elderly). Final farewell
Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
