Masao Soakai passes away at 95 [1]
Friday, May 4, 2018 - 19:05. Updated on Sunday, May 6, 2018 - 08:22.
A pioneer of horticultural enterprise in Tonga, Setaleki Tu’iniua Tavake Vailahi Soakai, better known as Masao Soakai, passed away at his home, at Popua, Nuku’alofa at the age of 95 on 24 April 2018.
He was an old boy of Tonga College and continued his studies overseas. Masao returned to Tonga at the end of 1952 after attending an Agriculture College in Queensland, Australia with a diploma in horticulture. He introduced Hawaiian Pineapples, pawpaw and strawberries to Tonga. He was also very active in the growing and the exporting of water melons, coconut and squash.
Masao was invested as a Commander of the Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III, during the Coronation celebrations of Tupou V.
He was a founding member of the Nuku'alofa Rotary Club.
Masao was laid to rest at Alai Popua, a family cemetery at Popua on Tuesday, following a service in St Paul's Anglican Church on 1 May 2018.
Masao is survived by his wife, Lilieta Bloomfield Soakai and five children, three girls Lata, Caroline, and Rosinda; and two boys Taniela Sunia and Alfred.
Masao and Lilieta also have 18 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and one great great child.