Motekiai Taukolo

August 13, 1967 – April 29, 2021

Motekiai Taukolo, age 53, lost his short battle with pancreatic cancer on the morning of April 29, 2021 surrounded by his family in Portland, Oregon.

He was born of Seluvaia Taukolo and Kisione Taukolo on August 13, 1967, in Hihifo, Haapai, Tonga. He was preceded in life by his father, Kisione, and his brother Mofuike. He is survived by his mother, Seluvaia, and his siblings Sioape Fifita, Vika Uikelotu , Suliana Leitu, Ofa-ki-muli, Ron Michael, Puanani Nahoapono, Ron Fevaleaki and Viniana Taukolo.

He attended college at BYU Hawaii where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Taukolo. He is survived by her and their children, his pride and joy, Elizabeth Fujiko (21), Sosaia Lausi’i Makana-o-lani (17), Seluvaia Elechesel (15), and Kanani Russell (12).

He lived a happy life filled with the things he loved; time with family and friends, enjoying good food, traveling, working, and sharing his passion for politics.  Mote had a one of a kind sense of humor with the most contagious laugh.

You know he loved you if he teased you often.

He was a loving husband and a great father figure to not only his children but his nieces and nephews as well. A proud resident of the USA, he always inspired his family and friends to take advantage of their freedom and the privileges they are afforded in this country to make something of themselves and to serve others.

He was a man who trusted in God completely and led his family to do so as well. He will be greatly missed; however, he left behind a great legacy that will always be remembered by many. Though we are saddened by our temporary separation we find great peace in the faith in God that he nurtured in our family.

We will be holding a simple service to honor him on Friday, May 7th, 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the number of in-person attendance will be limited. For those in attendance you will be required to wear a face mask and to maintain social distance with those outside of your household. We will livestream the service for the rest of the guests who are unable to attend.