Luko Folau Obituary (1950 - 2021)

Iuko Samuelu Folau (Sam), a retired Army Command Sergeant Major of Saratoga Springs, UT, died peacefully on September 18, 2021 at the age of 70. Sam is survived by his beautiful wife; Patricia Fa’apusa Hannemann Folau; and his three sons Samson Eliu Folau (Leticia Turley Folau), Ian Tuioti Folau (Miranda Wall Folau) and Byron Tupuimatagi Folau (Mariah Turley Folau). Sam was born in Moto’otua Hospital in Apia, Samoa (where his uncle was also the head surgeon) on November 30, 1950 to Samuelu Folau Taoa and Finau Ulukalala Tetoafaiga Tuioti Mariner. Growing up in Samoa he learned the precious value of family, selfless service and education by observing his parents and siblings. He taught himself English through poetry and Shakespeare and fell in love with the beauty of the written word. He was selected to attend an esteemed boarding school and continued his drive for education and knowledge. He was selected again as one of two students to receive a scholarship to further his education in the United States by attending Brigham Young University in Hawaii. It was during his studies there and dancing at the Polynesian Cultural Center that he met the one person who surpassed his love for education and who would become his future wife; Patricia Hannemann. He married Patricia on August 23, 1979 in the Los Angeles LDS Temple and would later welcome 3 boys in which they dedicated their lives to raising successfully in love and support. His love of people and service drew Sam to join the United States Army and serve for 26 years and retire as a Command Sergeant Major. This career gave him and his family an extraordinary opportunity to live and meet amazing people in California, Germany, Texas, Washington, Korea and New York who are still called family to this day. As Sam rose through the ranks, he emerged as a dynamic leader within each unit and was consistently selected over peers for promotion and leadership positions. He always believed in leading by example and rooted his leadership in humility and love which impacted the lives of his Soldiers in garrison, on the battlefield and in everyday life. He had the ability to walk in a room and command the respect of everyone within without a word. And when he spoke, he did so with such eloquence and assurance that it encouraged hope and inspiration. However, it was his continued humility without the need to announce his credibility that moved the hearts of those who knew him. After he retired from the Army, he continued to serve in Utah as a medical examiner and a teacher at Camp Williams. When he wasn’t working, you could find him fishing at one of his favorite spots or hunting for a new secret location to avoid the crowds. He also continued his passion for learning by enrolling in Utah Valley University and adopting new skills such as drawing and painting. He even taught himself how to play the ukulele and became known as a gifted musician as he played and sang with bands, friends and family. Throughout all this, he never ceased to place his wife and sons first in all things. He always referred to himself as “Number 2” as he placed his loving wife as his Number 1 priority in life. Sam never missed a chance to either visit with one of his sons living anywhere across the globe or call and ensure his boys were doing well. He was there through every phase of his sons’ lives giving everything he could to ensure they were given every chance to succeed. He never once failed his family and gave his all until the very end. His wife and sons will ensure that his loving impact and legacy will go on. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on September 24, 2021 at the LDS Stake Center located at 587 South Saratoga Road, Saratoga Springs, Utah 84045. There will be a Viewing at 9:00 a.m. and a Family Service at 10:00 a.m. that same morning. A luncheon and Celebration of Life will follow the burial at 2:00 p.m. Flowers and condolences may be offered at the Nelson Family Mortuary on 4780 North University Ave, Provo, Utah 84604.