Sione Ray Tuineau

Sione Ray Tuineau entered the world on October 2, 1984. He lived life to the fullest as a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend. After an amazing life of light and love, Ray passed away on August 8, 2020 at the age of 35.

The dictionary defines a ray as “light that streams from a body; a beam of radiant energy or light; having a starting point but no end…going into infinity.” Ray meets this very description. Similar to this definition, Ray created energy and light, and his presence and spirit will live forever.

To know Ray was to love him. He spent his childhood in Glendale, eventually moving to West Valley City where he attended Westlake Jr. High and Granger High School, graduating in 2003. As a boy, Ray enjoyed scouting, sports, family, and friends. He was an Eagle Scout and a seminary graduate. Whether he was on the football field as a youth, at a family event, or in a school hallway, Ray stepped forward and made his surroundings a better place. He advocated for others, always improving the lives of those around him. Ray never judged others. His quiet example literally changed lives over and over again. He did not force others to improve their lives, rather lives changed because people naturally followed Ray and his example.

Ray married Juliet Valentine Vaivaka, his eternal love, on November 7, 2009. Together, they became a powerful force for good. They were the perfect combination of fun and spirituality, independence and inclusion. This amazing duo became the parents to three rambunctious and wonderful boys--Afehelotu Siuta Hinckley, Muli-ki-Saione Brigham, and Sosaia Joseph Snow. Ray and Juliet parented with unity through kindness, comedy, and high expectations. Rarely could Ray be found without a child on his shoulders or in his arms. He taught his boys to love their Heavenly Father, to see beyond their own needs, and that BYU sports and Tongan rugby are essential to happiness. Ray and Juliet lived 100 years together in only 10. They traveled the world and touched more souls than most people do in a lifetime. Their life together was packed with adventure, family, and endless friends. Ray’s legacy will live on through his wife and his children as he continues to protect them and guide them from beyond the veil. Love does not die with death. It expands. It is eternal.

Ray spent most of his married life in Sanpete County. Taking a leap of faith, Ray returned to school with his young family. There he achieved one of his most significant life goals--Snow College graduate. Typical of Ray, the campus rocked with family, friends, food, and music in celebration when he graduated. Ray loved music, especially Reggae. Every gathering and celebration jammed when Ray was around. His children now share this same love.

Ray loved to be surrounded by youth. Whether it was through church or work, young people were drawn to his fun personality and enthusiasm. Somehow Ray had the ability to be joking one minute and sharing his testimony the next in the most natural way. Ray was Christ-like and compassionate. It’s who he was, and people were naturally drawn to his goodness and powerful spirit. He encouraged many friends and relatives to prepare and serve missions. Ray was a powerful missionary. He was not an impersonal sheep-herder; Ray was a loving shepherd. He led others and often left the 99 to find the one.

Ray was always the life of the party; yet, his legacy is about personal relationships. In a crowded room, Ray somehow made connections with everyone. He was a source of comfort and encouragement to family. He was an activity coordinator and spiritual advisor to friends. He was a quiet listener, yet the loudest fan in the crowd. His undying support at athletic events will be missed. Whether it was a brother, sister, cousin, niece, nephew, or friend, Ray was at the event, cheering with enthusiasm. His ability to meet the needs of so many was a gift from his Heavenly Father. No one stood alone at a gathering when Ray was in attendance. His arms would pull people in; his laugh would brighten his surroundings; his stories would create fun and inclusiveness. This was the type of man that he was. He loved everyone.

This ability to be inclusive was Ray’s gift. He saw everyone…and he did it with style. How could the guy with a baby on his shoulders, an ugly white towel on his head, and an ever-changing, crazy beard be the coolest guy in the room? Just like the definition of his name, Ray was a light; he was a beam of radiant energy that attracted others and pointed the way. His spirit and relationships with others will go on forever because Ray will continue to guide, quietly direct, and softly influence lives even now. Jeffrey R. Holland said, “Don’t underestimate your family on the other side of the veil.” Ray’s legacy is only beginning. His influence will be felt in the goodness of his wife and children, the strength of his parents, and the memories of his brothers, sisters, and friends. He is just getting started. If you knew Ray, you were a friend. When he loved others, he loved them fiercely. He was a coach; he was a friend; he was a son, father, and eternal love. These roles have not changed. Just because we cannot see Ray, does not mean that he is not with us. His happiness will shine on our faces. His laughter will carry in the wind. His testimony will burn in our hearts. His guidance will direct us to pathways where we will meet him once again.

If Ray were here, he would challenge us in our sorrow to use his memory to be better, to do better. Be kind and inclusive to others. Love your family, especially your spouse and children. Become a ray of light and hope to others.

Ray is survived by his wife, Juliet, and his sons, Afehelotu, Muli-ki-Saione, and Sosaia Tuineau; his parents, Afehelotu and Fa Tuineau; his siblings, Henilieta Tuipulotu (Ofa), Ofasia Vea (Lui), Fusi Toki (Sione), Afehelotu Tuineau Jr. (Jennifer), Siuta Tuineau (Faye), Katherina Tuineau, Lavinia Tuineau, and his friend and brother Muli Kinikini (Lorin).

Services will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 3300 S. 4440 W., West Valley City. The family viewing will be from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.. The public viewing will be from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Bishop’s funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. The burial will be at the Valley View Cemetery, 4335 W. 4100 S. West Valley City.

The family is limited to 90 people in the building at time, so please be patient and socially distance. Face masks are required. If you have been sick or have been around anyone who is sick, please participate via Facebook Live, which will be linked through Ray and Juliet’s Facebook pages. In addition, the family has requested that absolutely no pictures or videos be taken of Ray’s face. Also to eliminate the spread of germs, the family has asked to not feiloaki or kiss Ray. The burial is open to everyone, but CDC regulations must be met as well as social distancing. Masks must be worn at all times. Thank you. We look forward to celebrating the life of this great man.