Samisoni Koroitamudu

Samisoni "Sam" Laweca Koroitamudu, age 70, died in Saginaw, Michigan on June 27, 2010. Sam died peacefully after a long period of illness. Born June 19, 1940 in the capital city of Suva in the Fiji Islands to Setareki Cevaca Koroitamudu and Bulou Merewalesi Viriviritamata, he attended primary and one year of secondary school before his education was abruptly halted by the death of his father. As the eldest, he worked to support his guardian grandmother, younger siblings and cousins. On July 1st 1966, he married Lillian Miranda Viwa Williams. He lived in Suva Fiji, St Petersburg, Florida, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, St. Louis, Missouri, Orlando, Florida, Chicago, Illinois and Saginaw, Michigan. Sam lived and worked in most of these cities as a musician except in Chicago and Michigan where performed hotel operations. Sam was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was devoted to his faith. He was a proud member of the church was a keen student of its teachings. Sam will be especially remembered for contributions to music in the Fiji Islands and his influence and generosity with all musicians. Sam was especially influential and a pioneer with the music recording industry in the islands. His influence is still evident in the music today. He was always willing to offer advice when requested and he encouraged young musicians. In the early 1980s, he was an original member and founder of the Fiji Jazz Musicians Club. Along with a few other founding members, his efforts brought musicians in the islands together; they set goals and executed plans to meet them. He was a studious musician and worked endlessly to improve his skills. He preached and was a leader by example. Survivors include his spouse, Lillian Koroitamudu of Saginaw, Michigan; sons, Seta and William of Orlando, Florida; daughter, Adelaide in Texas; and his grandchildren, Joyce, Samisoni, Kiera, Adelaide, Saimoni Ratukadreu and Shane; brothers, Ratu Sela, Ananaiasa, Ratu Mosese, Emosi; and sisters, Siteri and Loraini. Sam was preceded in death by his father, Setareki Cevaca Koroitamudu; his mother, Bulou Merewalesi; his brothers, Ratu Epeli Qerea Koroitamudu, Samuela Cikaitoga; and sisters, Lavenia Vatanitawake and Lavenia Nagatalevu. A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 1415 N. Center Road, Saginaw Michigan 48638. On Monday July 5, 2010, a viewing and service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 10:00am and 11:30am respectively at 701 W. Wetherbee Road, Orlando, Florida 32824. The service will be followed by the burial at the Osceola Memory Gardens at 1717 Boggy Creek Road, Kissimmee, Florida 34744 ((407) 847-2494). Thanks to the the staff at St. James Hospital in Chicago, the staff at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, the staff at the Pines rehabilitation facility, Aunty Charlene and Uncle TC for their continued support, Aunty Rosie and the Netane Family for always being there, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints congregations in Chicago and Saginaw for their help and support, all our family and friends in Orlando and St. Petersburg Florida and all our family and friends in Fiji, Australia, Canada and across the globe.

Samisoni Koroitamudu

June 19, 1940 - June 27, 2010