Maka Havili

Maka Ululani Havili of Orem, Utah, passed away on September 22, 2021, in Falls Church, VA, due to a difficult battle with COVID-19, while traveling for work. He left this life surrounded by his wife and children. He was born June 4, 1969, in Ha’ateiho, Nuku’alofa, Tonga and was the youngest child of eleven children, born to Nomani Palauni Havili and Milika Masina Taufalele. Maka moved to the United States, when he was 8 years old. He quickly learned English and excelled in academics. He graduated from Kearns High School in 1987, where he was a Sterling Scholar and Student Body President. He was also the 1987 Utah Teenager of the Year. He went on to study at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, and completed an integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering, graduating with both in 1994. It was during his last year at BYU, that he met the love of his life, Lesli Hicks, another senior at BYU graduating that year. They were married August 6, 1994, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Jordan River Utah Temple. He went on to earn his MBA degree from Brigham Young University in 1997. Maka worked as an environmental engineer for Geneva Steel after college and except for two years at Monsanto in Soda Springs, Idaho, he worked for Micron Technologies at their sites in Lehi, Utah, Boise, Idaho and—on temporary assignment—in Manassas, Virginia. During his more than two decades with Micron, he worked in Facilities, as an environmental engineer and then chemical engineer (specifically as a gas engineer).

Maka has always been an avid BYU Football fan, even watching his last game from his phone while in ICU. He loved the many years when his nephews played college football and enjoyed when some went on to play in the NFL. He never missed watching a game. He enjoyed participating in scouting as a youth, earning his rank as Eagle Scout. He loved serving as an adult scout leader and supporting his two sons in becoming Eagle Scouts.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a proselyting mission during his twenties in the California San Bernardino Mission. He loved God and loved serving others in any capacity. He served his local congregation in many roles, including as the bishop (volunteer pastor and leader) of the American Fork 13th Ward. His greatest pastime was spending time with his family, whether it be on road trips/vacations, playing games, attending his children’s events, or just hanging out in the backyard. He was always so proud of his kids and loved the addition of his son-in-law to the family. He also loved organizing dates with Lesli, spending frequent evenings with her and planning weekend getaways. He always made sure she had fresh flowers to brighten their home.

Maka is survived by his wife Lesli Hicks Havili and their four children: Ashlei Havili-Thomas (Aaron), Maika, Samuel, and Karlei. He is also survived by his siblings Pelenaise Mataele(Tuponiua), Leslieli Mahe, Sione Ngungutau Havili, Lose Moeaki(Sione), Tevita Havili(Uenita), Vika Susiane Satuala, Meliame Siulua(Taniela), Tongahai Halatokoua(Fatai), Lile Neiase Merrill(Quill) and Otosilo Havili(Ana) and adopted siblings Mele Falekaono(Taufa’oa), Sime Kaufusi(Palavi), Uainani Hopkins(Greg), Maka Otuafi Havili(Manusiu).

The funeral service will be at 11 AM, on Saturday October 9, 2021 at the LDS Church on 975 North 60 East, American Fork, Utah 84003. There will be a public viewing from 6-8 PM on Friday October 8, 2021 at the same address. There will be another public viewing from 9:30-10:30 AM prior to the funeral on Saturday. There will be a private family burial at Redwood Memorial Cemetery following the funeral. Maka did not wish anyone else to catch COVID-19 if he passed away, so out of respect for his wishes, masks are required at the viewings and funeral, regardless of vaccination status. The funeral will also be livestreamed via YouTube, with a link for the recording following the funeral.

https://youtu.be/pTUUahMkdik