Samuel Pokini

Samuel Pokini; 80, of West Valley City, Utah passed away Monday, March 2, 2009 at his home with his wife at his side. Sam was born on June 24, 1928, the son of Samuel Akina and Marguerite Yokomoto. After the death of his mother, he and his brother were adopted by George and Dinah Pokini. He attended and graduated from Kamehameha Schools. While in high school, he played football and boxed. Sam served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1948. He married Rose Ledward in Honolulu on January 17, 1953. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Hawaii LDS Temple. He served as the first Bishop of the 'Aliamanu Ward and as a Seminary Teacher in Honolulu . He performed as a fire knife dancer known as Manu at nights for 26 years. He worked as a collector for a law office until retirement. In 1991, he and Rose moved to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to be closer to family. They later moved to Portland, Oregon and then to Provo and now West Valley City, Utah. He liked to perform magic and used it as object lessons. He was a BYU football fan. He is survived by his wife Rose Pokini; Puanani (Warren) Strother; Kanoe Crowfoot; Samuel K. Pokini and Kimo Pokini. 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother and one sister. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 9, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Hunter LDS 5th Ward Chapel. The family will meet with friends prior to services on Monday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Utah Veterans Memorial Park Cemetery.