2 Timothy 4:7-8
Kinikinilau “Kini” Tauakitau was born on May 7, 1961, and peacefully passed away on May 23, 2026, at 7:49 a.m., surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with lung cancer that later metastasized to his spine. Though his fight lasted only nine months, Kini faced each day with strength, faith, and a deep love for his family.
Kini resided in Renton, Washington, where he built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. He worked as a respected general contractor in Washington and was known for his dedication, generosity, and willingness to help anyone in need.
Kini is lovingly survived by his wife, Rhonda; his sons, Jeremy and Jacob; their wives, Jenny and Irina; and his beloved grandson, Ethan. He also leaves behind four sisters, Alapeta, Isapela, Manatu, and Nesi; two brothers, Henry and John; and many nieces and nephews who will deeply miss his love, laughter, humor, and, most of all, his larger-than-life presence.
A faithful servant in his church, Kini was actively involved in outreach ministry, helping feed the hungry. He began serving as a greeter, and God later called him to the worship team, where he faithfully played the bass guitar. Kini was known for his beautiful tenor voice, which could be heard distinctly among the congregation. His faith and love for God were reflected in the way he cared for others and gave wholeheartedly in every relationship.
Kini enjoyed fishing, road trips with his wife in his truck, and spending meaningful time with those he loved most. He was a loving, humble, and uncomplicated man who found joy in life's simple pleasures. His kindness and generosity touched many lives. Though his time on earth was far too short, Kini leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, strength, and compassion that will continue to live on through all who knew him.
Today, we come together to celebrate his life and say goodbye to a cherished friend, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, and husband. Though he will be greatly missed, his memory will remain forever in our hearts.
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Family milestones in gold, history for context
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Jeremy Text
Jeremy occasionally send beautiful texts to Kini and it just made his heart so full. Kini you ate missed more than words can express. We love you and we carry on that kind of love into others lives. Never forgetting, and never stop loving the 🌎 WORLD.
Spoken on June 20th by Chief to the Nobles of Tonga
I have great respect to God who is in our midst. I have great respect to all children and grandchildren of nobility. I have great respect to Kinikinilau. I have great respect to the widow Rhonda and their children. Thank you very much to the pastor and his church, and to all of you, for all that you have done. I've completed my duties and tasks because of all your help. I'm asking you, Peta, and all families to remember Rhonda and their family, and please continue to love and help them. After this, the address of a restaurant has been provided to go for nourishment. After today's occasion, there will be no more gathering required. That would conclude my speech. Please sing the national anthem.
Visit from Brother Lui
Today it pleased my heart to see Lui visiting Kini. I know the flight from 🇹🇴 Tonga is costly. So happy see you this morning as you posted your visit. Until we meet again God Bless You Lui
Turning Hearts Medallion Applied
Today i visted your grave and added the "Turning Hearts Medallion" to your marker. I know visitors will scan the code and see all your wonderful picture and videos I've uploaded. All our trips in the Truck you loved so much. All the family kids on your lap, some family pics added so that each one feels special to have known you. This is still a work in progress. Thank you God for such a beautiful human being that LOVED UNCONDITIONALLY as Jesus loved the world. You have passed on a Legacy of Love and if each of us who have known you loved as much as you did the world will be a better place! For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever beliveth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Jeremy Anthony's Tribute 6-21-26
Thank you all for coming today. Today, I have the honor of speaking about a man who changed my life. I met Kini when I was 14 years old—a lost young man trying to find his way. From that moment he welcomed me into his family home, he treated me as his own son. Through him, I was introduced to his family, and for what felt like the first time in my life, I witnessed a kind of love, unity, and togetherness that Aka and Vielea had built so beautifully. Our time in California was short-lived. Kini was a hardworking concrete and brick mason, he moved us to Seattle in search of opportunity and a better future. We all came here literally with the clothes we had on in Lui’s station wagon. Looking back now, that decision changed the course of my life. It was here within a couple years that I soon met my wife, Jenny. As Jacob did Irina. Kini loved our wives from the very beginning. He called them his daughters and cherished them as if they were his own. For the way he loved my wife and embraced her into the family, I will always be grateful. Over the years, I became his barber, and he became my therapist. I cherished all the lessons and perspectives I gained learning from a simple yet powerful man. I Realized, with everybody that kini came in contact with - respect was given with love so authentically that people had no choice but to respect and love him back. Kini enjoyed embracing people and he enjoyed his time with everyone here today and those who aren’t. We struggled together before we made it. We didn’t have much, but somehow, because of Kini, we always had enough. He taught me the values of hard work and the importance of being a humble man. He showed me that people matter more than possessions and that the greatest wealth in life is found in the relationships we build and the service we provide to each other while expecting nothing in return. Shortly after moving to Seattle, he quit drinking and smoking cold turkey. His determination amazed even his doctors. Once Kini made up his mind, there was no stopping him. He would make me laugh checking his blood pressure three times a day and talking endlessly about honey, ygarlic and apple cider vinegar. No matter how small our home was, there always seemed to be another Islander sleeping on the couch—someone Kini had taken in and helped. He opened his doors, his wallet, and his heart to anyone in need he could help. It is written that Jesus called his followers and said, “This poor widow put in only two small coins. But the truth is, she gave more than all those rich people. This was Kindogg! Giving wasn’t something Kini did—it was who he was. Giving his time , love and what little possessions he had. I remember when he finally bought himself a new pair of boots. That same day, someone admired them. Without hesitation, Kini took them off and gave them away. Not because he had plenty, but because bringing joy to someone else brought joy to him. He had a sense of guilt that didn’t allow him to always enjoy possessions because he knew somewhere someone needed what ever it was more than he. That’s is selflessness built into his DNA. That was Kini. I saw a mighty man with a heart far too big for his barrel chest to contain. I wasn’t the only one. Kini loved his mother deeply, More than any person I’ve met. Early on it hurt him to see the distance between me and my own mother. He encouraged me to forgive and forget. He taught me perspective. He wasn’t perfect—none of us are—but he always wanted to be better, and he inspired those around him to do the same. He healed my heart and showed me the pathway as to how to treat women. I strive to love my wife as he did my mother. He built an unbreakable bond with my mother that will forever last. Kini and Rhonda were like 2 love birds not worried about tomorrow, not worried about where they will be or what they will eat yet happy with every moment together. He helped me build projects, work jobs, solve problems, and navigate life—not because he had to, but because of his love. Kini watched my brother and I grow into who we are and although he was one of the most humble men I’ve ever known, he was incredibly proud of us. Sometimes he would show up unexpectedly with friends or family just to show them where we lived and what we had accomplished. It could be a little awkward, but you could feel the love and pride he had in his sons radiating from him. And then he became a grandfather. The love he had for Ethan was undeniable. Every time they were together, you could see it. Being a grandfather brought him a special kind of joy. In many ways, Kini found happiness in being exactly who God had called him to be—a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, and most of all a son. Kini played a huge role in shaping my mother into the woman I deeply respect and love today. More than anything, Kini taught us lessons that echoed from the Bible- humility, respect, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and service. He was gentle with the elderly, generous to the poor, and fiercely proud of his Tongan heritage. When I think about the way he lived, I think of the words found in Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Kini wasn’t a perfect man, but he was a man who loved mercy, who walked humbly, and who constantly tried to do what was right. He lived those words every day, often without even realizing it. And when I think about the sacrifices he made for his family, his friends, and even complete strangers, I am reminded of another verse from John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Kini may not have died for us, but he spent his life giving pieces of himself away—his time, his money, his strength, his wisdom, and his love. He gave freely because that was simply who he was. Today, my heart is broken by this loss. But it is also overflowing with gratitude. Because I had the privilege of knowing him, learning from him, and being loved by him for nearly thirty years. And because I know that the man who loved Jesus so dearly is now with Him. I can picture Kini in Heaven already—probably still trying to give things away, still helping people, still making everyone around him feel welcomed and loved. He would not want us consumed by sorrow today. He would want us to celebrate. To celebrate a life well lived. To celebrate a man who gave more than he took. A man who loved more than he judged. A man who served more than he sought recognition. A man who left this world better than he found it. I will carry the heart of Kini with me for the rest of my life, because he placed a piece of it there himself. I am forever grateful for everything he sacrificed, everything he taught me, and everything he did for my family. The man who proudly called me his son blessed my life for three decades, and that is a gift I will cherish forever. I will always remember his voice telling me “be strong” “Love you eh” I Love you to Brotha Until we meet again , I love you Kini.
Joey and I Visit + Deers
Today is Tueday Aug 18th. it's been Lee's than 90ndays you left us honey. I brought Joey up with me because he misses you so, so much. Than I took him for a burger 🍔 at Point Ruston. it was nice to check up on him for you!! He's Good! Me that's another story. I am missing you so much. Cring as the waves come and go. I love you Kindog
First Time I Saw you Kinikinilau
1996
Shared Memory
Rhonda His wife
Shared Memory
Jeremy Anthony
Shared Memory
Irina Anthony
Shared Memory
Chris and Larry
Shared Memory
Sivinia Foketi
Shared Memory
Solomone
Shared Memory
Sammy Lingle
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Adrianna Tauauii (Nana)
Shared Memory
Siosiana Ma Salanoa
Pallbearers
Ethan Michael Anthony; Grandson. Jeremy Micahel Anthony ; Son. Jacob Lynn Anthony; Son. David Goda, Moeaki, Isaiah Tupou, Kini Jr, Fou Palu, Tevita Palu, Joe Soakai, Tyson Finau, Henry Palu with Mini Kinikinilau Baby
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Celebration of Life
KD
Unexpected Surprise
Baptism
Pull it Dog!!