Laurence Edward Hansen passed away peacefully on the evening of May 3, 2019 surrounded by his family and relatives. He was born on May 9, 1931 in Neiafu, Vavau, Tonga. He was the oldest child to Thomas Hansen (Deceased) and Mele Talau Motemoa Luani (Deceased.
) His siblings from oldest to youngest are Fatafehi (Deceased,) Robert (Deceased,) George, Ofa Mann, Henrietta Faumui, Helaman, Thomas, Seini Leauanae (Deceased,) Fifita Williams and Emma Domine. His mother passed away when he was only 10 years old and he quickly felt the responsibility of helping his father take care of all the children. In his early 20’s he left Tonga to go to New Zealand where he would work and send money back to his father to help support the family.
Living in New Zealand was great for Dad. He flourished with a great job and after a few years of establishing himself he would meet the love of his life. On December 19, 1959 he married Ana Kilistina Niu and they were sealed in the Hamilton, New Zealand Temple.
They had 5 children – Elvis (Aiona) , Leanne, Herman, Edward (Melenaite) , Lynette Tukuafu (Timote. ) He had 20 grandchildren – Jayce Hansen, Cameron Hansen, Marcus Hansen, Mikelle Hansen, Jay Lihati Unga, Christiana Hafoka, Sharky Samisoni Unga, Caleb Unga, Kyle Unga, Malie’ Hansen, Marisia Hansen, Sohfe Hansen, Oaks Hansen, Salome Hansen, Meledy – Edele Hansen, Umukisia Tukuafu, Zion Tukuafu, Jared Tukuafu, Ana Tukuafu and Ofa’Aloi-Talau Tukuafu. And 8 Great Grand Children – Leon Unga, Carmine Unga, Jeremiah Unga (Deceased,) Sosiua Hafoka, Braden Hafoka, Salunga Hafoka, Leo Unga and Rose Unga.
He served faithfully in many different callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was called as a Bishop in the Auckland 7th Ward in New Zealand and served as such for 7 years. Shortly after he was called to be in the Auckland, Mt Roskill Stake Presidency.
In 1977 after much thought and prayer, Dad felt the prompting to move his family from New Zealand to the United States of America. It didn’t take long before Dad once again thrived and established himself with good employment with the church and also worked as a counselor for Polynesian students at South High and East High Schools. His whole life was dedicated to serving the Lord and helping people in so many different ways.
He helped the sick and the afflicted, fed the homeless, welcomed strangers to his home, worked closely with the youth, always visiting the elderly, and mowing his neighbors lawn. He was called to be a Bishop a second time in the Riverside 2nd ward in Salt Lake City. In his last 10 years of being here on the earth he served as a Patriarch in the Tongan North Stake where he was a mouth piece for the Lord where he blessed the lives of many people.
Dad was a simple man. He was selfless and humble! It was never about him!
He was a man of great integrity and he was a man of his word. It was always about doing the right thing and living the gospel of Jesus Christ to its fullest. With him there was no gray, only black and white.
The two most important things to him in this life was his wife and family…. his brothers and sisters…and right with his family was his dedication and service to his Father in Heaven! He lived 6 days shy of 88 years of age.
We love you Dad and we will miss you greatly! However, we know that there is a glorious reunion going on in the spirit world with your father Thomas, your mother Talau, your brothers Fatafehi and Robert, your sister Seini and many other relatives and close friends. Our Husband, Father, Brother, Grand Father, and friend to many lived a full and wonderful life and left behind a great legacy of faith, love, and service to his God and fellowmen.
Viewing will be held Friday evening May 10, 2019 from 6pm – 10pm at the LDS chapel located at 1100 East 1700 South in Salt Lake City. There will be a family viewing Saturday morning from 8am – 10:30am. Bishop’s service will follow at 11:00am at 1100 East 1700 South Salt Lake City.
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