On March 5, 2021 my sisters husband took his last breath. My brother in law PJ Utuutuvanu or many know as Ike battled with End Stage Renal disease (kidney disease). At such a young age he was put on dialysis. He is a gentle, humble man who was an amazing football player and was just about athletic in every sport. He loved to sing, play the ukulele and just had an ear for music! He is a wonderful husband and father.

7 years ago he was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney disease and he struggled with having to deal with such a drastic change to his life. He was unable to work and my sister Tierra was left with the sole financial responsibility for the both of them. 5 years ago, they had their miracle baby Saite “BraveHeart” who was born at 23 weeks weighing 1lb 5.2 oz.
When my nephew came into this world my brother seen life in such a different way! If his son can endure all of this, so can he!

Tierra had to work 2 jobs, went to school and took care of PJ and Saite. There were countless medical procedures and appointments between PJ and Saite and it became apart of their normal routine in life. While Tierra went to work, PJ raised their baby boy and took over holding the house down. He developed into an amazing cook with creative recipes and kept the food on the table and the house clean!
PJ and Tierra are soulmates in this life and in the next! They have a love that endured so much trials and tribulations that other young couples normally wouldn’t have to overcome. They’ve kept God at the center of their relationship and was a testimony that miracles do happen! 

Sadly on Friday March 5, PJ gained his wings. It was a normal day for the Tauanu’u-Utuutuvanu household and PJ was home with Saite. Tierra waited for him to come to pick her up and he didn’t show up. Luckily, she works close to home and was able to walk home and she found PJ sleeping and his lips were purple. She tried her hardest to call 911 and perform CPR. But after her efforts along with the paramedics and firefighters, PJ didn’t make it. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.

He leaves behind his loving wife Tierra, his son Saite and a lot of family members and friends who love him! We have set up this Go fund me account on behalf of our sister Tierra and for our dear brother in law Ike! Our hopes are to raise enough funds to offset the costs of his funeral services and to lift off the financial burden for his little family. Anything left over will be given to Tierra and Saite until their hearts are healed and to allow them the time to grieve. We ask that you lift up Ike and his family in prayers and that you share words of encouragement of loving memories you have of him. We know that everyone who’s crossed paths with him can attest that he was such a kind spirit and loving man. Thank you to all who have reached out to our sister Tierra whether it was on social media, phone or dropping by to show your love for  her and Saite during this time. We are truly grateful for all of you during this time. God bless.