Across the vast Pacific ocean, the heart of a Tongan boy beat for the first time in Nukunuku, Tongatapu, Tonga, on July 27, 1957. Born in love to Tevita Maile and Malie Niu, he was named Taniela Niu III after his beloved grandfather.
To be Tongan is to walk with warrior strength, ancestral wisdom, and love of family.
As the youngest boy, Taniela was surrounded by a large family where love and faith took top priority in a humble home. He spent his childhood working the family plantation, delivering homemade bread, and studying diligently. He was adventurous. He climbed fruit trees, fished in the ocean, wrestled sharks, watched old western films, and jumped off his tin roof with only an umbrella after seeing Mary Poppins.
Taniela’s love of learning started when he was asked to be the ward clerk as his dad served as the Bishop for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in their village. His wise father encouraged him to use his education to build himself a better life. Taniela graduated at age 15 with high honors from Liahona High School in 1973. Taniela then worked for two years to support his siblings serving missions for the Church. He left for BYU Hawaii at age 17 with $12 in his pocket and his mom’s hand sewn red tie. He worked at the Polynesian Culture Center scooping ice cream and making wonderful friendships and inspiring his co-workers to go on missions as well.
Taniela had an unshakeable spirit. Before leaving Tonga, he received a blessing that said he would be the “Keeper of many people, and he should not turn anyone away.” This blessing encouraged him to seek and invest in people rather than material things. He served in the Honolulu, Hawaii mission from February 1977-79. He spent most of that time in the Micronesian Islands of Guam, Yap, and Saipan.
After his mission, he traveled back to Brigham Young University Hawaii where he continued to feed his love of learning. Taniela worked in the Fiji village at the Polynesian Culture Center climbing coconut trees and dancing in shows. He also played rugby and served in the student ward. His ability to connect with others served him well one Sunday in May 1979 when a beautiful blond-haired woman in a yellow dress showed up for church. Taniela introduced himself and offered to show her to class. That would be a turning point in his life as he fell in love with Claudia Selander.
The island boy followed Claudia back to her cold and wintery home in North Ogden Utah for Christmas of 1979. Claudia’s father made sure that Taniela had presents when he joined them on Christmas. The family fell in love with him when the gifts were offered and he cried in gratitude because it was the most presents he had received in his life.
Taniela took on the English translation of his name, Daniel, so others could say it with ease. Daniel and Claudia were married May 24, 1980 for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple. Daniel had a dream of his children, so he and Claudia quickly started a family. Kattie, Tiare, Joshua, Jacelyn, and Jonathan were all born in succession.
Daniel knew the voice of the Lord and was not afraid to follow it. One of these promptings led him and Claudia to Santa Ana, California. Upon arriving, church leaders told him that they had prayed him there. He was called to be the first Branch President of the Tongan Branch. He cared for many people and the branch flourished as it turned into a ward family.
Daniel & Claudia would often take their kids to the beach, watch the Disneyland fireworks from their windows, and hit the swap meets. They housed many missionaries in their home and ultimately moved to Irvine, California where they made many dear and close friends.
In 1991 Daniel accepted a job with Production Services at Brigham Young University. Three days after arriving in Utah, Claudia had another beautiful baby named Moriah. They moved to their home in Springville and just a month later Moriah passed away on December 11, 1991. As new members to what would become their lifelong ward and family, they were served endlessly and welcomed with open arms. They would add two more surprises to the family when Matthew and Malie were born years later.
Daniel was a BYU fan through and through. He watched football games, took his family to eat at the creamery, and worked with many friends and family at Print Services.. His relentless pursuit of excellence made him an indispensable part of the BYU printing process. He did everything from selecting paper, colors, and design to running and fixing the machines that print, cut, fold, shape, and bind the paper. He was promoted to many supervisory positions throughout his career, including serving on the BYU’s Presidential Committee for 3 years. He was also Employee of the year. Daniel spent 33 years at BYU with deep pride in his work, always humbly teaching students and colleagues.
His love of learning also led him back to school. While working full-time, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts in 2010. He then sacrificed many nights and early mornings to obtain a Masters degree in Public Administration in 2013. He believed no one is ever too old to learn.
His love for people and ability to listen to the Lord prepared him for many years of callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some callings include, Counselor in the Bishopric, Stake High Councilor, and years as a scout leader. Every Sunday he visited people who came to his mind. He and Claudia would often take a plate of brownies, a box of oranges, or money to friends and family. They were one in serving and testifying of God’s love. The two were inseparable as they served side by side, hand in hand, showing compassion and kindness to all.
Daniel needed his warrior strength in March of 2023 when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Liver Cancer. An unfortunate result of a blood transfusion that saved his life as a child when he fell from a tree and was impaled by a branch. Despite the diagnosis, Daniel’s optimism and faith went unshaken. Claudia spent hundreds of hours serving her sweetheart and learned everything she could to effectively care and advocate for him. Thanks to her diligence and Daniel’s positive warrior strength and attitude, he lived 16 months longer than what was originally projected.
During this time Daniel’s family made the most of every moment. Daniel and Claudia, their 7 living children, 6 daughters and sons “in love,” and 23 grandchildren, made it the summer of Daniel. Love, quality time, and service filled the summer. Daniel fought valiantly and endured pain for his family to have him a little longer. On his second to last Sunday, Daniel stood and bore testimony of his Savior and that through Christ we all can be together again. He bore similar testimony again and again to his family in the days, hours, and minutes preceding his passing.
Daniel was surrounded by his family, holding Claudia’s hand when he took his last breath at 12:20 AM Monday September 9, 2024. He left in an abundance of love. He was preceded in his departure by his parents Tevita Maile Niu and Malie Wolfgramm Niu, daughter Moriah Leilani, and several siblings, friends, and extended family members.
We express gratitude for the many healthcare professionals that cared for Daniel over the past 18 months. We have been surrounded in service by many members of our ward and neighborhood. We express love to those who have prayed and fasted and sustained us during this time.
We would be honored for you to join us in celebrating the life of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
Friday September 20, 2024 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM: Tongan Wake/Viewing
We are honoring our heritage by having a Tongan Wake. A wake is an opportunity to pay your respects and celebrate with us through music and memories. Please come for any amount of time you wish.
Saturday September 21, 2024: Funeral, Interment, and Family Luncheon
10:30-11:00 AM Closing of the Casket/Family Prayer
11:00-12:30 AM Funeral Service
2:00 PM Interment at Evergreen Cemetery followed by Family Luncheon
All events will be held at the Hobble Creek West Stake Center: 555 S Averett Ave, Springville, UT 84663
Evergreen Cemetery (Interment): 1997 S 400 E St, Springville, UT, 84663
