Manu Lagai
September 23, 1971 - January 15, 2005
Obituary
Manu Lagai Jr. age 34 born in Pago Pago. American Samoa on September 23rd, 1971 passed away on Saturday, January 15,2005. Manu was a crewmember aboard theF/V Sultan and was lost at sea on the opening day of opilio crab season in the Bering Sea,
AK. Although many boats participated in searching for Manu, he was never recovered. Manu otherwise known as ” Bird ”. Father, Manu Lagai Sr. preceded him on April 17th 1997 in American Samoa. Manu Lagai Jr. is survived by his mother, Gaupule Lagai of Pago Pago. American Samoa; two daughters, Savannah Noelani Liana Lagai ” Noelani ” Poloneysian for ” Beautiful one from heaven ” . and Keanna Rosa Lagai of Spokanc, W A ; five sisters, Aiaiaga Duncan. Rosa Tupuola, Faanumi Lagai, Pepe Lagai and Faaa Lagai; five brothers, Laaull Seuga. Keleni Lagai, Tiafala Lagai, Tapelu Sua and Jared Panama Seuga; numerous nieces and nephews and the motlter of Manu’s children, Julia Jean Gillette of Spokane, W A .Manu being from Samoa and like all other Samoans are very close with the sea and the treasures they provide. The Samoan culture and love
for humanity and all that is natural, Seafood is a gift and a part of their main staple, they free dive for lobster and climb trees for Coconut Crab. Manu ” Bird ” has been fishing since he was 15 yrs of age, as like many otlter fisherman has always ” had it in his blood” to fish. He was fishing on many types of boats from Drag Boats to King Crab Boats. Manu fished from the Bering Sea. Alaska to Providence Rode Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Manu Lagai always worked very hard and when home, played hard as well, as many of his closest friends and his girlfiend at tile time of his passing Cherise, well know. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 10:00 AM at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 Intenational Blvd., SeaTac. WA 206 242-1787.
Goodness!!!why did you have to leave so soon:. You touched so many hearts, especially with that priceless smile. It was a great blessing to have you as a brother. I wish you well and a wonderful journey to the other side. I love you Manu.
It has taken me a while to be able to even write this memorial. It is just so hard to believe. As I reflect back Manu and I had some very fun times on and off the fishing boat over the years. It was a shocked to me to hear of the tragedy and my prayers go out to his children and the entire family. Which I know are all very close and in pain, please know he is in a better place and his love will never end for you all.
I have looked through all the pictures we took together and it took my memories back to the family get together’s and outings. Manu was always a crazy young man. That grew up to have two beautiful girls. The last time I saw him was at the rail road, we always would run into each other in the strangest places over the years. The thing I remember the most is he always was upbeat and had a head of hair that made me so jealous. NuNu rest in peace love.
Manu was a great friend & will be with us in our hearts.
WE WILL MISS YOU UNCLE MANU. REST IN PEACE UNCLE!! WE ALL LOVE YOU AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY AND OUR HEARTS
LOVE YOUR NEICE,
MICHELLE
WE WILL MISS MANU DEEPLY. HE WAS WELL LOVED BY ALL. I AM GREATFUL TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BE A SMALL PART IN MANU’S LIFE, AS A FRIEND. I WILL REMEMBER HIM ALWAYS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY. KIM
My heart goes out to Manu’s family. I spent time with his family and worked with him on the ships. What a good Man, friend, father, family member. I will miss him deeply, I have many fond memories of him. Forever in my heart. Rest in Peace my friend. RED
Rest in Peace to a good uso,used 2 work with him at the railroad…
Manu its been six years with out u. I miss and love u with all my heart. R.I.P cuz :'(
Manu no words can explain how much i miss you its to hard belive that ur still gone… R.I.P unko Manu
Uncle! I miss you so much. You are missed so much. Every time I go up to alaska I know your there with me and the rest of the boys. I love you and miss you so much love always your nephew Folagi!
we (your brother & I) were looking at old pictures and as i listen to his stories about you…. its an amazing relationship. we miss you…that smile….that hair….that joyful spirit. The girls have grown into beautiful young ladies. We went to Vannah’s graduation this year and looking forward for keanna’s graduation. we love u. Rest in Love.
Uso, fishing with you has been one of the most pleasurable, privelaged and profound things i have done in my lifetime. Those were the best of times. Although I lost my passion for fishing when you left, our shared passion for life I feel daily and try my best to think of you every day. Almost always it puts a grin on my face. 10 years you have been gone from our lives but you still touch the hearts of all who knew you. The moments we shared at sea I will never forget, keep flying bird, til we set sail again someday.
Im Sorry for your loss. RIP. Manu Lagai
Manu was my friend my brother we stayed close daily for about three years after we first met I hung out with him his cousin his cousin’s wife and their children I was in their home every day and he was in mine I didn’t find out that he was killed until 3 years later I felt so bad and so empty that I did not get a chance to respond with everyone else the feelings that we should have shared with him being gone I still have my thoughts of him being near and dear to me and I will hold those forever.
He was kind he was funny constantly had me laughing and everybody else he was a trooper he survived things that most people wouldn’t have gave us a scare of our life one time prior to this and he still found a way to make a joke out of it in the end I hope somewhere he’s smiling and laughing at us in a good way. I will miss and love you brother Manu!!! Keep me in your blessings in heaven and watch over me as you did on earth. Love always, Loreena aka Lolina
I would highly highly appreciate it if somebody could please send me a picture of mono with his big old pretty girl in if anyone could please send any pictures at all please please do so please send it to this address….queenb98125 at ya hoo PLEASE!
Daddy,
I think about you constantly. I wanted to let you know I graduated High School with 3.4 average, went to Everrest College in Seattle spent a lot of time with the family, working at a family practice as a medical assistant and I love it! Got married to a wonderful Christian man. We had a daughter who is now 15 months we named her Mercy Lynn Cassano. I know you would have been an amazing Grandpa. We have your picture up so she knows who you are. Sissy is a CNA she’s working at a home for the elderly she loves connecting with them, she has a daughter as well named Drue Eloise Honey Lagai who is 5 almost 6 and is crazy creative and talented. She says “Grandpa Manu is mommy’s dad and he is in the sky in heaven”. We miss you and I can’t say what Gods plans were for you but I pray that you did believe in Jesus and you joined him in his kingdom when you left this world. I love you and will always keep you in my family’s hearts.
Your daughter
Keanna Rosa Cassano “proud to be a Lagai”