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Musician Kelemete Wright passes away suddenly in Los Angeles, CA.![]() Kelemete Wright was found at his home in Long Beach, CA April 17, 2015 where he had passed away in his sleep. The cause of death was Heart Attack.
He is survived by his daughter Mamele Ane Wright who is married to Sosaia Pua and his siblings who include brother Ottley Wright married to Traci, Nebraska; sister Veli Fua married to Junior, Auckland NZ; sister Sharon Vaega married to Sinapati, Auckland NZ, brother George Wright married to Tusigafa, Lotopa Samoa; Sister Dorothy Raigans married to Marc, San Pedro CA, sister Rhonda Tuafoe married to Paul, Auckland NZ; sister Lily Kaio married to Leo living in Lotopa Samoa; and sister Juanita Aitu married to Jacob, Santa Ana CA. He was born Apia, Samoa on January 12, 1962 at Motootua Hospital. He was the eldest son of his parents: (both deceased) Father: Kelemete Lauvao Wright of Luatuanu'u, Upolu and his Mother was Mamele Su'a Wright of Sataua, Savai'i ![]() Kelemete attended Pesega Elementary School; graduated from CCWS in 1978, then left for BYU-H right after.
He attended BYU Hawaii until he moved to Los Angeles in 1982. Kelemete was well known in the music circles from Apia to the East Coast of the USA. He was well known for playing the piano and yet he also was a great guitarist and bassist. He played all styles from Samoan to Jazz. He was also a song writer. While at BYU Hawaii he wrote a number of songs which included the song that won the BYU Hawaii Club Song Competition in 1980. While at BYU Hawaii he was also a member of a band called TNT. In 1982 he moved to Los Angeles, CA where he continued to play music and eventually was recruited to be a musician in a Polynesian Dancing troupe that toured throughout Canada and the East Coast. He eventually married and had a daughter, his pride and joy Mamele. He was a musician for a number of very popular Polynesian performers including Doug Alii Slade and Duke Galea'i performed in Florida, New York, Connecticut, Utah and many other States. Kelly's final services are on Friday, May 1, 2015 at the LDS Chapel: 6979 Orange Ave, Long Beach, 90805 at 9am -10am will be the Viewing, 10am - 11am will be the Family Service. 11:30am - 12:30pm the Bishop's Service will be held. After the Bishop's Service, he will be buried at the Forest Lawn Cemetery: 1500 E. San Antonio Dr. Long Beach, CA 90807. Paul Patu passes away in Seattle, WA.![]() By Suluama T. Vivolo
Our own honorable Public Servant & member of Samoa Speaks, Director for the Seattle School District. Betty Patu's husband ‘Paul’ Patu, third Eldest son to my Uncle Pila Patu of Vaiala Samoa & Pago, Pago Tutuila Am/Samoa. South Pacific Islander advocate, dies at age 70 on February 24, 2015. My first cousin, Von Paul Patu has passed away. I'd like to take this opportunity to say my Epic heartfelt Condolences to you my dearest sister Betty Patu, the children & your grandchildren, for more than 30 years I have known you, endorsed you to run for our City Counsel & my cousin Paul Patu as your #1 Supporter at your side. ![]() You've been documented and well received by the School District as exceptional. Your path to this seat was not easy but since you have been in office your work has been influential in raising the proficiency level of the Seattle School District both you & Paul Patu alone own this Seat to help our Polynesian Community. You have touched so many of our Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Hawaiian & all Poly/Islands Students lives from Elementary, up to High School as well as College level. You have influenced, ingrained, touched & have impacted so many children's Lives in our Washington Community. Malo Tau o le Taua. Maua i le Lagi sou Nofoaga Tumau ma ou Manuia. Rest In Love my Dear cousin, till we Meet again. Alofaaga e le Uma mo o'e le Tuagane. Fa'afetai ma ia Soifua.
Respectfully signed by Suluama Teresa Patu Laumea-Vivolo & family. |