Elder Pita Vamanrav, Area Authority Seventy for the Pacific Islands Area and BYU-Hawaii alumnus, passed away from cancer last Friday, June 10, after a life full of loving service to the Church and the people of Tonga.
Elder Vamanrav, Indian by birth, was raised in Tonga and attended Liahona High School where he was baptized. He came to Church College of Hawaii in 1963 to study electronics but was called back to Tonga in 1966 to serve a mission.
As a missionary, Elder Vamanrav baptized his brother and his brother's wife, among many others. He returned to CCH in 1968, graduated in 1970 and married his wife, Seini Pasi, the following year.
After returning to Tonga, Elder Vamanrav and his wife owned and operated an importing company; however, as successful as he was professionally, his life is better characterized by his service.
He served his alma mater, BYU-Hawaii, as their placement ambassador in Tonga, helping Tongan students return home and find promising internships and career opportunities.
More importantly, he served the Lord and His Church in many capacities, including home teacher, bishop and stake president. In 2002 he was sustained as an Area Authority Seventy for the Pacific Islands Area.
"I love this Church and I will serve Him. I owe it to Him," he once said. "My wife is His greatest creation. A woman is the utmost of the creations of our Heavenly Father. I love and respect women. I love my wife and my children. I am so grateful I have the opportunity to serve Him. I am grateful that I am an instrument in His hand."
Read more about Elder Vamanrav and his life of dedicated service to the Lord.