Peni Mao (Alex) Fuka

      Peni Mao (Alex) Fuka was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Peni always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Peni was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.       His parents were Viliami and Luseane Fuka. Peni was raised in Nuku' alofa, Tonga. Always able to express himself well, Peni possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Peni was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Peni was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Peni was raised with four siblings. He had two brothers Alauna and Tevita Fuka. Two sisters Katinia Ma and Maikale Pulini. Peni had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Peni was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.      When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Peni. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theology at Walla Walla University in 1995.       Peni was attentive to Lily's feelings, and he charmed Lily and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Peni was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.      Very much like a kid himself, Peni identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Peni was blessed with four children, Two daughter Luseane Orissa, Maikale Rene', Two son's Viliami Edwin and Alauna Sioloni Fuka. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, two grand-daughters Alana and Esther and three grandsons Viliami, Tevita and Damien.      Peni was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Peni’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Peni was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Peni could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was Owner of MVA Contruction. He was employed for Stone Tower Seventh Day Adventist Church as a Pastor. He also held the Presidency of the Tongan Seventh Day Adventist of America, Stone Tower Seventh day Adventist Intern Pastor, Pastor of University Park, OR and Hazel Dell, WA. President of the Tongan Community in Portland, Oregon, an Elder at Stone Tower Seventh Day Adventist Church.      Peni enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits was reading. His last book he was reading is The purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. The last phrase he underlined in this book was & quote; If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ you'll be at rest.& quote;. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.      Peni was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Peni worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Peni was an active member of the ASWWC Dorm Chaplain, President Men's Club, Multi-Culture Serves Asstistance Director Pacific Islanders Student Association, Omicron Pi Sigma Club and Resident Assistance.      Peni’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Theoogical Department Scholarship Ministery Award, Technical Learning Center, Greek I and II Tutor of the Year, Who's Who among Students in America University & College Walla Walla 1994-1995, The American Bible Society, 1995 Scholarship Achievement Award for outstanding achievement in Bibical Studies, The National Dean's List 1995-1996 Edition for Outstanding college student in America, World Christianship Ministrries Ordained in 2006 as Christian Clergy, the consecrated title of Pastor.      Peni passed away on December 22, 2009 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Porltand, Oregon. He is survived by his wife Lily, 4 children Luseane, Maikale, Viliami, Alauna. Services will be held at Stone Tower Seventh Day Adventist Church 3010 NE Holladay Street Portland, Oregon on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 9:00 AM. Peni was laid to rest in Lincoln Memorial Park.      Peni was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Peni had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Peni Mao (Alex) Fuka.