Posted on: Sunday, July 3, 2005

Services planned for canoe carver

Advertiser Staff

KAHULUI, Maui — Services for Tahitian canoe carver Leon Teamo "Fafa" Toofa, 67, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Helene Hall in Hana, followed by a 5 p.m. service at the Hawaiian Canoe Club hale in Kahului.

Toofa, 67, drowned June 25 when he was swept out to sea by a wave near his Hana home. Memorial service organizers said paddlers from outrigger canoe clubs around the island are expected to gather to salute him by raising their paddles.

The Kihei, Hawaiian and Hana canoe clubs are overseeing arrangements and seeking donations to cover funeral and travel expenses.

While living on Maui, Toofa crafted koa racing canoes for each of the clubs, and built as many as 20 canoes for several hotels and private individuals.

Toofa is survived by his son, Jean Pierre Tepaioura; daughter, Dorina Marurai; sisters, Sonia Hatitio, Lysette Berty and Jeannine Afo; brothers, Raymond, William and Marcel; and nine grandchildren. Relatives from Tahiti are expected to come to Maui for the services and accompany his remains home to Tahiti.

Contributions may be sent to Kihei Canoe Club, P.O. Box 1131, Kihei, HI 96753. For more information, call (808) 879-5505.