William DeFriez
EAST CARBON CITY – Clark William DeFriez, age 87, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2008, due to a fatal car accident.
He was born Dec. 20, 1920 to Henry William DeFriez and Beatrice Palmer in Wattis. He married VeLoye Gunderson on July 3, 1941; their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple.
Clark lived a full and happy life. He loved to teach.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he loved the gospel. He served in three bishoprics, was a member of the high council, served three missions and held various other callings.
Clark served in World War II as a chief machinist in the Merchant Marines Service.
He worked in the Carbon County coal mines, the Texas Gulf Sulphur Company in Moab for 30 years and was a builder and professional cabinetmaker.
His family loved him and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, VeLoye; two sons, Troy Clark (Trish Meyer) DeFriez and Tim William (Karen Lee) DeFriez; three grandsons; and four granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Todd DeFriez.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at the East Carbon LDS Chapel. Viewing will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Ferron City Cemetery at 3 p.m. Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary.
Pelaki Latu
EAST CARBON CITY – Pelaki “Lucky” Latu, age 49, passed away very suddenly on May 21, 2008 in Price of natural causes.
He was born Oct. 29, 1958 in Haateiho, Tongatapu, Tonga, to Fakaosi Folau and Poleo Luisa Mafi Latu. Married Deborah Ann Robinson Nov. 21, 1985 in Salt Lake City.
Pelaki graduated from Tonga College in Tongatapu specializing in carpentry and blueprints.
He was a licensed general contractor and he loved designing and making furniture.
He was an excellent artist and a perfectionist at everything he did. He was a man of many talents and, while living in Tonga, he helped build the family home. When his mother suffered a stroke, Pelaki and Debbie lived in Aukland, New Zealand, for a year while caring for her.
Pelaki was a friend to all, he enjoyed helping others and he especially loved children. He enjoyed playing with and teaching Marriah, Izzy and Amberia his native language and Tongan dancing. He was very fluent and spoke Samon, Tongan and English.
Pelaki was employed with Pacific Central Steel Fabrication since July 2007. He was a sandblaster and worked there until the day of his passing. He loved his job and really liked his co-workers. He was a dedicated and hard worker, who never missed a day of work or complained about working in the cold.
Pelaki is survived by his loving wife, Debbie, East Carbon; stepchildren, Leila Michelle Wilson, Hyrum, Johnnie Darty, East Carbon; three brothers and two sisters, who are mostly living in New Zealand and California; grandchildren, Marriah Michelle and Izabelle Ann Darty, both of East Carbon; many nieces, nephews and other family members living in the islands.
Pelaki will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him, especially his wife of 22 years. They were constant companions and did everything together. But now he’s with his mother, dad and brother and someday will be with his wife again.
Ofa Lahi Kea Koe. Love you always, Debbie (Tepi) Latu.
Funeral service Friday, May 30, 2 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Family will be Mitchell’s Thursday evening, 6 to 8 p.m., and Friday one hour prior to service. Friends are welcome at Mitchell Funeral Home daily. Interment, Cliffview Cemetery, Price.