St. George, Utah – Alec Maitiera Mapuhi Tekurio was born on April 14, 1951 in Papeete, Tahiti to Alfred Viorin and Tepoe Mapuhi Tekurio.  He was raised by his grandparents, Tuamata Tekuravehe and Vahineri'i Maire Mapuhi, who loved him so much and taught him the importance of church, family, and culture. At the age of 14 his grandparents were assigned to coordinate the Tahitian Village at the Polynesian Cultural Center (P.C.C) in La'ie, Hawai'i. While living in Tahiti in his early years, he was constantly around master teachers who taught their unique skills of drumming, singing, dancing, and entertaining. But it was his family's move to Hawai'i that helped cultivate and develop his love for his home-Tahiti.

As a youth, he watched as his grandparents enthusiastically teach visitors about French Polynesia. It was their devotion and love for teaching, that would put Alec on the path of becoming a teacher himself. His experiences in Hawai'i provided him with the opportunities to teach, just as his parents did, around the world and to share the Tahitian culture with others.

In 1969, at the age of 19, he organized his first group to perform throughout Japan. Three years later he joined the Royal Polynesian Revue and traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Pacific Islands. He met his wife, Tanya Mahealani Ross-Tekurio, while they were performing in Japan. In 1978 they married in Hawai'i and soon after moved to California to start their family. Alec continued to perform and credits his friends such as, Estella Reid, Pete Seanoa, Ulu and Me'e Malaulu for giving him an opportunity to share is passion and provide for his family.

In 1989 Alec, with the support of his wife, organized Hiti'a O Te Ra Polynesian Dance Troupe. It started small, -in their garage with their daughters as their first students and has grown into an award-winning troupe that has traveled the world.

In 1998, Alec and Tanya Tekurio sealed their children; Tamara, Malia, Hinano, Alain, and Maluhia, to them for time and all eternity, in the Los Angeles Temple. In 2003, after a visit from his stepfather, Papa Merehau Tekurio, Alec was finally sealed to his parents and grandparents in the Los Angeles Temple.  It was a moment that he waited patiently for.  It was a moment that brought happiness and peace into his life. In 2012, Alec served as a temple ordinance worker for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - he always said, 'Working in the temple was one of the best experiences of my life.'

Alec taught with passion and power.  He shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with confidence and gratitude.  He loved his family with all his heart.  He was a man that could light up a room with his infectious laugh and amazing smile.  Alec perpetuated the teaching of his parents to his family and his students. He was a loving husband, a patient father, and an amazing grandfather. He taught his students to work hard, stay humble, respect your elders and above all put God before all things.

Alec M. Mapuhi Tekurio leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Tanya Mahealani Ross Tekurio; his children: Tamara Anae (Joseph), Malia Tafua (Tafolo), Hinano Tanielu (Tuimanu), Alain Tekurio (Cherise), and Maluhia Sio (Lanae); and 10 grandchildren: Chylen Tanielu, Tulimanu Tanielu, Solomona Tafua, Alec Tafua, Mahealani Tanielu, Charles Tafua, Erena Tekurio, Olivia Tekurio, Tamatoa Tafua, and Payton Tekurio. Alec is also survived by his loving brothers and sisters: Mapuhi, Tekurio, Voirin; his amazing students; as well as his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. Interment Will be in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.