John Hugh Southon, 81, passed away in St. George, Utah on December 12, 2024. He was born in Apia, Samoa on October 7, 1943, to William and Senila Southon. He was the second oldest of five children.  When he was five years old, his parents moved their family to Auckland, New Zealand.  He received all his education there and later went to university to study engineering.

John served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served in the Northern Indian Mission, which covered six states: South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Montana and Wyoming.  He loved being a missionary.

John met his eternal companion, Puao Richards, and they were married in the Hamilton New Zealand Temple in 1970.  Three months after they were married, they moved to the United States and settled in California.  During that time, they welcomed their two children, Shey Lani and Vincent.

After five years, a job opportunity took their family to Honolulu, Hawaii where they resided for 31 years.  During that time, John worked as a fire protection engineer/contractor.

John and Puao retired and settled in St. George, Utah in 2006, and have enjoyed it.  They have spent most of their free time in their garden, always planting new fruits or vegetables.

John is survived by his wife, Puao; his siblings: Eric Southon (Nafanua), Lenora Pudney (Raymond), William Southon Jr. (Gail), Meryline Nyberg (Chris); his children: Shey Lani Christiansen (Brett) and Vincent Southon (Tiarie); and five grandchildren: Alieta, Bailey, Vincent Jr., Rhythm, and Rhyne.

Graveside services will be held Monday, December 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.