Kitione Maile

MAILE, KITIONE "KITI", in the wake of his sudden, unexpected departure last Wednesday, leaves a bittersweet tapestry of broken hearts and proud, loving memories of a man so devoted to his family, so beloved by countless friends and so admired for his talents and accomplishments. He was 58. A native of the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific, he left his homeland on a rugby scholarship to Brigham Young University/Hawaii and later became an entertainer at Disneyland. In 1971, he and his band traveled cross country in one car to Orlando to begin a long-running stint headlining the nightly Polynesian luau shows at the new Walt Disney World. An athletic and gifted dancer and musician, he transferred those talents to the golf course, where he rapidly excelled and eventually became a teaching club pro. He became the first Tongan to earn a PGA of America Class A membership and has been the head teaching pro at Disney for the past decade. He gained national fame in the '80s when he and partner Jim Taylor invented and produced the elongated "Pole Kat" putter which then-President George Bush credits for renewing his passion for the game. However, Kiti's main legacy will be his upbeat, inspirational spirit and warm personality that touched so many friends and associates. He never met a stranger and personified the precept that anyone can aspire to whatever they desire. He was especially proud of his earned U.S. citizenship and was openly patriotic and appreciative of the opportunity for what became his own American Dream. That dream was dealt a blow three years ago when his 23-year-old daughter, Ana, a vibrant and gifted music student, was killed in an auto accident. Kiti reassembled his south seas band and accompanied her memorial at First Baptist Church/Orlando with sweet, distinctive island music. Explaining that he often sang a Tongan bedtime song to her as a child, he proceeded to tenderly sing her to sleep one last time. In that same FBC/Orlando main sanctuary, on L.B. McLeod Road, this Friday, Feb. 28, 7PM-12 Midnight, visitation for Kiti will include special memories presentations. Funeral service will be 10AM Saturday at FBC/Orlando, followed by graveside service at Woodlawn Funeral Home, Gotha. Kiti is survived by wife, Vickie Maile; and three sons, David Seljestad, Kiti John Maile, and Maika Haini Maile; father, Semisi Maile of Oakland, CA; and mother, Analiku Tau'uta of Tonga. In lieu of flowers, contributions to a Trust Fund for Vickie, Kiti Junior and Maika may be made through any SunTrust Bank office.