Reginald Wayne Shute, a former President of the Apia Samoa Temple in Pesega was laid to rest on Good Friday in Utah. He was 86.

Mr. Shute's passing was announced in a statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in numerous capacities for the Church in the Pacific region including Fiji where he helped to rebuild a primary school. 

Mr. Shute first served in Samoa as a young missionary (1955 to 1958) and later as the Mission President of the Apia, Samoa Mission for three years (1968 to 1971).

He served as the Temple President of the Apia, Samoa Temple from 1997 to 2000. 

"He made vital contributions to the growth of the Church in Samoa. Wayne has stayed dear friends with his missionaries and the people he served," the Church said. 

Mr. Shute received a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University (1955), a master's degree in Educational Administration also from BYU (1959), and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Southern California (1964). 

Professionally, his career was focused on teaching and education. He worked for the Department of Continuing Education at BYU (1964 to 1968) and was the Vice President/Dean of Students at The Church College of Hawai'i in Laie (1972 to 1974), now BYU-Hawai'i.

Mr. Shute spent much of his time reading, authoring many books, giving lectures, and leading study groups. He was also involved in many humanitarian projects," the Church said.  

"Most recently, he helped raise money and organize the reconstruction of a small primary school in Fiji. His life of faithfulness and wholehearted service has had a far-reaching impact all over the world."

Mr. Shute is survived by his wife, Donna, his 9 children, 41 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren.

He was born on 25 April, 1933 in Tuberose, Saskatchewan, Canada and passed away in Utah on 24 March 2021.

On Friday, he was interred at the Tonaquint Cemetery in Utah. 

His remarkable life was filled with love for the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and generous service to others, the Church said.