Obituary for Roderick Edwin ""Rod Tanu"" York
Roderick "Rod Tanu" Edwin York
April 8, 1953 - November 6, 2021
Recording artist and Entertainer Rod Tanu, 68, of Waimanalo, passed away peacefully on
Saturday November 6, 2021 in Honolulu. Rod was a singer, dancer, choreographer, coach, song
writer, and musician for over 40 years.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Misifeleni Safotu Lalau, SON Roderick Kenese
York (Lynn) DAUGHTER Isha Tinei York; MOTHER Aigalesala Galea'i Suitonu daughter of the
late Elder Reverend Galea'i Suitonu of Fitiuta,Manua and the late Tinei Lutu of Faagatogo,
American Samoa; SISTER: Muluea Gauta( Peselao) BROTHERS:Karl York(Cheryl), Suka
Tafisi, Neti Tafisi(Debbie), Robert Ulugaono(Loleka); SISTER IN LAW Siota York; Uncles,
Aunties, Nieces, and Nephews. He is predeceased by his father Father Paul Earnest York of
Muncie, Indianna, and brothers Alan, and David York.
Roderick was born on April 8, 1953 at Tripler Hospital. He started his education in California,
moved to American Samoa where he attended Leone and Samoana High School, and returned
to Hawaii finishing his education at Radford High School.
At the age of 18 he starred as a dancer and fire walker for the Zulu Show at Duke
Kahanamoku’s at the International Marketplace in Waikiki. He traveled and toured many
countries such as Jakarta, Thailand, Bali, Singapore, Samoa, and American Samoa just to
name a few. During his travels, he performed for kings and queens. In 1978 and for the next 30
years he was a singer, dancer, choreographer, and director for the Al Harrington Productions.
Roderick was a headliner at the Polynesian Palace and the Hale Koa Luau Show.
In 1982 Roderick released the album "Nice & Easy" where his song "Haole Girl" made it to the
top 5 on KCCN Radio. He also performed as a mainstay at Nobles Nightclub and various other
clubs in Honolulu, Aliikai Catamaran, The Sea Jet, Shorebird Waikiki, Star of Honolulu, Rock A
Hula Ledgends Show Waikiki, and The Dolphin Star to name a few. He loved entertaining so
much he opened his own place of business called Pete's Place and performed there nightly with
his live band "Rod Tanu and The Volcanos".
Roderick was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, coach, and great friend to many. He
grew up in Halawa Housing, San Diego, CA, American Samoa, and was a lifelong Waimanalo
resident. He will be missed immensely by his family and community. Roderick will never be
forgotten for his powerful vocals, his compassion, and love for entertainment. He loved singing,
playing his guitar, football, and spending as much time with his family.
April 8, 1953 - November 6, 2021
Recording artist and Entertainer Rod Tanu, 68, of Waimanalo, passed away peacefully on
Saturday November 6, 2021 in Honolulu. Rod was a singer, dancer, choreographer, coach, song
writer, and musician for over 40 years.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Misifeleni Safotu Lalau, SON Roderick Kenese
York (Lynn) DAUGHTER Isha Tinei York; MOTHER Aigalesala Galea'i Suitonu daughter of the
late Elder Reverend Galea'i Suitonu of Fitiuta,Manua and the late Tinei Lutu of Faagatogo,
American Samoa; SISTER: Muluea Gauta( Peselao) BROTHERS:Karl York(Cheryl), Suka
Tafisi, Neti Tafisi(Debbie), Robert Ulugaono(Loleka); SISTER IN LAW Siota York; Uncles,
Aunties, Nieces, and Nephews. He is predeceased by his father Father Paul Earnest York of
Muncie, Indianna, and brothers Alan, and David York.
Roderick was born on April 8, 1953 at Tripler Hospital. He started his education in California,
moved to American Samoa where he attended Leone and Samoana High School, and returned
to Hawaii finishing his education at Radford High School.
At the age of 18 he starred as a dancer and fire walker for the Zulu Show at Duke
Kahanamoku’s at the International Marketplace in Waikiki. He traveled and toured many
countries such as Jakarta, Thailand, Bali, Singapore, Samoa, and American Samoa just to
name a few. During his travels, he performed for kings and queens. In 1978 and for the next 30
years he was a singer, dancer, choreographer, and director for the Al Harrington Productions.
Roderick was a headliner at the Polynesian Palace and the Hale Koa Luau Show.
In 1982 Roderick released the album "Nice & Easy" where his song "Haole Girl" made it to the
top 5 on KCCN Radio. He also performed as a mainstay at Nobles Nightclub and various other
clubs in Honolulu, Aliikai Catamaran, The Sea Jet, Shorebird Waikiki, Star of Honolulu, Rock A
Hula Ledgends Show Waikiki, and The Dolphin Star to name a few. He loved entertaining so
much he opened his own place of business called Pete's Place and performed there nightly with
his live band "Rod Tanu and The Volcanos".
Roderick was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, coach, and great friend to many. He
grew up in Halawa Housing, San Diego, CA, American Samoa, and was a lifelong Waimanalo
resident. He will be missed immensely by his family and community. Roderick will never be
forgotten for his powerful vocals, his compassion, and love for entertainment. He loved singing,
playing his guitar, football, and spending as much time with his family.