Paniani Ioelu was one of them.
When Ioelu's now 12-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer five years ago, Mayne "came out of the clear-blue sky" and donated money to help pay for the boy's treatment. It was one of many acts of kindness Mayne showed to his Polynesian neighbors.
"He has actually left a legacy of service and friendship that we, as a Samoan community, need to carry on," said Ioelu, who rallied the Polynesian Youth Group to dedicate a black-granite monument in the late Democratic union boss' honor. "He was a great man - a man of understanding."
As part of the closing ceremonies of the Samoan Heritage Festival Saturday in Centennial Park, Ioelu presented the monument to Sen. Karen Mayne, who took over her husband's District 5 seat after he died of lung cancer in November.
Under a wind-whipped tent top, an emotional Ioelu made the dedication to a man he said acted as an advocate for the Polynesian community, helping foster sports and educational programs.
Mayne "was a great friend to our community, speaking for those who couldn't speak for themselves," he said.
Afterwards, he added: "No one can fill his shoes."
The monument, imported from India and donated by Etched in Stone owner Wallis Burnside of Ogden, will be displayed at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley City. It features a head shot of Mayne and a series of logos. One is a heart representing the senator, "whose compassion for the people in this community inspired the development of this (Polynesian Youth Group) program," Ioelu said.
One of several guests honored in a ceremony during Saturday's celebration, Karen Mayne sat cross-legged on a woven mat and chugged a Pacific Islander drink made from the roots of a kava plant. Afterward, she tipped over her cup and gestured as if she were slamming it down on a counter. The crowd laughed and applauded.
West Valley City, she said, is a "melting pot" of cultures and diversity. "I was so thrilled they would honor Ed in this way."
Before the dedication, she paid her husband's grave a visit at the Valley View Cemetery to tell him so.
