William Haveia Akauola
William Haveia ‘Akauola, known to many as Viliami, or simply “Will,” passed away on September 30, 2025, in Bountiful, Utah. Viliami was born on March 30, 1981, in San Mateo, California, to Sela Finau ‘Akauola and ‘Ikahihifo Takaifanga ‘Akauola. He was the beloved husband of ‘Okaneti (Neti) Taumoepeau, a devoted father to Tamata’ane Tupou ‘Akauola, and a loving father figure to Abigail, Fine, Mele Pauline, Kaufo’ou, and Taukei’aho. Viliami grew up in Union City, California, where he learned the value of hard work, family, and showing up for those you love.
Viliami had a big heart and a warm smile. From his father, he learned the importance of diligence, staying true to family, and carrying out his cultural duties. From his mother, he inherited a deep, unwavering love and enduring spirit of friendship that shaped the man that we all know and love. He reflected that gift in every interaction, making others feel seen, standing up for what mattered, and ensuring that people he encountered felt valued. The untimely death of his mother in 2011 left him with a void in his heart that he would always carry with him. The loss of his father in 2022 only deepened his appreciation for the people who stood beside him, especially his children, wife, siblings, nieces, nephews, and closest friends. He believed it was important to enjoy the little things while working toward bigger goals, a legacy his father left with him.
Viliami was a man of faith and community. In his younger years, he played a pivotal role in his church family, taking part in Youth Sunday, or fakamē, and teaching traditional Tongan dances, such as the kailao. He built lasting relations and cared for communities wherever he went. It made no difference whether it was his High School Poly Club, on stage performing music with his lifelong friends, or in a kava circle where laughter and music drew people together to share stories and sing. He found joy as an avid music lover with an eclectic taste in music. His preferred genres could range anywhere from country, roots reggae, island reggae, Bay Area rap, and even traditional Tongan music depending on his mood. He loved cheering for his favorite team, the 49ers, with the same enthusiasm he brought to every barbeque or party he hosted, where his grill and his generous spirit were the center of hospitality.
In 2005, Viliami met Neti, the love of his life. Their bond grew quickly, and they began dating on July 4, 2006. After nearly a decade of building a foundation of love, laughter, and shared dreams, they were married in 2015. On January 1st of that same year, they welcomed their son, Tamata’ane Tupou ‘Akauola. Arriving earlier than expected at 26 weeks, Tamata’ane’s birth would become the gift that reshaped Will’s purpose. Embracing both fatherhood and his role as a husband guided him from California to Utah, where he poured his heart into raising his son, building a home with Neti, and strengthening the family they shared together.
Throughout Viliami’s life, he cultivated friendships across all circles from work colleagues, to musicians in their Faya Band and youth days spent at the Dead End, to the many kava circles where he met so many that he considered his brothers.
Viliami’s legacy lives on in the love he displayed and small acts of kindness that made him who he was. Always the first person in the room to welcome new friends, helping and serving those in need, and loving without inhibition. He had a steady presence that left a lasting imprint on everyone’s lives he touched.
William’s life, in a printed book
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The world William knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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