Alema Lameko "Kuikui Man" Aiono

Alema Lameko Aiono, age 63, of La Mirada, California, passed away on August 5, 2025, at exactly 12:00 p.m., surrounded by his eternal sweetheart, Pua Aiono, and all 11 of his children-singing, embracing, and gently ushering him through the veil into the arms of loved ones on the other side. He left this life just as he lived it-on his terms.

Born on August 20, 1961, at Moto'otua Hospital in Samoa, Alema was the beloved son of Vaitaa'a Taunese Fesola'i-Tofa and Lameko R. & Siala F. Aiono. He emigrated from Samoa to the United States in 1977, building a life rich in family, culture, and community.

Earlier this year, Alema faced a series of health challenges, including multiple heart attacks and a diagnosis of parasitic meningitis. He spent months in the hospital-enduring tremendous pain, undergoing resuscitation, and ultimately being placed on life support. He fought with the same strength and determination that defined his life.

A man of remarkable knowledge, Alema was a walking, talking human encyclopedia-sharp, quick, and witty, with a knack for remembering everything and a gift for seeing straight through you. He carried an unmatched understanding of his Samoan heritage and culture, from its history and traditions to the stories and values passed down through generations.

That depth of knowledge was equaled only by the way he loved people. Alema was an open book, able to connect with anyone. His humor was legendary-whether it was a perfectly timed quip that humbled you, or a story that had you laughing, he always left an impression you'd never forget.

He lived a life of service and was generous not only with his time and heart, but also with his means-slipping money into someone's hand without a word, or showing up in times of hardship to help with expenses. Since he was a young man, he made it a point to show up for people-attending every occasion, whether a celebration, a milestone, or times of mourning-and dropping in on loved ones regularly just to see how they were doing. When one of his kids or grandkids was sick, he would travel without hesitation to Arizona, Utah, and across California just to be near them, to kiss them, and to bring comfort. He believed love was best expressed through presence and food, and he embodied that truth every time he arrived-never empty-handed, always carrying with him a piece of his heart.

A true social butterfly, he could talk your ear off and make you feel like the only person in the room. That gift of connection was deeply rooted in his Polynesian spirit and has been passed on to his children. We are all just like him in the best ways-carrying his warmth, humor, generosity, and his gift for making people feel truly seen, loved, and remembered. And though he wore many hats in his lifetime, his very favorite title-the one that made him beam with the most pride, was being "Papa."

Known far and wide as "Kuikui Man," Alema became famous for selling fresh sea urchin all along the West Coast-and even making his way to Alaska to deliver it to eager customers. People knew that if The Kuikui Man showed up, they were getting the freshest, best catch, and probably a good laugh too. Long before that, he was slinging Samoan DVDs and banana poi straight out of the back of his car, parking at churches, weddings, and events-selling to anyone who caught his eye-all while working in the automotive world, fixing cars, towing them, and keeping people on the road. That was our dad-bold, resourceful, and unapologetically himself.

In his final years, Alema, a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, chose to live his faith more fully-drawing closer to Christ than ever before. He strengthened his testimony, deepened his devotion, and focused on uniting his family. We are forever grateful for the man he became and the example he set in the end. Because of our Savior Jesus Christ, we know death is not the end. We will see him again. Until that day, we take solace in knowing he is near-watching over each of us and his grandchildren all at once, just as he always did in life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pua Aiono; his parents, Lameko and Siala Aiono; his 11 children: Vernon (Siu) Aiono, Candace (Freddy) Sagiao, Michael P. (Bonita) Aiono, Lauralynn (JP) Defngin, Julius (Sadi) Aiono, Emerald Taunese (Taufa) Pulotu, Joshua Aiono, Gwendoline Aiono, Geraldine Aiono, Josiah Aiono, and Grace Aiono; 27 grandchildren, with one on the way: Kaylee, Vernon Jr., Kyler, Kolby, Kinsley, Teihani, Nehemiah, ShiLynn, Senalah, Tua, Emerald, Arye, Mikaele, Maleia, Mila, Kimani, Taimane, Tuiloa Alema, Nina, Makai, Tanoa, Hallie, Janelle, AnaLia, Avei, Lesila, and Taufa Jr.; and his siblings: Muliaina Paina (Melissa) Aiono, La'amauga (Verdy) Afemata, Mandy (Fou) Semeatu, Aukuso "Goose" (Diane) Aiono, Michael Ifopo, Katie (Toto) Su'esu'e, and Lameko Jr. (Gin) Aiono.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Vaitaa'a Taunese Fesola'i-Tofa, and his sister and brother-in-law, Eileen (Aarona) Faiva.