Viliamu Suafoa Kuaea's Obituary
Viliamu Suafoa Kuaea was born on July 30, 1985 at the old Madigan Hospital on Ft. Lewis WA. He was born a month early and only weighed 6 pounds. But once he was born, he never stopped growing, hence his nickname “Big V”.
Viliamu was the third son born to Viliamu and Lita Kuaea. He had two older brothers, Talalele and Kose; one younger brother, Kolio; and two younger sisters, Malia and Tusalava. Every year Viliamu celebrated his birthday with his brothers, Kose (July 28), Kolio (July 29) and Viliamu (July 30)…
three consecutive days, three individual cakes and three days of celebration! If you knew our family, you knew that unusual fact!
Viliamu’s education started in 1990 in New York while his father was stationed in Ft. Drum NY. In 1994, his father retired from the US Army, and our family returned to Washington. He attended Lake Louise Elementary where he made many lifelong friends, Mann Middle School and Lakes High School. He played Lumberjack football and then lettered in football and track in high school. He graduated from high school in 2003 and attended Pima Community College, Tucson AZ, to play football. But his football days ended too soon because of concussions. Viliamu returned to Washington, but lived with his brother, Kose, at EWU in Cheney WA.
In 2006 Viliamu returned home, went to work and had various jobs through 2009. He was big, in great physical shape, and loved to cook. So naturally he and Kose worked as bouncers at many Seattle clubs, he drove an armored truck for Garda, and he worked as a Security Guard at a special unit on McNeil Island. From 2009-2015, he worked as a cook on Camano Cottage at Child Study and Treatment Center, DSHS.
But in 2015, Viliamu’s dad retired from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS). He made sure Viliamu got a job there soon after. Viliamu was employed for nine years at PSNS. He spent his first six years in Shop 38, Oxygen Clean Room as a Mechanic. Even though he was new to the job, Viliamu quickly became a systems expert and a reliable asset.
During his last three years, he was employed as a Program Analyst in code 100TO (Transformation Office). One of his many accomplishments was to immediately improve processes and streamline work procedures which resulted in a reduction in man hours and a cost savings in the Oxygen Clean Room. Many of these processes are still used to this day. A new Oxygen Clean Room is currently being built which will be dedicated to Viliamu. A plaque will be placed near the entrance of the room for all to learn and know his memory and legacy.
From 2021-2024, Viliamu was the Lead for the Asian American Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group at PSNS. Under his leadership, membership surged over 1300 employees, an increase of over 200%. In 2024, Viliamu received the Federal Asian Pacific American Council Excellence in Individual Achievement Award. As a result in May 2024, he was invited to speak at the Pentagon in Washington DC and was given a tour of the White House.
He worked for three different PSNS commanders, was highly decorated, received numerous letters of recognition, several PSNS Employee of the Year Nominations, and many PSNS Special Achievement Awards.
In 2012 Viliamu and Amadis began a relationship that quickly blossomed, both having many commonalities including the love of music and family gatherings. From the very beginning, Viliamu showed his selflessness and compassion by embracing Amadis’s children, Nathan Uikilifi Tuifua and Alayna Uheina Tuifua, as his own. They then welcomed their first child in 2013 who they named Viliamu Talalele Pulu Kuaea. In 2017 they exchanged vows and in 2019 they purchased their first home. After a few challenging losses, they welcomed Kelekolio Semisi Kuaea in 2020.
In June 2023, Viliamu was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, a challenge he faced with remarkable courage and determination. Despite the diagnosis, he maintained a positive mindset while relying on his faith and relationship with God, to guide him through his difficult time. His unwavering spirit and commitment to his family were evident as he continued to support and cherish his loved ones throughout his battle.
What’s your fondest memory of Viliamu?
What’s a lesson you learned from Viliamu?
Share a story where Viliamu's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Viliamu you’ll never forget.
How did Viliamu make you smile?
