William
Keoniana Kelly 1944 ~ 2005 Aloha! William Keoniana Kelly, 60, known
affectionately by many as "Uncle Bill," was called home to carry
on his legacy of service and love. He departed from his loved ones
February 5, 2005 after complications from heart surgery. Bill was born
October 27, 1944 to William Andrew and Dorothy Kahikina Kelly in Kalihi,
Oahu, as the eldest child of eight. He spoke fondly of those slower days
and simple pleasures. Some childhood favorites were the ono butter rolls,
mangoes, crack seed, and 20 cent movies. At the age of 23, Bill was called
to the South West Indian Mission (Navajo speaking) for the LDS Church. He
spent much of his time serving the Navajo people, a labor of love that
would be reflected throughout his life. He frequently returned with his
family to the reservations each December to bring Christmas to the Native
Americans. Following his mission, Bill met Nani Olsen while attending BYU,
and married her shortly thereafter in the Hawaii Temple. He will be dearly
missed by his wife of 35 years, his children, Kaui Tuia (Wes), Hina Burke
(Russ), Pono (Kassie), Kahea Fisiipeau (Sione), Kehau Jones (AJ), Kainoa
Torau (Mosese), Ikaika, and his 14 grandchildren (four more on the way!!).
Bill's passion for the Hawaiian Culture was evident in everything he did.
In addition to organizing conferences and workshops at BYU, Bill taught
hula and Hawaiian Language classes. He loved to sing and dance, chant to
the beat of his ipu, and strum his ukulele. Bill also devoted many hours
to teach halau and could cook the best kalua pig and long rice this side
of the Wasatch. A service celebrating his life will be held Thursday,
February 10th 2005, 10:30 a.m. at the Aspen Stake Center, 965 W 2000 N,
Orem. Friends and family may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the
Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State in Orem and also Thursday from 9
to 10 a.m. at the stake center with 10 to 10:30 a.m. being reserved for
family time. Interment will be held in the Orem City Cemetery. Condolences
may be sent to the family at www.sundbergolpinmortuary.com. Farewell
Daddy. We will miss your sweet aloha spirit until we meet again in joyous
reunion.Published in the Deseret News on 2/8/2005.