William J. Aila Sr.

William J. Aila Sr. age 81, has passed peacefully from this life and was called home by

Our Lord on July, 19, 2021. He was at home with his wife by his side; surrounded by family. William was born on October 2, 1939, in Honolulu, HI. He attended Maryknoll Grade School and graduated Class of ’58 McKinley High School. He served 2 years in the US Navy. He retired as Supervisor of the Waste Water Treatment Plant of City & County of Honolulu in Waianae. William & wife Ruby owned Aila’s Nursery & Compost for over 30 years. After retirement he enjoyed driving semi-trucks for Aila’s Trucking, JMB Trucking and others. William was also the Co-Founder of MA’O Organic Farms as the Farm Manager. He loved working side by side with the youth of his community. Sharing in his words “three most important things in life: love, respect and the willingness to work”.

William loved being a cowboy, roping, raising animals, and growing plants. His greatest joy was traveling with his wife, being with his family, sharing meals with family and friends and talking story with everyone he came into contact with.

William was preceded in death by his parents the late William K. Aila and Esther (Tavares) Aila. Raised by his late grandparents Manuel Cabreira and Mary Ann Frances Tavares.

William was the patriarch of our family, a loving husband, father, grandfather “Papa”, brother, uncle, mentor and friend. He is survived by his devoted wife Ruby W. Aila; his sons Max, William Jr. (Melva), Manuel “Manny”, Ivan (Theresa); his daughters Valire “Val” (Rad) Popa, Colleen (Tim) Smith, Jannette “Jan” (Roland) Maneafaiga, Abigail “Abby” (Alvin) Ainoa, Jerilyn, Angelique “Charlie” (Frank) Lacaden; 37 Grandchildren; 38 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great Grandchildren; Brother and Sisters; many nieces, nephews and countless numbers of friends.

Public Drive Thru Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Borthwick Mortuary, 1330 Maunakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96817 from 11:00 am to 1:15 pm. Entrance from the corner of Vineyard Blvd. & Maunakea St. (Across Zippy's). Please keep your mask on and remain in your vehicles.

Please respect family privacy there will be NO pictures or videos during viewing

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BorthwickOahu.com for the Aila family.

FACIAL COVERING IS REQUIRED. SHOW YOUR ALOHA BY PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING.