Memorial services for Maomao Taua Niko, 66, of Lompoc, will be 1 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2010 at the St. Mary's Episcopal Church with Father Micheal Cunningham officiating.

Maomao was born October 16, 1943 in American Samoa to Taua and Siatua Niko. He was raised and educated in American Samoa until be moved to Hawaii to go to high school. While in high school, Maomao enjoyed and participated in ROTC before moving back to his American Samoa to assist his family after graduation. He would eventually move to San Francisco to help a sick uncle and began his career as a welder. He would work in that field in New Mexico and Hawaii before settling in Lompoc. Locally he worked for John Mansville and for the Post Office, before retiring and working in landscaping. Maomao enjoyed gardening, fishing and wrestling, but his greatest love and passion was for his family.

He passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

Maomao was preceded in death by loving companion of 20 years, Cynthia Alonzo, who passed away last year. He was also preceded by his siblings, Esau T. Niko, Fualaau T. Sua'ava, Tagiilima T. Niko, Niko T. Niko. He is survived by his siblings, Uini T. Davis, Filiga T. Bird, Ekepati T. Niko Masaloa, Tusilala T. Niko, Faalelei T. Niko, Malepe T. Toilil, Leutaafate T. Ilalio, Liva T. Niko, Mafoa T. Niko, Ruta T. Suaava, Siatua T. Niko, Julia T. Atafua, Leroy S Lutu, Lisaki T. Niko, and Hana Ulugalu; children and step-children, Filiga Niko, Esau Niko, Toaiva Niko, Richard Alonzo, Anthony Alonzo and Paul Alonzo; grandchildren, Riki, Taua, Siatua and Courage; as well as many nieces and nephews.