As multiple friends and family members took to the microphone at the luau grounds of the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel on Saturday evening, they accounted the countless laughs and memories had with a man known by many names.
Hollywood Bill, Finish By Any Means Bill, The Angry Swimmer Bill and even I-Love-Baby-Chickens-But-You-Better-Not-Tell-Anyone Bill were all versions of the man who made an impression on so many people during his lifetime.
However, the name that Bill Pagett was fondly known by in the community of Kailua-Kona was “Papa Pea.”
Bill Pagett, the father of Sean “Peaman” Pagett and Darwin Pagett, passed away on March 14, 2015. He was 79 years old.
Hundreds gathered to celebrate the life of the renowned endurance athlete who had been a pillar in the community. Laughs and smiles heavily outweighed any tears at the celebration for the multi-Ironman finisher — an attitude that has become synonymous with Peaman events, a staple of Kona for nearly three decades.
“A ton of fun has been had and will continue to be had,” Peaman said during the ceremony with his famous smile. “He is going to be at every Peaman race for the rest of time, shining on us.”