Poutasi leaft behind his wife and their five children - 18-year-old Benjamin, their daughter Ina'ocosta, 16, Vavega, 12, Living, 9, and John, 4.
He and Pauline had also adopted their 17-year-old niece Graceleen.
Pauline said the kids were lonely without him.
"He really encouraged and challenged our children to go to school and get better jobs, to be better than him," she said.
Family, colleagues and other community members farewelled Poutasi at a large funeral service yesterday at their Mangere church.
Pauline said people had rallied around to help the mourning family, delivering flowers and food, helping with decorations and even driving.
Pauline said she was holding up after the loss of her companion of 18 years, with whom she moved to New Zealand from Samoa in 2009: "I'm getting there. I have friends and family here from New Zealand, Samoa and Australia."
She remembered her husband as a man with a good sense of humour who loved to share his musical talents with children.
"He loved his kids and his wife, and he loved to eat. He loved to keep me busy by making him pineapple pie and banana cake."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Hollie Given of the Counties Manukau Serious Crash Unit on 09 261 1300.
Alternatively, witnesses can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
