Ville Hakomäki (aka viha) was one of the early pioneers of utilizing the new IP-protocol, IPv6, on IRC. As an Information Security Coordinator at RSL COM/VIP Tietoverkot Oy, Ville was involved in the coordination and planning of IPv6 deployment. It was at this stage he created and co-deployed the IRC6 Project, Europe, in 1999. As the CEO of Axu TM oy, Ville further developed his interest in IPv6 and Network Security. As the CEO, he co-planned the Tampere Region Exchange (TREX). When Ville was hired by Stealth Communications, Inc, as a Network Security Engineer, he coordinated and planned the New York IPV6 Exchange (NY6IX). Viha at this point became the admin of irc.stealth.net, and ircd.stealth.net, together with Antti and Digital.

After leaving Stealth Communications, Inc, Ville sought out a new direction in life by starting up his own electronical sound entertainment company, TP Tampere Promotions. With this company, Ville aimed to provide clubs and entertainment complexes with the ultimate electronical genre experience. Whilst expanding, TP Tampere Promotions became a part of the KONSORTIO Sound & Lighting Group. KONSORTIO S&L Group was later successfully sold to a third-party, and Ville moved on.

For the third time in his professional career, Ville changed path in life. After having sold KONSORTIO S&L Group, Ville became the Chief Research Coordinator of EEGE R&D Ltd, a company in the biotechnology industry. It was at this point in his life that Ville finally found his calling in the wonderful world of neuroscience and biotechnology! Or as Ville himself described it: "I'm a neuroscience freak who's been in the wrong industry for way too many years." Ville described himself as a "seemingly transparent jovial sidekick", a description reflecting his personality as an easygoing, humorous guy.

Throughout his many years online, Viha made a lot of friends (and enemies) from all corners of the world. Some describe him as a great pain in the arse on all matters concerning IRC, but that he was one of the few that actually made sense, unlike all the other pains in the arses out there! Disliked by some but respected by all, Viha was often seen debating various network related topics in #opers, discussing the future of Project IRC6 in #v6, or abusing the swedish stealth-opers in #team++, in finnish. Cheers for all the good times, viha! You will be missed, old friend.

Our thoughts go out to Ville's family and friends.

Ville Hakomäki is, and will always be, dearly missed.

Catch you on the flipside!

- Johan 'Silence' Boger, 31/3 - 2007.