Posted on: Tuesday, August 7, 2001

'Chief' Nathaniel, a friend to all, dead at 81

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — Luther "Chief" Louis Nathaniel Sr. wore many hats in a busy life that included policeman, taxi driver, surveyor and fire chief on Wake Island following World War II. But he was best-known on the Big Island for his 40 years as a Democratic Party leader and for volunteering in the community.

Nathaniel died July 31 in Hilo at age 81.

A fellow Democratic stalwart, Hiroshi "Scrub" Tanaka, remembered him as "a most devoted and dedicated member." Tanaka said Nathaniel served as perennial sergeant-at-arms in the local Democratic Party and acted as host at the Big Island's hospitality suite during state party conventions.

At one point, Nathaniel, who was born July 24, 1920, in Kurtistown, was a tour bus driver who endeared himself to visitors by bursting into song with little prompting.

Even after suffering a stroke three years ago, he would entertain other patients and the staff at Life Care Center in Hilo, where he died last week.

"He never met a stranger," said Maxine Nathaniel, his wife of 41 years. "He loved everyone from the man on the street to the governor."

A memorial service will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. tomorrow at Dodo Mortuary. The family requests casual attire and no flowers.

Along with his wife, Nathaniel is survived by daughters Polly Varize and Joan Varize, both of Hilo, Diane Ahlo of Mountain View, and La Verne of Florida; a son, Rodney, also of Florida; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.