Obituaries
Advertiser Staff
The Advertiser publishes obituaries about people of interest to its readers as a free public service. Obituaries may be submitted by mortuaries or, with proof of death, by individuals in writing. Fax 525-8037 or write to Obituaries Editor, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Include a contact name and phone number. We reserve the right to edit for form, style and newsworthiness. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. To publish paid death notices, call the classified ads department at 521-9111.
GENE THOMPSON, a tireless advocate for Maui's fastest-growing community whose energy and leadership mobilized armies of citizens to save beaches and plant trees, died Saturday at age 77. See story.
GEORGE E. ELLIOTT JR., whose warning early on Dec. 7, 1941, of planes approaching Pearl Harbor went unheeded, has died of complications from a stroke. He was 85. See story.
WAH MING CHANG, an Academy Award-winning animator and a Carmel Valley artist, died Monday. He was 86. See story.
MARIANO "MARIO" RABANG ABELLON, 62, of Waipahu, died Dec. 15, 2003. Born in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Survived by wife, Wilhelmina; son, Mario; daughters, Jocelyn Joaquin, Wilma Alcantara, Marilou Peralta and Maribel; sisters, Rosario Lim, Eufemia Ortal and Tessie Battulayan; seven grandchildren. Visitation 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Mililani Mortuary Makai Chapel; service 7 p.m. No flowers. Casual attire.
MORTON ACHI, 65, of Kahului, Maui, died Dec. 18, 2003. Born in 'Aiea. Retired construction supervisor. Survived by wife, Marie; sons, Jeff and William "Chubby" Pridgen; daughter, Sherry; two grandchildren; brothers, William IV and Robert; sister, Charlotte McCleod. Visitation 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Nakamura Mortuary; service 11:30 a.m.; burial 12:30 p.m. at Maui Memorial Park.
VIDA UNCIANO ASCHINGER, 63, of Honolulu, died Dec. 3, 2003. Born in Magsingal, Philippines. Longtime employee of the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel; formerly employed at Dole Pineapple Co., Lana'i. Survived by husband, Alan; brother, Manuel Unciano; sister, Benedicta Vicerra. Visitation from 6 p.m. Friday at Mililani Downtown Mortuary. Visitation also from 10 a.m. Saturday at Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa; Mass 11 a.m.; burial 12:30 p.m. at Mililani Memorial Park.
LEONIE PUAALA BLAIR, 67, of Honolulu, died Dec. 16, 2003. Born in Wailuku, Maui. A bookkeeper. Survived by sons, Melvin Kaaa Jr., James and Steven Kaaa and Terry Taka; sister, Margaret Petrie; brothers, John and Lionel Waiwaiole. Service held. Arrangements by Ultimate Cremation Services of Hawai'i.
VIOLET CHU, 84, of Kapa'a, Kaua'i, died Dec. 17, 2003. Born in Kealia, Kaua'i. Hawaiian Pineapple Cannery forelady; and owner/operator of Pau Hana Bar, Kapa'a. Survived by brothers, James "Jimmy" and George Morita; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren. Visitation 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at First Hawaiian Church, Kapa'a; service 10 a.m.; burial of urn in church cemetery. Casual attire. Arrangements by Borthwick Kauai Mortuary.
SANTIAGO ESTABILLO COMILANG, 82, of Honolulu, died Dec. 21, 2003. Born in Inamotan Manaoag Pangasinan, Philippines. A member of Local 5 and Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa. Survived by wife, Margarita; sons, Amadeo and Lito; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Visitation 10 a.m. Friday at Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa; Mass noon. Burial 1:30 p.m. at Mililani Memorial Park. Casual attire. Arrangements by Mililani Mortuary.
FRANCES ROCHA "LEILANI" DULAN, 72, of North Kohala, Hawai'i, died Dec. 22, 2003. Retired Kohala Hospital food services supervisor. Survived by husband, Henry; daughters, Wendy Sugata and Henrilyn Akima; hanai daughter, Cathy Furukado; brother, David Rocha; sisters, Mary Whaley and Elizabeth Libron; six grandchildren. Visitation 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hawi, Hawai'i; Mass 10 a.m.; burial in church cemetery to follow. Casual attire. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Hilo, Hawai'i.
BIENVENIDO GASMEN, 86, of Makakilo, died Dec. 12, 2003. Born in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. A building maintenance man. Survived by wife, Rosita; sons, Felipe, Renato and Nestor; daughters, Rosita Hernandez, Yoly Iglesias and Alicia Galera; brother, Maximo; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Visitation from 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Jude Catholic Church; Mass 11 a.m.; burial 1 p.m. at Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery. Casual attire. Arrangements by Leeward Funeral Home.
MARIANA R. GONSALVES, 93, of Lihu'e, Kaua'i, died Dec. 14, 2003. Born in 'Oma'o, Kaua'i. A homemaker. Survived by son, James; daughters, Virginia Perry and Evangeline Hosino; 15 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 35 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Kekaha, Kaua'i; Mass 11 a.m.; burial in church cemetery to follow. Aloha attire. Arrangements by Garden Island Mortuary, Kaua'i.
WILLIAM CHOY HEE, 96, of Laupahoehoe, Hawai'i, died Dec. 20, 2003. Born in Papa'aloa, Hawai'i. An equipment operator for the County of Hawai'i Highway Division in Laupahoehoe. Survived by sons, William "Billy" Choy Hee and Clinton Haina; hanai son, Clinton Kalani Haina Jr.; daughter, Billie-Lee Apo; sister, Lydia Lee; grandchildren. Visitation 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at Dodo Mortuary, Hilo; service 10 a.m.; burial at Homelani Memorial Park. Casual attire.
CYERRA KAHAUNANI-KEIKIHIWAHIWAOKALANI HELLIANGAO, infant daughter of Victoria and Cedrick Helliangao, of Honolulu, died Dec. 12, 2003. Also survived by grandparents, Cory and Dawn Helliangao, Fil Jucutan and Naomi Wright; great-grandparents, Don and Beatrice Cabinatan, Bonnie Helliangao, Loretta Sumuki, Phil and Nancy Jucuton, and Alvin Wright and Caroline Abaraca. Private service to be held. Arrangements by Ultimate Cremation Services of Hawai'i.
YONG SUN HEU, 59, of Honolulu, died Dec. 13, 2003. Born in South Korea. Owner of "K" Gift Shop at International Market Place. Survived by husband, Daniel Sr.; son, Daniel "Franco" Jr.; daughter, Frances; two brothers; a sister. Visitation from 6 p.m. Sunday at Borthwick Mortuary; service 7 p.m. Visitation also from 9 a.m. Monday at the mortuary; service 10 a.m.; burial 12:45 p.m. at Diamond Head Memorial Park.
MIYOKO HIGA, 78, of Mountain View, Hawai'i, died Dec. 16, 2003. Born in Mountain View. A retired secretary. Survived by brothers, Glenn and Raymond; sisters, Hisae Hanaoka, Violet Kato and Helen Kumagai. Visitation 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Dodo Mortuary; service over the ashes 11 a.m. No flowers. Casual attire.
KIMIYO HISATAKE, 101, of Salt Lake City, Utah, formerly of Hawai'i, died Dec. 8, 2003. Born in Kuka'iau, Hawai'i. Former Pa'auhau, Hawai'i, Japanese language school teacher. Survived by sons, Tatsumi "Brown" and Russie; daughters, Elsie Prosser, Clara Kahikina, Thelma and Evelyn Nunley; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Gertrude Morihara. Salt Lake City service held. Arrangements by Garner Funeral Home.
GRACE SACHIKO ING, 68, of Kailua, died Dec. 17, 2003. Born in Honolulu. Retired 'Ahuimanu Elementary School teacher, and president of Hawaii State Teachers Association-Retired. Survived by son, Jon; daughters, Darcy and Tracy; grandchild, Jessica Miller; brothers, Richard and Stanley Nakamura. Visitation 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary; service 6:30 p.m. Private inurnment at a later date. Aloha attire.
FUSAO IWAHORI, 84, of Waipahu, died Dec. 17, 2003. Born in Waialua. Retired from Shiseido of Hawaii and Nippon Theatre; a designer; former owner of Charie's Handblocking. Survived by son, Charles; daughter, Evelyn Takita; two grandchildren; sister, Shizue. Visitation after 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel; service 4:30 p.m. No flowers. Casual attire.
KENTOKU KANESHIRO, 79, of Hilo, Hawai'i, died Dec. 12, 2003. Born in Hilo, Hawai'i. A retired custodian for the Department of Education. Survived by daughters, Janice, Mae and Diane Huff; sisters, Chiyeko Kishimoto and Helen Taira. Visitation 2 p.m. Saturday at Borthwick Hawaii Funeral Home; service 3 p.m. No flowers. Casual attire.
GEORGE KAUAHILO JR., 66, of 'Ewa Beach, died Nov. 19, 2003. Born in Hawai'i. Survived by sisters, Louise Calcoulidis and Eleanor Taylor; brother, Bush; friend, Danny Souza. Service pending. Arrangements by Williams Funeral Services.
PHOEBE TERUKO KIMURA, 88, of Honolulu, died Dec. 16, 2003. Born in Honolulu. A homemaker. Survived by son, William; daughters, Phoebe, Barbara Yamada and Jean Crosier; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Service 6 p.m. Monday at Nuuanu Mortuary. Casual attire.
TOKI KIMURA, 78, of Honolulu, died Dec. 14, 2003. Born in Hiroshima, Japan. Survived by sons, Oliver, Wendell, Leonard and Stuart; daughters, Lucille Miyazaki and Janet Sashihara; brother, Nobunari Hasegawa; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Private service held. Arrangements by Mililani Mortuary.
ROSE PUA LINDSEY, 89, of Lahaina, Maui, died Dec.22, 2003. Born in Honanau, Kona, Hawai'i. Retired matron for Lahainaluna High School. Survived by children, Roselle Bailey, Edwin Jr., Mary, Charles and Leonard; hanai son, Tyson Caitano; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Service over the ashes 3 p.m. Jan. 3 at Waiola Church. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
ANNA JENNIE K. HATORI MANOI, 96, of Kalaheo, Kaua'i, died Dec. 19, 2003. Born in Honaunau, South Kona, Hawai'i. Survived by daughter, Josephine Soto; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandsons. Visitation 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at Holy Cross Catholic Church; Mass 11 a.m.; burial to follow at the church cemetery. Arrangements by Garden Island Mortuary.
ICHIRO "BLACKIE" MURANAKA, 79, of Hilo, Hawai'i, died Dec. 20, 2003. Born in Hilo. A branch manager retired from Love's Bakery, Hilo. Survived by wife, Sonoko; sons, Michael and Donn; sister, Karen Kawasaki. Visitation 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday at Dodo Mortuary, Hilo; service 11 a.m. Urn committal service 1 p.m. Monday at East Hawai'i Veterans Cemetery No. 2. Casual attire.
TOYONARI MURAYAMA, 81, of Kalaheo, Kaua'i, died Dec. 2, 2003. Born in Kekaha, Kaua'i. Survived by wife, Fumie; daughters, Dona Shimizu and Lisa Arakaki; sons, Sydney and Jared. Private service held.
NOBUE NISHIMURA, 93, of Honolulu, died Dec. 17, 2003. Born in Hilo, Hawai'i. Retired bookkeeper for Gruelle Tire Co. Survived by nephews and nieces. Private service held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Hawai'i Foundation. Arrangements by Moanalua Mortuary.
HILDA KUMURA RODRIGUES, 80, of Honolulu, died Dec. 11, 2003. Born in Waialua. A homemaker. Survived by daughters, Carol Rodrigues and Marjorie Rapis; son, Gil Rodrigues; brothers, Francis Kumura, Robert Kumura and James Kumura; sisters, Jane Teruya and Elsie Fujita; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren. Visitation 10 a.m. Saturday at Borthwick Mortuary; service 11 a.m.; burial to follow at Hawaiian Memorial Park.
YOSHIO SHINDE, 85, of Pahoa, Hawai'i, died Dec. 18, 2003. Born in Pa'ahau, Hawai'i. A retired technician for the University of Hawai'i Experiment Station Malamaki. Survived by daughter, Helene; sisters, Yoshie Hashimoto, Miyoko, Satsuki Naito; brother, Mitsuo and Roland; caregiver, Ray Orloski. Visitation 12:30 p.m. Friday at Borthwick Hawai'i Funeral Home; service 2 p.m.; burial 3 p.m. at Alae Cemetery. Casual attire.
RALPH KATSUE SHISHIDO, 79, of Honolulu, died Dec. 16, 2003. Born in Honolulu. Retired electrician/mechanic for Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Shop 51. Member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team Company M. Survived by wife, Mitsue; sons, Wayne and Kelly; grandchild; sister, Clara Terao. Service 2 p.m. Sunday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. No flowers. Casual attire.
SEIJIN "SLIM" TAIRA, 81, of Pearl City, died Dec. 19, 2003. Born in Ho-nolulu. A route supervisor retired from Meadow Gold Dairies. Survived by wife, Jane; daughter, Carol Taira; three grandchildren; brothers, Robert and Walter; sisters, Gladys Matayoshi and Betty Toyama. Service 6 p.m. Monday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Casual attire.
JOSEPH M. TAVARES JR., 78, of Kalaheo, Kaua'i, died Dec. 21, 2003. Born in Lawa'i, Kaua'i. A truck driver for McBryde Sugar Company. Survived by wife, Angela; sons, Wallace, Joseph and Thomas; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Visitation 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Church; service 11 a.m.; burial at Kaua'i Veterans Cemetery. Casual attire. Arrangements by Borthwick Kauai Mortuary.
HILCK also known as HIKONORI ITSUO WATANABE, 82, of Hilo, formerly of Honolulu, died Dec. 16, 2003. Born in Honomu, Hawai'i. A retired carpenter; retired maintenance staffer at Punahou Schools; veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Survived by wife, Elain; sons, Patrik and Allenn; brother, Noriyoshi; sisters, Tsuruyo Saito and Marilyn Yamamoto; four grandchildren. Private service held. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Hilo.
JAMES KUKAILILANI YIM, 48, of Honolulu, died Dec. 17, 2003. Born in Honolulu. A restaurant consultant and manager of several fine-dining restaurants, including Sheraton Hanohano Room, Nick's Fishmarket and Matteo's. Survived by son, Michael Femia-Yim; father, Walter Sr.; mother, Merrilee Chandler; stepmother, Mildred; stepfather, Michael Chandler; brothers, Walter Yim Jr., Carlton Yim, Kevin Yim, Jeffery Chandler, Leo Chandler, Mark Chandler, Pio Chandler and Shawn Chandler; stepbrothers, Michael Chandler Jr. and Lloyd Chandler; companion, Lisa Wilson. Visitation 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Nuuanu Mortuary; service noon. Aloha attire.
GILBERT KUMAO YOSHIOKA, 90, of Honolulu, formerly of Orange County, Calif., died Dec. 11, 2003. Born in Hilo, Hawai'i. Retired supermarket produce manager. Survived by brothers, Ronald and Minoru. Private service held. Arrangements by Moanalua Mortuary.
