Posted on: Tuesday, July 20, 2004

Ricardo Morales, member of E Haku Mele Trio, dead at 44

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Ricardo Morales, also known as "Ricky" and "Merk" among his friends, died July 10 at Kaiser Moanalua Hospital, surrounded by his 'ohana. He was 44.

Morales was the husband of Angela Morales, a member of the performing and recording group Na Leo Pilimehana. They would have been married 18 years on Aug. 2.

"I was fortunate to have the chance to say goodbye," said Angela Morales, who was at his bedside when he died.

Morales, an original member of the musical group E Haku Mele Trio, grew up with a defective heart valve from a childhood illness. In 2000, he had open-heart surgery but numerous medical issues, including respiratory complications, prevented a full recovery.

"He fought long and and hard, never giving up," said Angela Morales. "My husband is the bravest person I know. Although my heart aches, I take comfort knowing he's with our Father and free from pain. My final moments with him were wonderful — sweet and loving."

In the early 1980s, he was active on the show scene. He met Angela during early performances of Na Leo at Chuck's Steakhouse at Pearlridge Center.

"My children will now live their lives becoming strong, productive, decent men and women, with the goal of making their father proud," said Angela Morales. "Sometimes I sit outside and listen to the silence in the night sky; I hear the wind and imagine him up in heaven, with his guitar, singing. I'll miss him dearly."

Besides his wife, Angela, Morales is survived by son, Solomon; daughters, Sasha and Sheldeen; foster son, Stetson-Duke Kaliko; mother, Roseline; brothers, Gregory and Philip; sisters, Rosaline Carrero, Stephanie Kawelo, Bonny Anne Wallace, Marcy and Nani.

Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Rita Church in Nanakuli; Mass 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Angela Morales, P.O. Box 1013, Wai'anae, HI 96792, to support their children's education.