A Waimea sunrise memorial will be held at 6 a.m. today in celebration of the life of Clement "Tiger" Espere.

One of the first lifeguards at Waimea Bay, Espere, of Wai-alua, also was instrumental in the first voyage of the canoe Hokule'a.

He died of cancer July 21 at The Queen's Medical Center. He was 58.

Following the memorial, there will be a noon lunch at Kaiaka Beach Park.

Espere is survived by his wife, Karen; sons, Shon "Kala" Kekaohu and Elijah Young; daughters, Mahinanani Laughlin, Kaiolohia Tolentino, Tiana Tucker, Tetuara'a Espere and Lea Ulloa; brothers, Andrew, James "Kimo," Louie and Clayton Cabebe, Tony and Chris Espere; sisters, Shirley Diaz, Nina Kahanaoi, Theresa Bohanon, Jennifer Teague, Leilani Juneau, Annette, Pamela and Catherine Espere; and seven grandchildren.

His ashes will be scattered at Pu'ukohola-Kawaihae on Thursday. Arrangements are by Mililani Mortuary.