Walter Melville Kaiapa Pomroy of Anahola, Kaua'i, a noted lei maker, Hawaiian cordage maker and limu gatherer, died Dec. 13. He was 78.

He died on the the beach at 'Aliomanu, just after picking the edible seaweed known as limu kohu. In the kanikau or lament written for him, his son-in-law Kepa Maly wrote, "Ua hala aku ia pua o Moloa'a, ka mea 'ohi i ka pua 'oia 'apapa o 'Aliomanu," which translates, "The descendant of Moloa'a has departed. The one who gathered the blossoms from the reef of 'Aliomanu."

The retired letter carrier and postmaster, commonly known as "Walla," was a prize-winning lei maker, and specialized in horse lei for parades. He excelled at a number of cultural practices, including making cordage from the inner bark of the hau tree, and readily shared his knowledge, said daughter Onaona Pomroy-Maly.

He was born on O'ahu in 1928 and raised as a fisherman and waterman at Waikiki. He was an ILH all-star lineman for Kamehameha Schools, and participated in the first two Moloka'i-to-O'ahu canoe races, paddling for Hui Nalu Canoe Club. He served in the Hawai'i Army National Guard and was a super-donor with the Blood Bank of Hawai'i.

His is also survived by his wife, master lei maker Irmalee Kamakaonaona; children, Paul Scott Tau'a Pomroy and Sharon Mapuana Pomroy; sister, Matilda "Mattie" Mersberg-Ho; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Lihu'e Veterans Center; services 11 a.m. Pa'ina to follow. Visitation on O'ahu 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Bishop Memorial Chapel, Kamehameha Schools; service 2 p.m. Participants are asked to wear lei. Pomroy's ashes will be scattered at Le'ahi.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.