Ayame O. Nishikawa
On July 10, 2021, heaven welcomed Ayame O. Nishikawa, 97, and so began her glorious journey of seeing loved ones that awaited her arrival. She was born Feb. 11, 1924 on Kaua‘i, attended Waimea High School, lived in Hanapepe, raised her children, worked at Waimea High School for several years, traveled to Europe, the Far East and spots in-between.
These are some of the things she did, but her life was filled with much more — relationships that were cherished, life lessons that were both learned and taught, time and insight shared, instilling a wider outlook of life and opening ones eyes to the world, having fun and enjoying the simple things that life has to offer, acceptance of people from all walks of life, patience, the importance of listening rather than talking, being grateful, the importance of a good attitude. The list goes on.
Those left behind mourn for our loss, but more importantly celebrate her life here and cherish the memories that we share. Her husband Larry, parents Matajuro and Sunae Onzuka, brothers Robert and Ralph Onzuka, amoung others have welcomed her.
She is survived by four children, 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, including Ryan and Rae Nishikawa (Rene Nishikawa, husband Ryson Matsumura, and Rona Nishikawa and partner Thomas Keopuhiwa, and four grandchildren among them), Lynn and Sam Stevens (Dean/Marita Stevens, Daniel Stevens, Mark/Lindsay Stevens and three grandchildren among them), Lloyd and Monica Nishikawa (Joseph, Anyes, Kevin), Alvin and Lori Nishikawa (David, Michael).
Can’t thank you enough for being part of our lives and setting a great example on how to live your life. That is your legacy to many generations yet to come. Love from us all. A private memorial is in Tacoma, Washington on Saturday, July 31. Arrangements for a memorial on Kaua‘i are pending due to COVID-19 concerns.
Dennis Lee Kaipo Blake
Dennis Lee Kaipo Blake of Koloa passed away at his home at the age of 77 on July 19, 2021. He was a retired truck driver with Hawaiian Bitumuls.
Dennis was preceded in death by parents Charles and Thelma Blake and wife Judith “Hana” Blake.
Dennis is survived by sons Duane “Kaipo” (Tricia) Blake and Danny “Kawika” (Malia) Blake, brother Alva Blake, grandchildren Bree Kanoelaniokekai Blake, Blythe “Hoku” Blake Makalapua Blake and Dallas Kilakila Blake, great-granddaughter Jeremiah Blake, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life is Saturday, Sept. 4, at The Church of Koloa “Old Koloa Church,” with visitation from 9:30 to 10 a.m., with service to follow.
Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks are required.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Thomas Francis Alvarez
Thomas Francis Alvarez of Waimea was born on July 27, 1954, and passed away on July 5, 2021. He was a hotel and restaurant bartender, and served in the U.S. military.
He was preceded in death by parents Jose Sr. and Josephine Alvarez, brothers Gilbert, Jose Jr., Patrick, Jonathan and Vincent Alvarez.
He is survived by son Tyler (Deja) Alvarez of Ogden, Utah, sisters Mary (Larry) Alvarez-Manuel of Kekaha and Cordell (Joel) Blair of Colorado Springs, brother Brendan Alvarez of Lihu‘e, and grandson Daymon Thomas Alvarez of Ogden, Utah.
Services were held July, 24 at St. Theresa Church in Kekaha, followed by a private burial.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Franklin Louis Parraga
Franklin Louis Parraga of Kekaha passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 15, 2021, at the age of 65. He was born on Jan. 30, 1956, in Waimea, and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was a radar technician and controller.
He was preceded in death by parents Louis Parraga Jr. and Margaret Anna Koerte Parraga and brother Wayne Steven Parraga.
He is survived by stepsons Joshua (Ashton) Ka‘aumoana of Ewa Beach, O‘ahu and David (Diana) Ka‘aumoana of Kekaha, daughters Sara (Nicholas) Ka‘aumoana of Kalaheo and Nicole (Kainalu) Langi-Ka‘aumoana of Waimea, numerous step-grandchildren, sister Penny (Marvin) Parraga-Fujinaka of Kapa‘a, one uncle, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation is Saturday, July 31, at 11 a.m. at Lihu‘e Lutheran Church, 4602 Ho‘omana Rd., Lihu‘e (German Hill), with service to follow.
The family suggests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
It would assist science to know how many of these wonderful people were vaccinated.