Dr. Michael May
Dr. May was an interventional neuroradiologist who last worked at Wilcox Hospital. He provided care for his patients with the utmost compassion. He was especially loved for going the extra mile whenever he could. His kindness, humility and sense of humor also resonated with, and left a very positive and lasting impression on every single person and strangers he interacted with. His generosity touched so many lives here on Kaua‘i via a few nonprofit organizations, and also in the Philippines.
He is survived by his girlfriend Saintly Dullaga and very close friends.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Jan. 14, starting at 9 a.m. at the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center in Puhi. You may wear any color top or dresses except black. Black pants or black skirts are okay. Thank you for your cooperation.
Lynette Olive Collison (Lyn)
Lynette Olive Collison (Lyn) was born in Hamilton, New Zealand, to dairy farming parents Allan and Hazel Baker on July 13, 1941.
The second of three daughters she attended Newstead Primary School, Fairfield College and Hamilton Technical College where she graduated after attaining the highest marks for the college for the national School Certificate Exam. After college, Lyn embarked on a career in fashion and retail where she was quickly promoted to management positions.
Lyn met her husband David, also from a dairy farming family, at a Bible Class Easter Camp in Te Kuiti in New Zealand. Lyn was 15 and David 17. This led to their marriage in 1962. For some years she was a farmer’s wife on David’s fathers’ farm and enjoyed the farming district social life as well as accompanying David to notable official Army functions. During this time, Lyn and David were blessed with a son, Stuart and daughter, Rosalene (Rose).
Lyn and David and their children moved to the Fiji Islands in 1970 when David pursued a civil engineering contracting opportunity. That opportunity developed into a successful business and resulted in Lyn and David living in Fiji for 20 years – 12 years in Suva and 8 in Lautoka.
Prior to obtaining Fiji Citizenship Lyn enjoyed volunteering for the Red Cross, Fiji Arts Club productions and the Presbyterian Church. After initial education in Fiji the children attended boarding school and University in New Zealand enabling Lyn to work initially as a Travel Agent, then retail management finally becoming the Regional Manager for a large Fijian Fashion Company with boutique outlets in all the major Resort Hotels. Together with home-help and benefits from connection to the travel industry it was an idyllic lifestyle. This all came to an abrupt end with the first of two military coups in 1987 which made Fiji politically unstable and largely stopped tourism and investment. This significant disruption led to Lyn and David taking an opportunity to move to Kauai in 1990.
The initial challenges on Kaua‘i were numerous, including owning and operating the Lihu‘e Dairy Queen for 5 years, but Lyn and David persevered. Lyn always felt particularly blessed to reside in Po‘ipu on this beautiful island, be able to enjoy her Church family, her many friends and vocational rental guests, and got great pleasure from participating in a number of different choirs and choral groups.
Lyn was blessed to share a loving marriage with David for more than 60 years, close relationships with her two children and their families, including six wonderful grandchildren and recently, a beautiful great-grandson. Lyn deeply loved her family and friends and was equally loved in return.
A celebration of Lyn’s life will be held at Lihue United Church on Friday, Jan, 20, at 3 p.m. with visitation commencing from 2 p.m.
Michael A. Berkemeyer
Michael A. Berkemeyer, of the North Shore, Kaua‘i, passed away at home, peacefully, with loved ones by his side, on Dec. 21, 2022, at the age of 75. Born on Feb. 19, 1947, he grew up in Haleiwa, O‘ahu, attended Waialua High School and surfed professionally for Dick Brewer’s “Surfboards Hawaii.” Mike was a much loved and professional bass player, with a side gig with Kaua‘i Luxury Travel.
He was preceded in death by parents Joseph D Berkemeyer and mother Isabel T. Berkemeyer.
He is survived by life partner Judy Gardner, sister Mary (Chuck) Stephany, brother David (Sonya) Berkemeyer, two nieces, one nephew, two great nieces, and four great nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Jan. 14, at Hanalei Bay, on left side of pier from 3 to 6 p.m. A paddle out will depend on weather and surf conditions.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Laurentzia Garania
Laurentzia Garania passed away on Dec. 26, 2022, at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, at the age of 90. She was born on April 2, 1932, in Waimea. She was a domestic engineer.
She was preceded in death by husband Januario Garania, parents Placido DeFabian, Isabella DeFabian, sisters Rose Labrador, Leonida Aguinaldo and brother Alfredo DeFabian.
She is survived by sons Kory (aka Januario/Bunny) Chavez, Ronald (Candice) Garania, Brian (Darlene) Garania, Kevin Garania, daughters Evangeline (John) Villane, Laurena (Richard) Silva, Laurie (Russell) Morita, siblings Magdelena Quirido, Leonora Carveiro, Patricia Reyes, Marcelino (Natividad) DeFabian, 18 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Jan. 14, at Saint Raphael Church in Koloa. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. and Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Please join our family for light refreshments and luncheon in the church hall. Burial will follow at the Hanapepe Public Cemetery at 11:30 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ainsley Kelekoma
Ainsley Kelekoma, 81, of Anahola, passed away at home on Nov. 3, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. He retired from the county Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division as a truck driver. Previous to working for the county, he was a tour bus driver for Grayline Kaua‘i.
He was preceded in death by parents Franklin “Manu” and Luella M. Kelekoma, sisters and brothers-in-law Luella “Tida” and Gilbert Moniz Sr. and Darlene and Al Oshiro, brothers Franklin “Sonny” Kelekoma, Alexander “Alika” Kelekoma, brother-in-law David E Wilson and sister-in-law Leonora Kelekoma.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Linda L Kelekoma, sons Kalen (Sorrel Weiss) Kelekoma, John (Jillian) Kelekoma, hanai son Jim (Cathy) Daugherty, grandsons Keola (Nikki Young) Kelekoma, Mana Kelekoma, granddaughters Keanna Woodward, Olivia Kelekoma, Jasmine Kelekoma, hanai granddaughters Shawna Daugherty (Scott) Fisher, Marie Daugherty (Roger) Hogan, hanai great-grandchildren Aiden Fisher, Reagan, Mackenzie and Palmer Hogan, brothers Clay Kelekoma Sr., David (Chris) Kelekoma, sisters-in-law Tomie Kelekoma, Molly Kuhaulua, Ardeth Wilson, former daughter-in-law Sharon (Cody) Graham, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Jan. 14, at Hanama‘ulu Beach Park pavilion, with visitation from 10 a.m., services at 11 a.m. and luncheon to follow.
