Obituaries for Wednesday, July 3, 2024
David Walton Pratt
David Walton Pratt
David Walton Pratt passed away peacefully while traveling with his family on June 17, 2024. He was 89 years old. He was born in Honolulu on Feb. 12, 1935, the youngest of the four children of Charles Dudley Pratt, Sr., and Dora Marion Broadbent Pratt.
David grew up in Honolulu and attended Hanahauoli School from kindergarten through 6th grade, then attended Punahou School, graduating in 1953. He then attended Hotchkiss School in Connecticut before enrolling at Colorado State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy in 1958.
David started his career in the Hawai‘i Sugar Planters Association training program in 1959 and 1960, then joined American Factors (AMFAC) where he worked until 1972 at O‘ahu Sugar, Lihu‘e Plantation, Puna Sugar and in the headquarters office in downtown Honolulu.
In March of 1972, he began 28 years of work with Grove Farm Company, Inc. as a Manager and Administrative Assistant. He was named Vice President in 1973, and in 1974 became President and Chief Executive Officer, a position he held over two separate periods for a total of 25 years. Under his leadership, Grove Farm phased out of sugar production and became a land steward, envisioning and creating the Lihu‘e-Puhi community which includes several residential neighborhoods, Puakea Golf Course, Puhi Industrial Park, Kukui Grove Shopping Center and the surrounding commercial areas, as well as various projects in Koloa and Po‘ipu including the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i.
David also held various positions including President and was a Director of his family’s business, Niu Pia Land Company, Ltd., for the last 54 years. His grandfather Edward H.W. Broadbent founded Niu Pia on lands in the Wailua and Waipouli areas.
During the last fifty years he has been a champion for the Kaua‘i community, serving on numerous committees and boards of directors for organizations such as Kaua‘i United Way, Hawai‘i Community Foundation, First Hawaiian Bank, Kaua‘i Economic Development Board, Kaua‘i Island Burial Council, Wilcox Health System, National Tropical Botanical Garden, and G. N. Wilcox Hospital Board where he was president for 19 years. David was a passionate advocate of education in Hawai‘i serving on the boards of Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy for 32 years and Island School for 37 years, both schools including him as Trustee Emeritus. He was a member of Kaua‘i Rotary for more than fifty years.
David was Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2001; was named Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year in 2010 by the Aloha Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals; was recognized as a Living Treasure by Kaua‘i Museum in 2012; and was honored in 2018 with the Charles S. Judd, Jr. ’38 Humanitarian Award which is given to outstanding Punahou alumni.
David was a 6th generation kama‘aina member of the Judd family whose long life in some way impacted nearly every visitor and resident of Kaua‘i. He was meticulous and detail oriented with a knack for proofreading. He will be remembered for his humility, welcoming everyone with due respect and gracefully including humor in most of his interactions with others.
David was preceded in death by his wife Deborah Wilcox Pratt, brother Charles “Dudley” Pratt, Jr., and sisters Joan Pratt and Barbara Vaughan. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Carol Jesse Hinesly Pratt, sons Sam (Robin) Pratt and Bill Pratt, grandsons James Pratt and Bradley Pratt, two nieces and two nephews, and numerous other extended family members and friends.
A private ceremony for family and close friends will be held at Lihu‘e Cemetery and a celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m. at Puakea Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in David’s honor to Island School, National Tropical Botanical Garden, or Wilcox Health Foundation.
Vicente Efhan
Vicente Efhan, 91, of Kapa‘a, passed away at home on June 19, 2024. He was born in Kilauea, Kaua‘i, on Feb. 27, 1933. He retired as a welder with AFL CI0 Local 625 and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was an honorable, humble, good man, husband, friend, and grandfather. He will be forever missed and never forgotten. He was the last of eleven children.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helga Efhan, four children Heidi (Dave) Lambert, Vincent Efhan, Tammy (Chono) Fernandez, Jason Efhan, eight grandchildren Bryson, Kyrie, Kiana, Keawe, Kayla, Zariani, Zaimana (Kamaha’o-deceased), seven great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Private services will be held.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Harmony Ching
Harmony Ching, 90, of Kalaheo, Kaua‘i, proud U.S. Marine, retired Sheriff for the State of Hawai‘i and retired Security Officer for PMRF, peacefully passed away on June 6, 2024, comforted by music and with his family lovingly by his side.
Known by many as Harmo, Harmon or Pili, he was gifted with a beautiful voice, a “green thumb” and was passionate about his cooking. He had many other talents and had a wide variety of occupations. Harmon was a “Jack of All Trades”, “seeker of knowledge” and DIY Master. He could do a little or a lot of “everything”. He had so much insight and gave the best advice.
Harmon was a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather and made his family his whole world. His presence will be deary missed.
He is survived by wife Edna, daughters Krystal (Tom), Stephanie (Keola), and Valerie and four grandchildren, whom he deeply adored.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lihu‘e Ward Chapel. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., services at 11 a.m., and Inurnment will follow at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery, Hanapepe at 1 p.m. Aloha or casual attire is requested.
Gilbert Toshio Tanaka
Gilbert Toshio Tanaka, of Kapa‘a, passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born on Oct. 25, 1932, in Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired proprietor of Tanaka Jewelers & Flowers, where he repaired watches and jewelry and grew orchids for the business. He also worked at Kilauea Plantation and Wailua Golf Course.
He was preceded in death by parents Hajime and Isayo (Nakamura) Tanaka, sisters Alice Saito, Elaine Hirano and Bernice Kashiwai.
He is survived by wife of 63 years, Fumiko Tanaka, daughter Rae (Lyle) Miyasaki of Phoenix, Arizona, son Wade (Krishen) Tanaka of Lihu‘e, grandchildren Tyler Miyasaki, Katelyn Miyasaki, Lianne Tanaka, Brant Tanaka, Paige Tanaka, brother Abraham (Ani) Tanaka of Honolulu, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may visit with the family on Friday, July 12, 2024, at the Kapa‘a Jodo Mission starting at 9 a.m. Service officiated by Bishop Ishikawa will begin at 10 a.m. The family requests casual attire.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Leilani J. Arruda
Leilani J. Arruda, of Kekaha, passed away on June 2, 2024, at home at the age of 86. She was born on Aug. 31, 1937, in Honolulu, O‘ahu. She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by father William Lopes, mother Gussie Ahnee, daughter Roxanne Arruda, granddaughter Trinette Vegas, brothers Lawerence Ahnee, Thomas Ahnee, William “Bill” Kaiwa, Norman Ahnee, sisters Gladys Sotelo, Shirley Kauhi and Rochelle Ahnee.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Joaquin Nicholas Arruda, Jr., sons Joaquin Nicholas Arruda III (Arlene) of Kaua‘i, Richard Arruda (Sandra) of Kaua‘i, David Arruda (Glenda) of Kaua‘i, daughter Sandra Vegas (Sam) of Maui, grandchildren Fred Aki III (Suli), Clarence Aki (Chelsey), Shannon Daliva (Ben), Jaimie-Lee Cacal (Rayson), Nikita-Lynn Moniz (Oliver), Janice Purisima (John), Jaglyn Arruda, Jaysen Purisima (Barbie), Jaxen Arruda, Richard Arruda, Jr. (Cindy), Noah Arruda, Samuel Vegas III (Mane), Isaac Vegas, Kyle Vegas, Kiana Vegas, Kawika Arruda, Damian Arruda, Sterling Arruda, Jayson Arruda, Zaidyn Arruda, Maxon Arruda, 24 great-grandchildren, brothers Morris Ahnee (Betty) of Maui, sisters June Sayers (Roy) of Nevada, Lavern Pacheco (Cecil) of O‘ahu, numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Arruda’s residence located at 8078 Ulili Road, Kekaha, HI 96752. Visitation starts at 4:30 p.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Gerald ‘Jack’ Jon Ipo Blackstad
Gerald “Jack” Jon Ipo Blackstad, of Lawa‘i, passed away on June 3, 2024, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 75. He was born on June 4, 1948, in Koloa. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from Verizon Communications, formerly GTE Hawaiian Tel.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alexander and Agnes Blackstad, sister Aleta Fu and brother Ronald Blackstad.
He is survived by his wife Amy Blackstad, son Brydan (Jana) Blackstad, daughter Chantel (Sim) Blackstad, grandchildren Shelea (Travis) Koa, Brock, Jordyn Blackstad, brothers Michael (Sharon) Blackstad, Payne (Sybil) Blackstad, sister Alexa (Wayne) Samio, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation from 4 to 5 p.m. followed by service at 5 p.m.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Myra Otei Nishiie
Myra Otei Nishiie, of Kilauea, passed away on May 23, 2024, at Garden Isle Rehab & Nursing at the age of 99. She was born May 28, 1924, at Lawa‘i Stable. She was a chambermaid.
She was preceded in death by husband Masayoshi Nishiie and son Patrick Tadao Nishiie.
She is survived by daughter Evelyn (Shawn) Conant of Kilauea, grandchildren Mavi (Bryce) Kaneg, Shay Lehuakona Conant, great-grandchildren Zylan and Umiko, sisters-in-law Chizue Nishiie Kimura of Hanapepe, Stella Kaneko of Kalaheo, Mae Nishiie of California, Celia Nishiie of Kilauea, numerous nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 10 a.m. The family requests aloha attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Clifford Wong
Clifford Wong, of Anahola, passed away on April 7, 2024, in Lihu‘e at the age of 83. He was born in Honolulu on Feb. 24, 1941. He served in the Army National Guard and worked as a cook.
He was preceded in passing by his parents Michael Loy Wong and Ruth Ewaliko Texeira, son Randy Michael Wong, brother Solomon Wong and sister Ruth (Albert) Felipe.
Clifford is survived by his wife Margaret Lani Kahakua Wong, daughter Holly T. Zahn, brother Joseph (Janet) Wong, sister Annie (Ronald) Kim, grandchildren Roslyn (Preston) Carvalho, Daniel Kekoa Zahn, great-grandchild Charis Carvalho, daughter-in-law Deborah Tada, sister-in-law Verna Wong, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine Catholic Church on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m., with internment to follow at St. Catherine Cemetery.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Florence Balasico Manibog
Florence Balasico Manibog, 101, of Lihu‘e, passed away at Regency at Puakea on June 18, 2024. She was born in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on Oct. 27, 1922, and retired as a pantry worker with Coco Palms Hotel.
Preceded in death by her husband Felix Manibog, son William Manibog, brothers Ramon, Leocado and Leon Manibog.
She is survived by her son Baltazar (Nancy) Manibog, daughter Carolyn Manibog, four grandchildren Curtis (Darla) Grant, Cristofer (Christie) Manibog, Chandra (Sean) Manibog, Andrea (Brian) Manibog-Cantu, six great-grandchildren Cory Grant, Tyler Manibog, Bryanna Grant-Yoshimura, Kennedy Manibog, Emma Obusek, Kindall Cantu, one great great-grandchild Amara Manibog, brothers Arsenio (Andrea) Manibog, Alfredo (Ofelia) Manibog, sisters Concepcion (Federico) Lamug, Adela (Julian-dec) Galino, Decorezo (Cesar) Pascual, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, at St. Catherine Church with visitation from 10 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Emilia ‘Loling’ Respicio Galicinao
Emilia “Loling” Respicio Galicinao, of Kaumakani, passed away on May 21, 2024, in Waimea, Kaua‘i, at the age of 80. She was born on Jan. 9, 1944, in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She was an agricultural field hand for Olokele Sugar Co. and Gay & Robinson.
She was preceded in death by husband Gregorio Cardona Galicinao, parents Braulio and Maria Lagundino Respicio, siblings Isabel, Rubio, Melicio, and Emilio Respicio.
She is survived by son Wayne Galicinao of Kaumakani, daughters Ella Galicinao of Makaweli, Georgeatte (Fred) Galicinao-Cayaban of ‘Ele‘ele, Tina Galicinao (Curtis Diamond) of Lihu‘e, grandchildren Ashley Rose Galicinao-Ripley of Honolulu, Bryson Cayaban of Texas, BreeAnn (Jordan) Cayaban Pineault of Texas, Braelyn Cayaban of Colorado, Justin Malabe (Tisha Remata) of Hanapepe, Javin Malabe of Lihu‘e, Tiani Malabe of Lihu‘e, great-grandchildren Qhaysen Remata Malabe of Hanapepe, Qhaiyah Malabe of Hanapepe, sister Cristina Respicio Gonzales of the Philippines, cousins Marcelo Garvida, Lydia Beltran and Myrna Cacal of California, numerous nieces, nephews and other cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. Visitation from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
