Ronald Frank Silva
Ronald Frank Silva, “Uncle”, 89, of Kapaa, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, in Astoria, Oregon. He was surrounded by his family and friends. Funeral services will be held at Kauai Memorial Gardens, 4716 Maalo Road, Lihue, HI 96766, on Friday, March 28, 2025, with the viewing starting at 9 a.m., graveside service at 10 a.m. and a reception to talk story with family and friends to follow.
He was born on Dec. 4, 1935, in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii to Frank and Virginia Silva. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Janet (Ladera) Silva, his parents Frank and Virginia Silva, brothers Jerry (Barbara) Silva, Raymond (Alice) Silva, sisters Gladys (Clarence) Routh, Maryjane (John) Lake, Ida (Bill) Porteous.
He is survived by his sister Charlotte (Daniel) Lum, nephews Rodney (Virginia) Silva, nephew Ricky (Michelle) Silva, niece Janay (Nancy) Davis, nephew Kaden Abrego, niece Gia Davis, nephew Billy (Aura) Routh, nephew Derek (Tammy) Silva, niece Allison (Ian) Connelly, niece Ashly (Max) Silva, niece Ava Silva, nephew Oliver Silva, nephew Joel Routh, nephew Beau Routh, niece Ashtyn (Kyle) Elliott, nephew Jake (Ellie) Holthusen, nephew Ethan Holthusen, nephew Ryan (Summer) Silva and many other nephews, nieces, cousins and family.
Uncle was famous for repeatedly sharing certain phrases, including: “No need!”, “What ya talking about?” and “Have you heard about the empty bucket? Nothing to it, just another empty bucket.”
Ronald married the love of his life, Janet, on Nov. 11, 1961, on the beautiful island of Kauai. They enjoyed sharing their lives together on the island of Kauai. They made many friends over the years and shared in all experiences on the island. They truly were best friends as well as spouses.
He had a love of woodworking and created beautiful, intricate, wooden clocks. He enjoyed fishing, motorcycle riding and talking story with friends and family. He shared stories of meeting Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley at the Coco Palms Resort. He loved to tell the stories of riding his Triumph motorcycle around the island. One story he frequently shared told the tale of one particular motorcycle event. As the story goes, while leaving the house to participate in a motorcycle race, he confidently declared to Janet that he was going to win the race. Later that day, he proudly returned home with a trophy in hand, proving he did, as promised, win the race.
He made several trips to Oregon and Las Vegas throughout his life. He had a love for the casino and called it his healing place. As his time was coming to an end, his final outing was to play the slots one last time. During this outing, he did prove that the casino was a healing place for him, as his oxygen levels improved to the best they had been in weeks while he was in front of the machines.
All throughout his life, Ronald was known for being a very hard worker. He proudly served his country for 12 years in the National Guard. For many years, he worked at and ultimately retired from, the rock crushing plant in Kauai. He had a passion for the Catholic church. He volunteered for the church, completing projects, painting, woodworking, serving people, helping with weddings and funerals and anything else that was needed. He was dedicated to serving his community. He truly loved the island life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Brian Toshio Kohatsu
Brian Toshio Kohatsu, age 56, of Anahola, Kaua’i, passed away on Feb. 10, 2025. He was born on March 25, 1969, in Kailua, O’ahu. He was known for his spirit and selflessness.
He was preceded in death by Eldon and Gayle Kohatsu.
He is survived by siblings Eldon (Rolinda), Dean (Dayna), Mike (Lani) and U’ilani, children Brandi (Caitlin), Codi, Beau (Lanikai), Pa’ani and Shaniah, grandchildren JonJon, Jacia, Lily, Acestyn, Warren, Brixton and Brooklyn.
His Memorial Services will be held on both O’ahu and Kaua’i.
O’ahu service will be held at the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association on Thursday, March 27, at 9 a.m.
Kaua’i service will be held at the Kaua’i War Memorial Convention Hall on Friday, March 28, at 5 p.m.
Brian’s spirit will remain forever in our hearts. Friends and family are invited to come together to celebrate Brian’s life and the joy he brought to all of us.
Frank ‘Francis’ Hiroshi Nakao
Frank “Francis” Hiroshi Nakao passed away on Jan. 15, 2025, at the age of 80. He was born in Honokaa on July 21, 1944. He worked for IBM Corporation, Union Oil Company, and Richfield Capital Corporation, and he was a mortgage consultant with Spectrum Mortgage prior to retiring.
Frank is pre-deceased by his mother Fumie Beppu, grandparents Shigezo and Tamayo Nakao and biological father Hisao Teraoka.
He is survived by his father Harry Beppu, sister Reni (Steven) Pereira, brothers John (Irene) Teraoka, Wesley (Della) Teraoka, Michael (Elaine) Teraoka, Wade (Susan Shiroma) Teraoka, sister JoAnn (Randy Yamamoto) Tanaka, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
A memorial service was held at Oahu Mortuary on March 15, 2025.
Rodney Baptiste
Rodney Baptiste passed away on Feb. 10, 2025, at Wilcox Memorial Hospital. Born in Lihue on Aug. 28, 1955, he grew up in Kalaheo graduating from Kauai High in ’73. He would eventually move to Koloa to raise his family. Construction driver by trade, he was broadly known for his generous nature and willingness to help others.
He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Marian Baptiste, sister Darlene Ruiz and brother Anthony Baptiste.
He is survived by his wife JoRae Baptiste, children Rodney Kaulana (Bethany) Baptiste, Ian Baptiste, Krystina (Alex) Baptiste, Logan Baptiste, grandsons Canon Kupa’a, Cooper Kahawai and brother Ricky Baptiste.
Remembrance will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Koloa Union Church. Visitation starts at 9 a.m. with services at 10:30 a.m.
Borthwick Kauai Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
