Gilroy Mahealani Yorkman
Gilroy Mahealani Yorkman was born under the full moon at Waimea on July 13, 1946. He passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on Feb. 3, 2023.
He was predeceased by parents Ruth Ho‘opai Yorkman and Craddock Conrad Yorkman, son Damon K. Yorkman and half-sister Myrtle Fujhara.
He is survived by daughter Shay Yorkman, life partner Marilyn Yamaguchi, grandchildren Kalen Bagano, Taurus Yorkman and Shylee Yorkman, great-grandsons Ayven Smith and Kai Damon Yorkman, brother Wesley Kanani (MaryAnn) Yorkman, sisters Rosebelle Kalili Hansen, Karen Hunter and Lusalle (Joseph) Andrade, sister-in-law Althea Ka‘anoi Yorkman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a Vietnam veteran and part of the elite Airborne group. He retired as the fire chief at Lihu‘e Airport Rescue and Firefighting Department.
He spent his life giving to the community, through coaching Pop Warner football for more than 20 years, helping with the sovereignty fight for Hawaiians with the Lawful Hawaiian Government, and assisting Hawaiians to get back on their land through the Kekaha Hawaiian Homestead Association.
He was also with the coaching staff of the Kaua‘i baseball Colt all-stars who made it all the way to the Pennsylvania World Series. He led a full life, and his free time was spent raising birds, traveling, eating, drinking, gardening, fishing and hunting.
A private celebration of life was held.
His brother Kanani is hosting a fireman’s farewell and service open to the public on April 15, at 10 a.m., with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kekaha Ward.
