Obituaries for Aug. 12, 2015

Obituaries for Aug. 12, 2015

Reginald Dean Deross

“A kind and gentle man who made everyone laugh.”

Reginald Dean Deross, an avid surfer, fisherman, KUAI DJ/program director artist and loving husband to Rebecca Deroos, passed from this life on July 3, 2015, at his Kalaheo home. Born in Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri, graduated from Hilo High on the Big Island and moving to Kauai for the big surf, Reggie became known for his winning smile and distinctively clear voice over the radio. For three decades he endeared Kauai ohana to local events and news. Reg’s art career began in the 1970’s with instruction from Kauai Community College’s Mr. Lai and inspiration from the breaks he surfed and the beauty of the coastline he and his wife would kayak when fishing. Reg was known especially for his paintings of ocean scenes and the favorite, Koloa Tree Tunnel.

For this man, loved by all, there will be a Celebration of Life, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Prince Kuhio Park in Poipu near Reg’s favorite surf break, Acid Drop. Light refreshments, pule at 3 p.m., and a paddle out at 4 p.m. All are welcome.

Richard Ragudo Jr.

Richard J. Ragudo Jr., of Kapaa passed away on July 10, 2015, at the age of 51. He was born in Lihue on Nov. 18, 1963, was an avid diver and fisherman and was a Mason by trade.

He is survived by his parents, Richard and Dolores V. “Dolly” Ragudo Sr.; four brothers, Terence (Corrine), Paulino (Puni), Randy and Quinten (Malia); seven children, Kaikoa, Tasha, Shauday, Shai, Jedidiah Ragudo, Jacob and Triton Lombardo; six grandchildren; numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at St. Catherine Church with visitation from 9 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 10 a.m.

Kauai Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home assisted the Ragudo family with arrangements.

Calvin Saffery Sr.

Calvin Iokepa Saffery Sr., of Anahola passed away at home on July 14, 2015, at the age of 65. He was born in Hanalei, Kauai, on May 4, 1950, and retired from the County of Kauai.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Irene “Jennie” Saffery; brother, Joe Mersberg and sister, Mapuana Harris.

Calvin is survived by his daughter, Valerie (Roderick) Saffery-Samio of Anahola; two sons, Calvin (Melveen) Saffery Jr., of Anahola and Robert Saffery of the Big Island; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Rose Angeles of Waianae, Oahu, Nani Saffery of California, Vallendee “Toto” Wong of Hanalei; brother, Gordon “Kealoha” Saffery of Hanalei; sister-in-law, Kamala Mersberg of Anahola; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at Waioli Huiia Church in Hanalei with visitation from 9 a.m. and services celebrated at 11 a.m.

Kauai Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home assisted the Saffery family with arrangements.

Angela ‘Angie’ Soares

Angela “Angie” Soares of Kalaheo, Kauai, born on May 3, 1955, in Lihue, Kauai, passed away at home on July 31, 2015, at the age of 60. She was a Telecommunication Specialist with PMRF and was an E4 in the U.S. Army with honorable discharge in 1977.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Alice Soares and brother, Antone Soares.

Angela is survived by her husband, Paul Phillips; daughter, Alicia Phillips (Isaac Vanterpool) of Kalaheo, Kauai; brothers, Rodney (Joyce) Soares, Ernest Soares Jr., Alexander (Francine Ramos) Soares and Alan Soares, all of Kalaheo, Kauai and sister, Leona (Calvin) Soares of Kalaheo, Kauai.

Friends may visit with the family at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with Mass to follow at 11 a.m. A burial will follow at the Kauai Veteran’s Cemetery in Hanapepe with full military honors.

Arrangements were handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.

Caroline J. Santos

Caroline J. Santos of Lihue, Kauai, passed away at Wilcox Memorial Hospital on July 19, 2015, at the age of 77. Born on May 27, 1938, in Eleele, Hawaii, she was a retired hotel housekeeper with the Sheraton Hotel.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Frances Moura; brothers, Howard and Reginald Moura and sister, MaryAnn Pavao.

She is survived by her son, John K. (Momi) Santos of Kahalui, Maui; five daughters, Debra (Royden) Orsatelli of Eleele, Kauai, Sylvia (Robert) Tolentino of Palm Desert, California, Irene (Lyle) Brackenridge of Kapolei, Oahu, Donna (Tony) Dotimas of Puhi, Kauai and Lisa Oatis of Kapolei, Oahu; ten grandchildren, Brittany Brackenridge, Kalani Brackenridge, Tina (Tolentino) Marin, Toby Tolentino, Nicole Orsatelli, Ryan Orsatelli, Isaac Dotimas, Kainoa Dotimas, Starlet Santos, and Roxanne Santos; 11 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mildred Pimental of Kalaheo, Dorothy Medeiros of Lihue, Katherine Kua of Lihue and Violet Yagihara of Hanalei; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. with an 11 a.m. Mass to follow. Internment will take place at the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Family suggests casual attire and flowers are welcomed.

Arlene Reyes

Arlene Gail Reyes of Anahola, Kauai, passed away on July 26, 2015, at the age of 60. She was born in Lincoln County, Oregon, on Feb. 5, 1955, and worked as a cashier and housekeeper.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John K. Reyes Sr., and mother, Marilyn Burt.

She is survived by her sons, Lance (Linda) Hermann and Steven Hermann; father, Robert (Louella) Burt; brothers, Steve (Debbie) Burt and Rod Burt; sister, Kathy Burt, all of Oregon; step-children, Lynette (Bob) Chase, Nadine (Blondie) Woodward, Natalie “Babe” (Kalani) Kaiminaauao, Cheryl (Larry) Corneal, Alan Reyes, John (Liz) Reyes Jr.; brother-in-law, Solomon (Sandy) Reyes; sisters-in-law, Henrietta Napolis and Helen (Lou) Ellegard; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Join with the family, 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at Anini Beach main pavilion for a memorial service to celebrate Arlene’s life.

Casual attire is suggested.

Kauai Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home assisted the family.

Dr. Alan I. Sugawara

September 29, 1939 – July 22, 2015

Alan Iwao Sugawara died Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at home in Corvallis. He was 75. The eldest of four children, Alan was born in Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii, to Takeo and Yasuko Sugawara. He graduated from Waimea High School in 1956 and then graduated from the University of Hawaii. Alan later obtained a Master’s of Divinity from the Chicago Theological Seminary; he then earned a master’s degree at Michigan State University and a doctorate at Oregon State University, both in early childhood development. He remained at Oregon State as a professor until his retirement in 2000.

Alan was a gentle, kind, giving, loving, unassuming, and principled man. His philosophy of life was to make a positive difference in the world. Without a doubt, he accomplished that goal. Led by the doctrines of Jesus, Buddha and Martin Luther King, Jr., Alan lived a life of service in his personal and professional lives. After graduating from seminary, he spent a year ministering to the afflicted people in the leper’s colony on Molokai, Hawaii. This experience motivated Alan to better understand children’s development in the context of the family. He returned to graduate school to further his knowledge of child development. As a teacher and researcher at Oregon State University, Alan addressed such issues as non-sexist education in early childhood, sex-role stereotypes in children, teacher competence in early childhood education, prosocial behavior in children, cross-cultural child development, and many other topics. Alan leaves a wonderful legacy through the many graduate students he mentored at OSU. These students claim that “Alan changed my life.”

Alan’s dedication to service extended to his personal life. He was devoted to promoting a world that valued love, equality and justice for all. He was an avid and constant supporter of the Old Mill Center for Children and Families in Corvallis, both as a benefactor and volunteer. Many other charitable organizations benefited from his financial support. Alan was always up for new experiences and enjoyed traveling, quilting, exercising, seeing Broadway musicals, and even camping and fly-fishing (as long as a bottle of wine was included). He exemplified pure joy in all he did. His song was “HAPPY,” always displaying a smile on his face.

The impact of Alan’s life can best be seen through his relationships with a wide network of friends and family. Alan was a single man all of his life, but he had many “families.” Of course, he first cherished his biological family in Hawaii. On the other hand, for his many years in Oregon he became a “brother/uncle” to many families. He loved these families greatly and he was loved similarly in return. His reach extended to many intersecting circles including academia, benefactor, neighborhood friends, workout partners and quilting buddies. There is a great sadness in these circles at Alan’s passing, but there is solace in that we carry him and his grace in our memories, hearts, and lives.

Alan is preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister; he is survived by his sister and her husband, Lyndel and Dale Erdmann of Kauai, Hawaii; and nieces, Nathlie Martell, Shelly Lynn Erdmann, nephews, Lance Martell, Elgin Erdmann (Wanelle), Eric Erdmann (Shelby), grandnieces, Lacie Corba (Tom), Garalei Martell, grandnephew, Chris Mahi, and cousins, and of course, many, many friends.

A celebration of Alan’s life will take place Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at Old Mill Center for Children and Families, with a brief commemoration at noon, followed by a festive, Hawaiian-style lunch. As Alan himself said, “When I die, just throw a party.” And we will! Hawaiian attire is suggested.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Alan’s name to Old Mill Center for Children and Families, 1650 SW 45th Place, Corvallis.

Arrangements were made with DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home and Crematory, www.demossdurdan.com.

Gary Miyashiro

Gary “Black” Miyashiro of Wailua Homesteads, Kauai, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 7, 2015, at the age of 68. Born on April 12, 1947, he was a retired supervisor for Verizon.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Shinichi and Grace Otome Miyashiro and brother, Thomas.

He is survived by wife, Joanne Fujio; sons, Chris Miyashiro of Honolulu, Levi Miyashiro of Wailua Homesteads; daughters, Lisa (Dean) Agcaoili of Mililani, Lea Miyashiro of Wailua Homesteads; one grandson; brother, Melvin (Gail) Miyashiro of Honolulu; sisters, Patsy Zulawski of El Paso, Texas, Janet (Roger) Neaves of San Francisco, Judith (Larry) Sallee of Fremont, California; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at the Kapaa Hongwanji Church. Visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m with services to follow at 11 a.m. The scattering of ashes will take place at a later time.

The family requests donations are made in memory of Gary to the ALS Association Golden West Chapter, P.O. Box 11284 Honolulu, HI, 96828.

Kauai Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Herbert Fujimoto

Herbert Taketo Fujimoto of Lihue passed away at Kauai Care Center on Aug. 2, 2015, at the age of 90. He was born on Feb. 7, 1925, and retired as a Mail Carrier with USPS.

Herbert was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Kodani Fujimoto; son, Alan Fujimoto; sister, Bernice Takenaka and son-in-law; Ronald Kawamura.

Herbert is survived by sons, Wayne (Hazel) Fujimoto of Eleele and Chad Fujimoto of Honolulu; daughters, Judith Kawamura and Donna (Kent) Mitani both of Mililani; sisters, Tsuyako Iwamoto, Teruko (Walter) Matsumoto, Michiye Funaku, Tamie (Edward) Kashiwamura, Edith (Harold) Takenaka, Myrna Matsueda and Rose Marie (David) Rikimaru; six grandchildren, one great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at Lihue Christian Church with visitation from 9:30 a.m. and services celebrated at 10:30 a.m.

Family suggests casual attire and graciously declines flowers.

Kauai Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home assisted the Fujimoto family with arrangements.

Consolacion Aguinaldo Romero

Consolacion Aguinaldo Romero of Kekaha passed away in Liliha, Oahu, on July 21, 2015, at the age of 94. Born on Aug. 15, 1920, in Bangui Ilocos Norte, Philippines, she was a retired seamstress for the late Guadalupe Bulatao and an amazing grandma and great-grandma.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Marcelo Romero and parents, Inocencia Acio Aguinaldo and Arthur Sagucio Aguinaldo.

Consolacion is survied by her son, Rogelio Marzan (Primie) of Honolulu; three grandchildren, Lilian (Francis Jr.) DeCosta of Honolulu, Hazel Wachi of Kalaheo and Clyde Marzan of Honolulu; six great-grandchildren, Kristen DeCosta of Honolulu, Ashley DeCosta of Honolulu, Kiara DeCosta of Honolulu, Matthew DeCosta of Honolulu, Jianna Wachi of Kalaheo, and Kallen Wachi of Kalaheo; brothers, Thomas Aguinaldo of Somerset, New Jersey, Arthur Aguinaldo Jr. of Spring Valley, California and Abelardo Garvida of Hanamaulu; sisters, Flora Sagucio of Kekaha and Leticia Serrano of Washington; numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A rosary will take place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2015, at 4291 Kai Ikena Drive, Kalaheo.

Friends may visit with the family at the Garden Island Mortuary Chapel in Lawai on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. with Mass to begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.

The family suggests casual attire and flowers are welcomed.

Arrangements were handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.

Chiyo Ueunten

Chiyo Ueunten of Kalaheo passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on June 28, 2015, at age 88. She was born in Koloa to the late Ushi and Kamato Gushiken on Sept. 15, 1926. She is survived by husband, Sensuke; sons, Paul (Bobbie) of San Jose, California, David (Lei) of Honolulu, Gary (Glenna) of Lawai, Wesley (Julie) of El Cerrito, California; sister, Harue Oshiro of Waipahu and eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Kyle, Brett, Amy, Trent, Christina, Teresa and Lyle.

Chiyo graduated from Koloa School 1941, Kauai High School 1945, UH Bachelor of Arts 1950, UH Certificate in Social Work 1951. She worked as a social worker and as school counselor at Kalaheo and Kauai High School. Her comforting presence and loving support of family, friends and community will be missed.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at Koloa Union Church in Koloa. Visitation starts at 10 a.m., Service at 11 a.m. followed by lunch. Inurnment will be at the Koloa Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Kauai Hospice.

James Kazuo Amimoto

James Kazuo Amimoto of Puhi, born on Sept. 17, 1928, in Puhi, Kauai passed away at Wilcox Hospital on Aug. 2, 2015, at the age of 86.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian Amimoto; son, Alton (Sheri Lyn) Amimoto of Lihue, Kauai; daughter, Denise Nako of Kaneohe, Hawaii; two grandchildren; sister, Shigeno Kuboyama of Puhi; sister-in-law Violet Amimoto of Kaneohe, Hawaii; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gensuke and Sue Akimoto Amimoto; sister, Misao Muronaka and brother-in-law, Yokichi (Kunimura) Muronaka; brothers, Satomi Amimoto, Seichi Amimoto, Nobuo Amimoto, Isamu Amimoto and sister-in-law, Shizue Amimoto.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at the Lihue Hongwanji Temple. Visitation will be at 4 p.m. with services at 5 p.m.

The family requests casual attire.

Arrangements were handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.

Gary Allen Soto

Gary Allen Soto of Kalaheo passed away at Kauai Veteran’s Memorial Hospital on July 26, 2015, at the age of 56. Born on Sept. 30, 1958, in Lihue, he was an equipment operator with the County of Kauai.

He is survived by his wife, Faith Miyuki Soto; two daughters, Karyle Soto of Kalaheo and Dyanne Soto of Lihue; son Garrison Soto of Oahu; mother, Dolores Soto of Kalaheo; mother-in-law, Toyoko Tabe of Waimea; brother, Bruce (Ronda) Soto of Kona, Big Island; sisters, Trudy (Malcolm) Azeka of Hanapepe, Kelly (Ron) Rockstrom of Fallon, Nevada, Peggy (Tom) Bray of Las Vegas, Nevada; numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary is preceded in death by his father, Eugenio “Henry” Soto; and father-in-law, William “Bill” Tabe.

Friends may visit with the family at the Garden Island Mortuary Chapel in Lawai on Monday, Aug. 17, 2015. Visitation will begin at 5:30PM with a Celebration of Gary’s Life to follow at 6:30 p.m.

Arrangements were handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.

Charles Howard Moura

Dear Daddy, you died Aug. 12, 2011, and it still feels like it was yesterday. We miss you so much and think of you often. We will celebrate and honor your memory today eating your favorite foods and by visiting the many places you loved during our time on the island.

Love, Rose Jimenez and Howard Moura.

Michael N. Burroughs

Michael N. Burroughs of Kekaha, Hawaii, passed away on Aug. 6, 2015, at the age of 59. He was born in Santa Monica, California, on Oct. 29, 1955. He was a waiter at The Grand Hyatt Kauai Hotel, Poipu.

Michael was preceded in death by Neil and Patricia Burroughs

He is survived by his wife, Deanna Burroughs; daughters, Lily (Patrick) Hubbell and Brittany Burroughs Hughes; son, Manoah Burroughs; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of Michael’s Life will take place on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at Kekaha Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Service to take place at 11 a.m.

Arrangements by Borthwick Kauai Mortuary.

Whitey Kurasaki

Whitey Kurasaki of Lihue, passed away at Garden Isle Health Care on July 28, 2015, at the age of 94. Born on Feb. 13, 1921, in Koloa, Hawaii, he was a general contractor with Kauai Welding.

He is survived by his two sons, Gary (Carol) Kurasaki of Honolulu and Steve (Cora) Kurasaki of Lihue; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Ito Kurasaki of Honolulu; two sisters, Sueko Galariada of Honolulu and Achan Murayama of Honolulu; numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may visit with the family at the Kauai Veteran’s Cemetery on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with services to follow at 10 a.m.

The family suggests casual attire and flowers are welcomed.

Arrangements were handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.