Obituary Notices: Jan. 29 – Feb. 4, 2017

Sarina Ryan

Sarina Edna Ryan
June 13, 1913 – January 30, 2017

Sarina Edna Ryan, 103, of Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi, was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 13, 1913, and passed away on Jan. 30, 2017 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. Sarina worked as a secretary and a home maker.

She is survived by son Robert (Roz Davis) Ryan of Damariscotta, Maine; daughter Martha (Jim) Simpson of Kailua-Kona; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

No services will be held.

Erik Alan Collins
November 19, 1973 – January 22, 2017

Erik Alan Collins, 43, of Kapaau, HI, passed away on Jan. 22, 2017. He was born in Spokane, WA. Erik was a self- employed construction worker.

He is survived by his mother Gayle Harper of Kapaau, HI; father Edwin Collins of Edgewood, WA; son Eli Collins of Washington state; brother Ryan Collins of Edgewood, WA; sisters Marci Tyler of Gig Harbor, WA and Nicci Wagner of Edgewood, WA; Erik was also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary-Hilo.

Kevin Lee Hubin
November 8, 1966 – January 30, 2017

Kevin Lee Hubin, 50 of Molokaʻi passed away Jan. 30, 2017. He was born Nov. 8, 1966 in Molokaʻi.

Kevin is survived by his parents, Christina & Clinton Yamashiro of Pāʻia; grandmother, Margaret Hubin of Lānaʻi; brothers, Roger Jr. and Keola Hubin; sisters, Nicole and Christie Yamashiro and Sharna Sinjakovic; children, Kendall (Jason) Bisarra, Calixto, Kassidy (deceased), Kevin Lee Jr, Kendra and Carlos Frate; grandchildren, Iliana and Ileia Hubin, Anela Hubin, Cyrus and Isabella Frate and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Private Services will be held at a later date.

Norman George Purves

Norman George Purves
August 4, 1953 – January 18, 2017

Norman George Purves, 63, of Hilo, passed away on Jan. 18 at home. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grown up in Portland, Oregon, he was a recently retired instructor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Hawaiʻi in Hilo, former tutor and former telescope operator at the Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope.

Survived by wife Maren Hauschildt-Purves of Hilo, daughter Caterina Purves of Irvine, California, sisters Ruth Miller of Portland, Oregon, Mary Thornton of Vancouver, Washington and Janet (Larry) Rich of Portland, Oregon, parents-in-law Arthur and Eva Hauschildt of Hamburg, Germany, brother-in-law Jan (Birgit Rothe) Hauschildt of Hamburg, Germany, sister-in-law Gesine (Rainer) Diebold of Waldbronn, Germany and brother-in-law Peter (Angela) Hauschildt of Melsdorf, Germany, 2 nieces and 14 nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and will be announced. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary-Hilo.

Stella Keomailani Phillips

Stella Keomailani Phillips
June 9, 1938 – January 29, 2017

Stella Keomailani Phillips, 78 of Lahaina, passed away on Jan. 29, 2017 at her residence. She was born on June 9, 1938 in Maui.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at Ballard Family Mortuary, service will begin at 7 p.m., and burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017 at the Hawaiʻi State Veteran’s Cemetery in Kāneʻohe.

Stella retired from the State of Hawaiʻi where she worked as Head Custodian.

She is survived by her sons, Briandale (Sharon) Phillips, Charles (Dale) Phillips, Wayne Phillips; daughters, Stephaine (Tama) Savusa, Germaine (Frank) Borling, April “Nani” Phillips, Sheena (Keoni) Kaupu; daughter-in-law, Lorraine Phillips; sisters, Sarah Akau, CarolJean (Dennis) Ryan; 20 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Stella was predeceased by her husband, Manuel N. Phillips Sr.; son, Manuel N. Phillips Jr.; and daughter, Kimberly Phillips.

Roseline Mary Palos

Roseline Mary Palos
December 23, 1929 – January 26, 2017

Roseline Mary Palos, 87 years old, passed away peacefully at home in Hāliʻimaile on Jan. 26, 2017. She was born in Makawao, to Louis Fernandez and Rebecca Kahuhu on Dec. 23, 1929, the fourth child of 12.

She loved to crochet, sing with her children and in the church choir, played the ʻukulele and played sakura cards. She was also a great cook and would always offer you food if you visited. She retired from Maui Land and Pine after 32 years and raising her 6 children.

Roseline is predeceased by her husband, Calixto Palos, and her daughter, Rosemarie “Puanani” (Michael) Oana. She is survived by her daughters: Herminia “Mini” (Rudy Sumabat) Kanoho and Holly (Puka) Ho; sons: Stephen (DeeDee) Palos, Calisto “Jr” Palos and John (Bonnie) Palos; brothers: Toby Fernandez, Jimmy Fernandez, and John Fernandez; sisters: Judy Akoi and Clara Panela; grandchildren: Vince Kanoho, Renee Kanoho, Wanda Sepulveda, Dustin Palos, Joshua Palos, Makamae Palos, Makoa Palos, Micah Oana, Rosean Oana, Kekani Palos, Chesney Palos and Ka’iwa Ho; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Visitation will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church in Makawao on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 from 9 to 11 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at St Joseph Cemetery.

Julia Elizabeth Campo
March 26, 1940 – January 26, 2017

Julia Elizabeth Campo, 76, of Napili, passed away on Jan. 26, 2017 at her home. She was born on March 26, 1940 in Hāna, Maui.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at Ballard Family Mortuary, service will begin at 7 p.m. Visitation at the mortuary will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at 9 a.m., service at 11 a.m., and burial 12:30 p.m. at Maui Memorial Park.

She is survived by her son, Aurelio (Gina) Campo; two grandchildren, Arjay and Arlyn Campo.

The family would like to acknowledge Hospice Maui for their compassionate care of Julia. They would also like to express their gratitude to the staff of Hale Makua Kahului, and Maui Memorial Medical Center. Family would also like to send a special Mahalo to all her nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pedro “Pete” Rabasa

Pedro “Pete” Rabasa
February 22, 1937 – January 26, 2017

Pedro “Pete” Rabasa, 79, passed away peacefully on Jan. 26, 2017 at his residence in Kahului, surrounded by his loving family, under Hospice care. He was born on Feb. 22, 1937 in Wailuku, Maui. At a young age, he moved to the island of Kauaʻi where he graduated from Kauaʻi High School.

After graduating, Pedro joined the Army and finally settled down on the island of Maui, working for the Maui Gas Company. He then found his calling in advertising, thus beginning a 33 year career with the Maui News as a layout artist. Pete was known to organize their men’s and women’s softball teams. Team members offered to do yard work in exchange for uniforms; this included planting the wiliwili trees that you see lining the Wahi Hoolaha St. driveway. He also co-chaired the company Christmas parties. In his free time, Pete enjoyed playing softball, bowling and gardening.

After retiring from the Maui News, Pedro enjoyed going to Las Vegas, taking care of his beautiful flowers and vegetables and spending time with his family. Pedro will be remembered for his amazing cooking.

Pedro was the son of the late Maria and Mamerto Rabasa. In addition to his parents, Pedro is predeceased by his siblings Juan Rabasa, Carlos Rabasa, Dorothy Fort and Catherine Delima. He is survived by his siblings Martina Brun and Paulina Ibia, and children Ann(Eugene) Saffery, Maria (Matt) Keau, and Peter (Margaret) Rabasa. Pedro also leaves behind 8 grandchildren; Zachary, GeAna, Ekolu, Kacey, Tiffany, Amanda, Brendan, and Caden; and 5 great grandchildren; Kimo, Kahiau, Caasi, Annarose, and Jensen; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at St. Anthony Church on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with Mass at 11 a.m. Pete will be laid to eternal rest at Maui Memorial Park Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.

The family would like to extend a special Mahalo to Hospice Maui and Dr. Chuang and the staff of Kaiser’s Oncology Dept. Ballards Mortuary will be assisting with the arrangements.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Kauaʻi at a later date.

Richard Yasutoyo Nagamine

Richard Yasutoyo (Toyo) Nagamine
August 8, 1929 – January 21, 2017

Richard Yasutoyo (Toyo) Nagamine, 87 of Lahaina, passed away on Jan. 21, 2017 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. He was born on Aug. 8, 1929 on Maui.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 at Ballard Family Mortuary, service will begin at 11 a.m., and cremation will follow.

Richard retired from Pioneer Mill where he worked as a boiler control operator. He was also enjoyed driving his Taxi for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Sumiko Nagamine; daughters, Amy Hussey, Lynne (Francis) Kamakawiwoole, and Jean (John) Freeman; brother, Harry Yasuyei Nagamine; sisters, Lillian Yasuko Nagao, and Irene Chinen; grandchildren, Martin (Laura) Hussey, Richard Hussey, Francis III (Millie) Kamakawiwo’ole, Mychael (Ariel) Kamakawiwo’ole, Sheena Hussey, Marvin Hussey Jr., hanai granddaughter, Adriana Hussey. and 7 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his beloved cat “Kara.”

Wesley K. Bissen Sr.
October 5, 1958 – January 13, 2017

Wesley K. Bissen Sr, 58 of Wailuku, Maui passed away on Jan. 13, 2017 surrounded by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Dale “Kehau” Bissen; sons, Wesley K. Bissen Jr, Elliott “Kalani” Bissen, Joel “Maka” Bissen, Jarrett “Mino” Bissen; hanai daughters, Paula “Mahe” Kaahanui-Cera, Alyse “Hoku” Kaahanui-Kapu; grandchildren, Simira “Wahine” Bissen, Sophia-Marie Bissen, Jarrett “Joonyah” Bissen; mother, Joy Bissen; parents in love, Stanley and Elizabeth Kaahanui; sister in love, Donna Bissen; nephews, Ha’aheo and La’akea. Wesley is predeceased by his father, Donald “Bones” Bissen and brother, Donald “Butch” Bissen.

Funeral services will be held on Feb. 11, 2017 at Pāʻia Hawaiian Protestant Church. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with service at 10:30 a.m.

Katherine C. Turnbull

Cass Turnbull
February 7, 1951 – January 26, 2017

Cass Turnbull, well-known PlantActivist and founder of PlantAmnesty, died unexpectedly on Jan. 26 while vacationing Hawaiʻi. She was born Katherine Fauntelle Cleland on Feb. 7, 1951, in Seattle, Washington, to James Maitland Cleland and Ruth Marcella Miner.

Cass grew up in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. After attending Helen Bush School and St. Margaret’s School in Victoria, she attended Fairhaven College in Bellingham, where she made many lifelong friends.

Cass’s passion for public green space and the health of trees and shrubs was born working in the Seattle Parks Department, where she had been hired through the Comprehensive Training and Employment Act. While working at Discovery Park, she met her future husband, John Turnbull. They were married on Aug. 16, 1987.

That same year, Cass founded PlantAmnesty, a horticultural nonprofit dedicated to “ending the senseless torture and mutilation of trees and shrubs due to malpruning.” She knew that, “One woman ranting is a kook, but 2,000 people ranting is a movement.” Her passion, knowledge, and humor drew legions of volunteers and gardening experts to her cause.

At first, Cass worked to end the prevalent practice of topping trees. Her success established her reputation, and she began to focus more on promoting good pruning practices for gardeners and landscapers alike.

During its early days, and with much support from John, Cass ran the organization from her living room. From the beginning, she used humor and creativity to draw people close enough to hear her message. She published photos of distressing gardens in the “Ugly Yard Contest” and she made refrigerator magnets with photos of comical pruning disasters. Always willing to be silly, she dressed as Father Weedo Sarducci to hear plant confessions of gardeners and landscapers. When she booked a mariachi band for the Festival of Trees, the agent asked if she might also want to hire his “Dancing Horses,” and he couldn’t have come up with a more irresistible offer.

Cass was a serious student of horticulture, and she continued her education at the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture and earned credentials as a Washington State Certified Landscaper and an ISA-Certified Arborist. She taught horticulture through PlantAmnesty and at Washington State Vocational Schools. Knowing that minimally-trained employees make most pruning cuts, she made a special effort to reach them, enlisting Spanish-speaking instructors.

Known throughout the plant community for her wit and speaking ability, Cass was a much sought-after speaker at garden clubs and other horticultural organizations. She was also a featured guest on many garden shows.

The news media knew that Cass was always good for a quote. She was direct, incisive, and funny, and reporters came to her whenever “viewmongers” or others threatened trees or green space.

Cass’s interest in pruning and gardens evolved into a greater concern for preserving the shrinking open spaces in her rapidly-growing native city of Seattle. She knew that access to nature has profound positive effects for human souls, especially in difficult times.

She used her media savvy to passionately champion the city’s tree canopy and green spaces. Recognizing that political considerations were at play, she created TreePAC, a political action committee supporting local candidates who stand up for trees and open space. Her voice and organizing work were critical to preservation of the 32-acre Myers Way property in White Center last year.

Between phone calls and speeches, Cass wrote. In addition to her entertaining columns in the PlantAmnesty newsletter, she wrote two books, The Complete Guide to Landscape Design, Renovation, and Maintenance (now out of print) and Cass Turnbull’s Guide to Pruning, currently in its third edition.

She also operated her landscaping business, educating and amusing clients and employees alike over the decades.

Cass’s greatest achievement was PlantAmnesty. For the past thirty years, PlantAmnesty, over 1,000 members strong, has striven to educate the private, commercial, and public sectors on responsible, appropriate pruning and landscape management practices, establishing a standard of quality care for the urban ecology. Contributions in memory of Cass may be made to PlantAmnesty or TreePAC. The work must go forward.

Cass was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Elizabeth Cleland Ploof, and her brother James Maitland Cleland, Jr. She is survived by her husband John Turnbull, her sister Ghaska Cleland Branch, her stepmother Nancy Callaghan, cousins Janet Orlando and Dan Miner, sisters-in-law Nancy Morgan and Jane Ruberry, her beloved cats Trouble and Sweetie, and many friends, fans, clients and supporters throughout the Pacific Northwest and the world.

Cass brought life to every gathering, and we will all miss her sparkle, keen mind, biting humor, and passionate crusading. We have all been enriched by having Cass in our lives.

PlantAmnesty is organizing a public celebration of Cass’s life in the near future. Information will be posted on the PlantAmnesty website or look for Plant Amnesty on Facebook.