Obituary Notices: July 30 – Aug. 5, 2017

Big Island Obituaries

Deidra (Dee) Bryant Faessler

Deidra (Dee) Bryant Faessler
March 16, 1947 – July 29, 2017

Deidra (Dee) Bryant Faessler passed away in Kona Community Hospital from extended complications of acute pneumonia on July 29, 2017. She was born March 16, 1947 in Portland, OR, the daughter of Morris A. Bryant (deceased), formerly of Portland, and Betty Bryant (deceased), formerly of San Dimas, CA. She married Jack A. Faessler on Feb. 28, 1981 in Anaheim, CA.

On Jan. 6, 1986, Dee took her oath as the first woman elected to the Whitefish, MT, City Council. From 1985 to 1988 she was Director of Community Relations at North Valley Hospital, Whitefish, MT. She retired in 2007 after a 15-year exemplary career within the Finance Division of Qwest Communications, Seattle, WA. She and husband Jack retired in 2012 to Hawaiʻi Island.

Educational accomplishments were very important to Dee:
Mt. San Antonio College – AA Police Science/AA Secretarial Science, Portland State University – BS Pre-Law/Business, Federal Executive Institute – Graduate Fellowship, Portland State University – MPA Labor Relations/Arbitration

Community memberships included: Christ Church Episcopal, Kona Community Hospital Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Hospice of Kona

Seven decades ago, Dee was given the gift of life. Her gift had an expiration date. No longer will she shop throughout Seattle’s Pike Place Market or feed the gulls on Oregon beaches. No more will she enjoy a favorite seafood meal at either Merriman’s Big Island or ‘ULU Ocean Grill.

Dee wanted everyone to know that her Hawaiian retirement is now over. She received a new calling, an offer she could not refuse, to an off-island appointment from which she will never return. In addition to maximum job security, her new assignment comes with a massive sign-on bonus and a reunion with family and friends not seen in a long time. Her new assignment takes her to a most wonderful destination, where she will be socializing and dancing to her new heart’s content. Music, chasing rainbows, laughter and love are guaranteed. Oysters, Dungeness crab and Copper River salmon dining is “DA BEST” there.

Dee enjoyed retirement on Hawaiʻi Island, but regretted that there were limited forward-thinking volunteer opportunities to challenge her seemingly boundless energies. The loss is collectively ours.

Farewell, My Love. We will reunite again –- soon,

Jack,
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry:
I am not there. I did not die.

Private services will be held. It was Dee’s wish to be cremated and scattered at sea. – From the Faessler hale

Florence Kahele
January 25, 1927 – July 24, 2017

Florence Kahele, 90, of Pāhoa passed away on July 24, 2017 at her home in Pāhoa. Florence was born in Honolulu on Jan. 25, 1927 to Robert and Elizabeth Kekauoha.

She is survived by her son; Paul “Black” (Arnolette) Kahele, daughters; Elaine Kealoha, Grace “Anela” Kahele, and Paulette (Pedro) Velasco, and sister; May (Puni) Kamai. Florence was also blessed with eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 17 great great grandchildren.

A service will be held At Ballard Family Moanalua Mortuary on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017 with visitation opening to the public at 9 a.m., services beginning at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery at 2 p.m. Please no flowers or donations. Arrangements entrusted to Ballard Family Mortuary- Hilo.

Albert Bray Keli’ipio Lui

Albert Bray Keli’ipio Lui
September 19, 1958 – July 20, 2017

Albert Bray Keli’ipio Lui, 58, of Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi, was born in Honolulu and passed away on July 20, 2017.

Albert was a retired Staff Sergeant with the United States Army with 21 years of dedicated service. Albert recently worked for Securitas as a security guard at the Keahole Airport and part-time at the Kailua-Kona U Haul.

He is survived by parents Raymond and Agnes Lui; son Aaron J.M. Lui of Aumsville, OR; daughter Devon Ann Marie Lui of Aumsville, OR; brothers Aaron (Stacey) Lui of Honolulu, Richard Blomfield of Kailua-Kona; sisters Francine Lui of Kailua-Kona, Nicole Lui of Kailua-Kona, Jennifer (Kimo) Solmirin of Honolulu, Caroline Lu (Ronan) Damo-Fukushima of Kailua-Kona, Francine Reider of Kailua-Kona ; and three grandchildren along with numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and hanai children.

Memorial services will be held Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 with visitation from 8 to 9 a.m. and services at 10 a.m. at Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in Kailua-Kona. Graveside services with Military Honors will follow at West Hawaiʻi Veteran’s Cemetery at noon.

Online condolences may be posted on WWW.BALLARDFAMILYMORTUARIES.COM. Services provided by Ballard Family Mortuary-Kona.

Tate “Robbie” Robinson
December 10, 1947 – July 9, 2017

Tate “Robbie” Robinson, age 69, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2017 at his home in Hawaiian Paradise Park. He was born on Dec. 10, 1947 to William Tate and Marion Robinson in Honolulu.

He graduated in 1966 from Punahou School, attended Menlo Business College and received an MBA from Pepperdine University. He worked in the beverage industry for Hawaiian Natural Water Company as VP operations manager until 2002, and then as a Water Consultant for several major water bottling companies in Hawaiʻi.

He is survived by his wife Jenis, daughter; Whitney, sons; Christian and Daniel, and granddaughter Meleana.
Services will be held at Elks Lodge 616, where he was a lifetime member, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. At 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Aloha attire! No flowers. Arrangements entrusted to Ballard Family Mortuary- Hilo

Regina Anastasia Brencick-Flottmann

Regina Anastasia Brencick-Flottmann
April 15, 1923 – July 8, 2017

Regina Anastasia Brencick-Flottmann nee Raditic, 94, of Kamuela, was born in Pagedale, MO, and passed away on July 8, 2017. She worked as a Chemical Librarian.

She is survived by son Matthew (Shirley) Brencick of Whidbey Island, WA; daughter Janice Brencick of Kamuela; brother Albert (Betty) Radetic of St. Louis, MO; five grandchildren and seven great-granchildren.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 with visitation from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and mass at 10 am at Anunciation Catholic Church in Kamuela. Burial will follow at Waimea Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Dean Fujitani Medical Fund c/o Annuciation Catholic Church, Waimea, HI 96743.

Penny Diane White
April 30, 1955 – July 8, 2017

Penny Diane White, 62, of Kona, died Saturday, July 8, 2017, in Hilo. She was born in Independence, MO, on April 30, 1955.

She was an amazing mother and grandmother. She was survived by daughter, Amber Rose White and grandchildren Zayli Rose Mead and Zayden Kahana Mead. Also, sisters and best friends Diann Price, Karlena Echo, Mary Lou Dolt and Georgia Bueoy.

You were the most loving and selfless person. Always, bringing laughter and joy wherever you went. You will be forever missed and never forgotten.
I Love You Mom!

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Moose Lodge, in Kansas City, MO at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2017. Please pay condolences and memorial donations to https://www.gofundme.com/memorial-fund-for-penny-white.

A special thank you goes out from our family to: Ballard Family Mortuary, Diann Price, for supporting us through this difficult time, Troy Kahana Mead, my Kona Mountain Coffee ohana, and all of our friends and family’s love and support, including Rusty Kline, Sarah, Chris and Lauren Price, Jennifer Gill and Benjamin Meyer and so many more.

“Sometimes when I first awake
I think that you’re still here,
And for a fleeting moment
The clouds all disappear.
For you brought endless sunshine
Until you went away
And now I miss you desperately
Each minute of the day.
You would not like to see me sad
So what I try to do,
Is live a bright and happy life
In memory of you
For though I’ll always miss you
And it’s dreadful being apart,
I haven’t really lost you
You’re still her in my heart.”

Maui Obituaries

Bernardus Gerardus Kotter

Bernardus Gerardus Kotter
January 16, 1931 – July 31, 2017

Bernardus Gerardus Kotter, 86, of Kahului, passed away on July 31, 2017 at Hale Makua Kahului. He was born on Jan. 16, 1931, in Holland.

At the request of the family, private services will be held.

Bernardus was an auto mechanic.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Kotter; sons, Errol, Robert, and Brandon (Lani) Kotter; daughter, Cherie Kotter; sister, Beth Elders; grandchildren, Ben, Misti, Katyana, Robert, Cameron, Jennifer, Taylor, Aiyana, Kaela and Makena; and great-grandchildren, Makaia, Zoe, and Lily.

Simeon Cortez Valdez

Simeon Cortez Valdez
July 1, 1955 – July 30, 2017

Simeon Cortez Valdez, 62, of Kahului, passed away on July 30, 2017 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. He was born on July 1, 1955 in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 at Christ the King Church, prayer service will begin at 7 p.m.

Visitation will be held again at Christ the King Church on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., mass at 9:00 a.m. and burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Maui Memorial Park Cemetery, Maui View.

Simeon retired from H.C. & S. Company where he worked as an irrigation maintenance person.

He is survived by his wife, Maria Loren Valdez; special person, Filomena Valdez; sons, Clarence (Joy) Valdez, Brian (Sheila Joy) Valdez, and Samiel Diamond B.Valdez; brothers, Santiago (Eulalia) Valdez, and Elpie (Lourdes) Valdez; sisters, Eden V. Agbuggo of the Philippines, Deomedes (Querico) Bumagat of the Philippines, Rosita Baysa, Lucrecia (Berting) Bareng of the Philippines, and Merlina Valdez; grandchildren, Cassie, Jazlyn, and Caiden Valdez.

Beverly Joyce Richardson

Beverly Joyce Richardson
February 12, 1947 – July 29, 2017

Beverly Joyce Richardson, 70, of Ha‘ikū, passed away on July 29, 2017. She was born on Feb. 12, 1947, in Puunene, Maui.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church; mass will begin at 11 a.m.; burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Beverly retired as a Teller at Central Pacific Bank then worked as a bus driver for Roberts Hawai‘i. She was predeceased by her parents, Vicente and Nora Mateo; and brother, Gilbert Mateo. She is survived by her husband, Lester W. Richardson; children, Janine (Vernon) Carroll, Brandy (Jaymes) Mcgregor; step daughter, Rae Ann (Charles) Weber; grandchildren, Letitia Kahaleauki-Souza, Rylee Kailiehu-Souza; great grandchildren, Jahzaiah, Ciana and Justice Souza-Purdy; sisters, Janet (Toby) Fernandez, Ludy (Frank) Garcia, Marie (Stanley) Souza, Carol (George Sr.) Fernandez, Norma (Fred) Leite; and brothers, Danny (Clarissa) Mateo and Ernest (Jane) Leong.

Nailen “Sonny” Joseph Huakini Kekahuna

Nailen “Sonny” Joseph Huakini Kekahuna
January 15, 1948 – July 28, 2017

Nailen “Sonny” Joseph Huakini Kekahuna, 69, of Kahului, Maui, passed away on July 28, 2017, at his home, under the care of Hospice Maui. He was born on Jan. 15, 1948, in Pā‘ia, Maui.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 7, 2017, at Norman’s Mortuary; service will begin at 10 a.m.; burial will follow, 1 p.m., at the Maui Veteran’s Cemetery in Makawao.

Sonny retired with the Local #3 Heavy Equipment Operators union. He is survived by his wife, Leonila Kekahuna; sons, Harold “Lihau” Kekahuna, Mapu Kekahuna, Howard (Diana) Kekahuna; step sons, Abraham Melendez, Daniel (Raygene) Rapisura, Glenn Rapisura; daughters, Corinna “Ti” Kekahuna, Lehua Kekahuna, Cheryl “Kaohe” Kekahuna; step daughters, Cherry Rapisura, Janelle (Fabian) Rapisura-Lanoza, Leslie (Kai) Gragas-Rapisura; hanai daughter, Sami Kepoo; hanai brother, Francis Young; five grandchildren, one deceased; 12 step grandchildren, one deceased; four great grandchildren; and hanai nephew, David Young.

Robert U. “Ace” Cordero

Robert U. “Ace” Cordero
July 12, 1938 – July 22, 2017

Robert U. “Ace” Cordero, 79 of Kahului passed away on July 22, 2017 at the Island Hospice House on Maui. He was born on July 12, 1938 in Hāna, Maui. He was a retired Major of the Maui Police Department.

Services honoring Mr. Cordero will be held at Ballard Family Mortuary on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. til noon. Mr. Cordero will be laid to rest at the Makawao Veteran’s Cemetery at 1 p.m.

Robert is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Mary Cordero and his sister, Janet “Honey” Souza. He is survived by his loving wife, Imogene Cordero; his four daughters, Nanette Noelani (Steven) Ho’opai, Daphne Nalani Cordero, Kimberly K. (Hale) Hilsabeck and Misty K.C. (Herman) Nakoa. He also leaves behind his seven grandchildren, Warren Kapono (Shawna) Cordero Ho’opai, Wyatt Makana Ho’opai, Alexandra Hilsabeck, Tyler Hilsabeck, Tiffany Hilsabeck, Sai Nakoa and Sanae Nakoa; his two great-grandchildren, Haloa Ho’opai and Talia Silva; two brothers, Richard (Leilani) Cordero, Steve (Casey) Cordero and a sister, Cherlyn”Sugar” (Gary) Cordero-Redenius.

The family of Mr. Cordero would like to give a special thank you to the entire staff of the Island Hospice House in Kahului including his very special Home Health Care Nurse, Zen, for the excellent care and unconditional love shown to him and his entire family. We would also like to thank Dr. George Powell and Dr. Ryan Fusato and his staff for the ongoing care he received throughout the past years.

Jessess “Butch” V. Baqui III

Jessess “Butch” V. Baqui III
July 9, 2017

Jessess “Butch” V. Baqui III, 59, of Wailuku passed away on July 9, 2017. He was born in Honolulu.

Visitation will be held at Ballard Family Mortuary in Kahului on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Butch is survived by his mother, Mary Baqui; brothers, John (Carol) Baqui, Raymond (Stacy) Baqui; sisters, Marilyn (Edwin) Wise, Gloria (Elvin) Like, Sandra (Dean) Burdick, Patricia Sato, Joann (Elde) Collado, Sally (Reid) Sato, Tonya (Rodney) Cabudol and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Jeossess V. Baqui Jr.

Brenda G. L. Hipolito

Brenda G. L. Hipolito
September 24, 1959 – July 7, 2017

Brenda G. L. Hipolito, 57, born September 24, 1959 in Wailuku, passed away peacefully at her home in Kula, Maui on July 7, 2017.

She was predeceased by her father, Melvin E. Hipolito Sr. She is survived by her mother, Gloria Hipolito; siblings, Mervin “Merv” (Debbie) Hipolito, Melvin “Tygah” (Esmeralda) Hipolito Jr., Brian “Bo” (Nenita) Hipolito, Kevin (Lisa) Hipolito; and hanai sister, Leimomi Goles. She also leaves behind many uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Funeral services in Brenda’s honor will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at Norman’s Mortuary in Wailuku. Visitation will begin from 9 to 11 a.m.; prayer services to follow from 11 a.m. to noon.

George “Keoke” I. Kealakai

George “Keoke” I. Kealakai
June 10, 1945 – July 3, 2017

George “Keoke” I. Kealakai, 72, of Kihei, passed away on July 3, 2017 at Tripler Army Medical Hospital in Honolulu. He was born on June 10, 1945 in Honolulu.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday Aug. 19, 2017 at Ballard Family Mortuary in Kahului. Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. and service will begin at 10 a.m

George “Keoke” worked as a security guard on the 3rd floor at the court house before working at Robert of Hawai‘i as a school bus driver, he was also a member of The Sons of Hawai‘i Motorcycle Club.

He survived by his wife Mahinalani Kealakai; sons, Emmitt and Earl Freitas; daughter, Earleen Sato; brothers, Jonathan and Duke Kealakai; sisters, Charlene Ching, Rebecca, Henano, Vanessa and Lara Kealakai, and 10 grandchildren.