Walter “Fig” Mitchell II, Florelle Gwaltney, Mildred Jopling, Joanna Apilado, Yaeno Katsura, Filemon Aguinaldo Walter “Fig” Mitchell II Walter “Fig” Mitchell II, of Wailua, known by many as Papa Fig, The Jolly Brown Giant, and a dozen or so other
Walter “Fig” Mitchell II, Florelle Gwaltney, Mildred Jopling, Joanna Apilado, Yaeno Katsura, Filemon Aguinaldo
Walter “Fig” Mitchell II
Walter “Fig” Mitchell II, of Wailua, known by many as Papa Fig, The Jolly Brown Giant, and a dozen or so other names, died in his home on June 10, 2002.
Born on Oct. 27, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio, he moved to Hawai’i in the early 70’s. After living on several other islands and a brief stay on the Mainland and the Big Island, he and his family made their way to Kauai in 1980. Soon after, he would embark on a lifelong endeavor that would make him a household name and loved by many. His dedication to youth sports was extraordinary. For more than 20 years he was involved in sports in one form or another. Whether it was coaching Pop Warner, Little League, or girls basketball he was there in full force. From tee-ball to high school he was an inspiration to many. He has filled the positions of coach, umpire, league director, announcer and friend. It was through his announcing that he perhaps touched the hearts of most.
He had a successful career in radio that started as a color man with J Robertson on KUAI. They formed a team that was as good as it gets. Later he joined the morning crew of Ron Wiley and Lee Cataluna as the news and sports director at KQNG. Each morning he would bellow a familiar “Howzit Gangy”.
After leaving radio he would write for the Kaua’i Times until their merger with the Garden Island. Each week he would highlight one of Kauai’s own outstanding youth. It was said that people who didn’t even like sports enjoyed reading his articles. He touched the lives of many.
Walter R. “Fig” Mitchell is survived by his father, sister, three children, and grandson. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 24, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Kapa’a Chapel. Viewing will be from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. with services from 11 a.m. to noon. Burial to follow at the Kapa’a County Cemetery.
Florelle Gwaltney
Florelle Darden Gwaltney, a native of Smithfield, VA died on May 18, 2002 on Kaua’i where she had resided for six years. Her parents were Julius Darden Gwaltney and Henrietta Chapman Gwaltney, both deceased.
Ms. Gwaltney is survived by her daughter, Noelle Monette Gauthier of Virginia Beach and her sister, Henrietta Chapman Gwaltney of New York and Smithfield.
Ms. Gwaltney was a graduate of Finch College. She was a certified yoga instructor and was interested in the holistic healing arts. She assisted many persons, who were handicapped with crippling diseases to have a better quality of life. She suffered greatly from anorexia, an eating disorder, which decimates the body and is life threatening.
Florelle was known for her vibrant spirit, love and kindness and was loved by everyone she met. She chose Poipu as her home and the people who lived and worked in the area as her ‘ohana. They nurtured her and she shared her spirit with them.
Florelle’s life was honored with a Hawaiian memorial service … two conch blowers, four chanters, and musicians. There was a sharing of memories by those who loved her. None of the officiates of the memorial had a connection to any particular religion, their only connection was their love for Florelle who came as a stranger and left this earth with an ‘ohana of hundreds.
To complete the service the minister led the family and friends to the shore to cast flowers into the ocean as reminder of the beauty of Florelle’s spirit, to hear her laugh as the waves touch the shoreline and to be a part of the Aloha Spirit forever. After the ceremony, her ashes were scattered in the ocean as she had requested.
The family has set up a memorial fund, “The Florelle Gwaltney Memorial Fund for Eating Disorders”. Funds will be used to set up an eating disorders treatment program through Wilcox Health. Donations will be accepted at the Wilcox Health Foundation, 3420 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, HI 96766. Please designate that your donation is for the “Florelle Gwaltney Memorial Fund for Eating Disorders”.
Mildred Jopling
Mildred Jopling of Kapa’a, Kaua’i, died at Wilcox Memorial Hospital on June 10, at the age of 75.
Born in Paterson, NJ on July 13, 1926, she was a Bookkeeper with Edison Community College, Fort Myers, Florida.
She is survived by husband, Homer Jopling of Kapa’a, Kaua’i; three sons, Doug Jopling of Kapa’a, Kaua’i, Gary (Carmen) Jopling of Miami, FL., and Ken Jopling and his partner, Dennis Mendonca of Kapa’a, Kaua’i; sister, Claire Cory of Sarasota, FL.; 6 grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements are being handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.
Joanna Apilado
Joanna Maile Apilado of Kalaheo, Kaua’i, died at Queen’s Medical Center on June 10, 2002 at the age of 16.
Born in Lihu’e, Kaua’i on April 4, 1986, she was a Student at Waimea High School.
She is survived by her mother, Toni Rodriguez; four brothers, Abraham Apilado, Benjamin Apilado, Catalino Rodriguez and Christopher Rodriguez; sister, Elzabeath Rodriguez all of Kalaheo, Kaua’i. Maternal grandparents; Thomas E. (Isabella S.) Creelman; Paternal grandmother, Soon-Ne Apilado. Numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may visit with the family at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, at the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Kalaheo Ward; service at 11 a.m. Followed by burial at the Lihue Cemetery. Aloha attire is suggested.
Arrangements are being handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.
Yaeno Katsura
Yaeno Katsura of ‘Ele’ele Nani, Kaua’i, died at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital on June 11, 2002 at the age of 90.
Born in Honolulu, O’ahu on Sept. 15, 1911.
Survived by brother-in-law: Seichi Matsushige of Lihu’e, Kaua’i; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service has been scheduled at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, at the Hanapepe UCC with Pastor Young officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.
Gerald “Jerry” Amorin
Gerald “Jerry” Amorin of Lihu’e, Kaua’i, died at Straub Clinic on June 14, 2002, at the age of 63.
Born in Lihu’e, Kaua’i on June 23, 1938, he was an Equipment Operator for the state of Hawai’i.
He is survived by his daughter: Jeri Lee Amorin of Lihu’e; two brothers: Stanley (Connie) Amorin of Hanama’ulu; Donald (Jenice) Amorin of Maryland, and caregiver: Healani Mandrigues of Lihu’e; and one grandchild.
Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, July 25, at Immaculate Conception Church from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. where services will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. by Father Keahi. Casual attire is suggested.
Arrangements are being handled by Borthwick Kauai Mortuary.
Filemon Aguinaldo
Filemon Subia Aguinaldo of Kilauea, Kaua’i, died at his residence on June 16, 2002 at the age of 78.
Born in the Philippines on Dec. 21, 1923, he was employed in the landscaping industry.
He is survived is his wife: Felipa Aguinaldo; five sons: Pastor (Natie) Aguinaldo; Ernesto (Belen) Aguinaldo; Wilson (Herminia) Aguinaldo; Landrino (Lily) Aguinaldo; Weslie (Lilibeth) Aguinaldo; six daughters: Glorina Aguinaldo; Rose Nelie (Miro) Rumbaoa; Lucrecia (Jerry) Sagucio; Nora Montero; Marlene (Danny) Jarquio; Rowena Aguinaldo; Rosita Aguinaldo; one sister: Rosita Aguinaldo, 29 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
Friends may visit with the family on Friday, June 21, at Borthwick Kauai Mortuary Chapel in Koloa from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and again on Saturday, June 22, at St. Sylvesters Church in Kilauea from 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. where services will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Kilauea Public Cemetery. Casual attire is suggested.
Arrangements are being handled by Borthwick Kauai Mortuary.
