Obituaries for July 3, 2016

Obituaries for July 3, 2016

Peggy Mikie Higashi Yaka

Peggy Mikie Higashi Yaka of Hanamaulu passed away at home on June 23, 2016, at the age of 93. She was born in Lihue, Kauai, on Jan. 17, 1923, and retired as a sales clerk with Kauai Stores.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sakichi and Kiku Higashi; brother, Masayuki Higashi, York Higashi and Harry Higashi; sister, Edith Higashi; grandson, Cameron Yaka; and great-grandson, Keean Nuivo.

Peggy is survived by two sons, Clinton (Tuesday) Yaka of Idaho, Jason (Linda) Yaka of California; daughter, April (Willie) Nuivo of Hanamaulu; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, David Higashi and Richard (Misa) Higashi; sister-in-law, Olinda Higashi; and caretaker, Shan Resinto.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2016, at Lihue Hongwanji Mission with visitation from 10 a.m. and services celebrated at 11 a.m.

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

Atanacia Fermin

Atanacia Garcia Gaoiran Fermin of Lihue passed away at Garden Isle Health Care on June 23, 2016, at the age of 93.

She was born in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on May 1, 1923, and was a dedicated homemaker and also a vendor at the sunshine market.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Pedro Gaoiran and Pablo Fermin; parents, Bonifacio Acorda and Marcela Garcia Acorda; brothers, Monico Acorda, Ricardo Bagaoisan, Pedro Bagaoisan and Santiago Bagaoisan; sisters, Ising Baxa and Agustina Sebastian.

Atanacia is survived by her daughter, Clarita Gaoiran (Jose) Labrador of Lihue; son, Vic (Rosy) Gaoiran Sr. of Kapaa; six grandchildren, Rolando (Kellye) Labrador of Kalaheo, Jayne (Shane) Conant of Colorado, Freddie Labrador of Lihue, Vic Gaoiran Jr., Rosalyn (Jayson) Mitsuyoshi, Randy Gaoiran all of Oahu; four great-grandchildren, Maile Conant, Kiana Conant, Kaylee Gaoiran and Mikayla Gaoiran; one brother, Catalino (Florentina) Bagaoisan of Philippines; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of her life will be held on July 7, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Church with viewing from 8 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.

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

Brian F. Lopes

Brian F. Lopes, 50, passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and children at Straub Hospital on June 19, 2016. He was born in Kailua, Oahu, on Oct. 2, 1965.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Frank Lopes Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle; his eight children, Tyler Lopes of Arizona; Jordan Lee of Koloa; Bradley Lopes of Arizona; Kapono Lopes of Hau’ula; Kaina Christian of Kapaa; Kamaile Lopes of Hau’ula; Kelani Griep of Kapaa; and Nainoa Lopes of Hau’ula; mother, Maureen Lopes of Lihue; sisters Deanne “Candy” (Mike) Lind of Wailua Homesteads; Sheri (Tom) Maier of Washington; Roxanne (Dave) Daugherty of California; Maile (Ira) Silva of Lihue; and brother, Darin (Marie) Lopes of Lihue.

A celebration of life will be held on July 7, 2016, at Borthwick Kauai Mortuary in Koloa. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. Services start at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at Kalapaki Bay Memorial Park.

Gordon ‘Kealoha’ Saffery

Gordon “Kealoha” Saffery of Princeville, Kauai, passed away on June 24, 2016, at the age of 61. He was born on Feb. 17, 1955, on Kauai.

He was previously employed with Princeville Operating Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Irene “Jenny” Saffery; brothers, Joe Mersberg and Calvin Saffery; and sister, Georgette “Mapuana” Harrison.

He is survived by sisters, Milwarde “Nani” Metcalf, Vallendee (Fred) Wong, Rose Angeles; sister-in-law, Tamar (Kamala) Mersberg and his hanai sisters, Pauline and Lorraine Harada; brothers, Jack and Lewelyn Fischer; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation begins at 9:30, service to start at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow at Hanalei Community Cemetery.