Obituaries for Sunday, June 30, 2019

James Beryl ‘Bill’ Clifford

James Beryl “Bill” Clifford, 90, of Princeville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at Wilcox Medical Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife Karen, parents Harry E. and Eva Angeline, brother Byron, sister Hallie Freile, and son James Scott.

He is survived by sons Robert “Bob” (Mona) and Bradley Clifford, daughter Amy Clifford (Chad) Wamhoff, stepsons Marc and Mike Dahlquist, grandchildren, Jade, Josh, Libby, Zach, Mackenzie, Spencer, Abby and Ally, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He grew up in Little Falls, Minnesota, and graduated from Royalton High School in 1946. After high school he attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1951. With the Korean War going on, he served his country from 1951 to 1953, and was honorably discharged. He was extremely active in politics, including serving as councilman in Plymouth, Minnesota and the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1973 and 1974.

He also had a successful career selling group life and individual insurance for North American Life for many years, then becoming the regional manager. In 1981, he decided to start Corporate Benefits of America and went on to grow it into a very successful company. In his career, he served as president of the Minnesota Life Underwriters, and received the prestigious industry award the G. Bennet Serrill award in 1989. After selling the CBSA in 1991 Bill and Karen bought their home on Kauai, but did not move there until the completed the “loop” on their boat that took about a year and a half.

Bill and Karen lived in Princeville for 19 years, enjoying many trips around the world. He continued to live in Princeville after Karen’s passing in 2013. After suffering a major illness in May 2018 he moved to Garden Isle Healthcare &Rehabilitation in Lihue. There he enjoyed going out to dinner with a good friend, Jeff, many nights for the last year. While living on Kauai he continued his love for politics and community by serving on several boards for condominium and housing associations in the Princeville area.

He proudly served as a Rotarian for over 20 years between Minnesota and Kauai, including being on the board. He also enjoyed giving garden tours with Karen at Na Ania Kai Gardens. He drove the tour cart while she shared her knowledge about all the beautiful things in the garden.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 20, at Wai‘oli Hui‘ia Church in Hanalei beginning at 11 a.m.

Thomas Hashimoto

Thomas Hashimoto, 84, of Kilauea, peacefully passed away at his daughters’ home in Kilauea on Feb. 12, 2019. He was born in Haena on July 13, 1934, and retired from National Tropical Botanical Gardens’ Limahuli Garden, Haena, as a foreman/landscape maintenance, which he also performed at the late Juliet Rice Wichman family estate in Haena.

He was preceded in death by parents Joseph Mahiula Sr. and Dora (Poe) Hashimoto, brothers John (Jack) Hashimoto, George (Gabby) Hashimoto Sr. and Joseph Mahiula Hashimoto Jr., sister Violet Hashimoto Goto, sisters-in-law Florence Ka‘ala Hashimoto and Helen Hashimoto, son-in-law Howard “Kachi” Tadashi Yokotake Jr., and nephew Thomas Kaina Hideo Hashimoto.

He is survived by wife Annie Tai Hook Hashimoto, children Thomasine Leilani Romas, Valerie Ann Leolani Yokotake, Haven (Bert) Iwalani Dawbarn, Taryn (Keli‘i Alapa‘i) Nalani Hashimoto, Dancette (Patrick) Lani Green, Kimberly (Ronnie Gorospe) Wailani Tai Hook, Shann (Kelly Boro) Anolani Hashimoto, Junedale Ualani Hashimoto and Jodi Keala Hashimoto-Omo, 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Wanda Hashimoto and Travis Leimomi Tubal, brothers-in-law Wilbert “Afuk” (Mieko) Tai Hook and Henry (Rikki) Tai Hook Jr., hanai children Chipper and Hau‘oli Wichman, David “Kawika” Goodale, Lee Gushiken and Emily Cadiz, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 13, at Wai‘oli, Hui‘ia Church in Hanalei, with visitation from 8 a.m. and services celebrated at 10 a.m.

Kauai Memorial Gardens &Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Clayton Pihaleo Ah Tong Chow

Clayton Pihaleo Ah Tong Chow, of Kapaa, passed away on June 17, 2019, at the age of 61. He was born in Lihue, on Dec.12, 1957, and was a CSM operator for Aqua Engineers, Inc.

He was preceded in death by parents Kenneth and Martha Huddy Chow, sister Lyndell Makanani and brother Michael Chow.

He is survived by wife Kimberly Chow, son Clay Chow, brother Ken Chow, sister Darlene (George) Thronas, and numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the at Kauai Veterans Center.

Borthwick Kauai Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bertha Jean Souza De Costa

Bertha Jean Souza De Costa, of Makaweli, passed away on June 16, 2019, at the age of 83. Born in Koloa, on July 10, 1935, she was retired from Big Save Inc.

She was preceded in death by parents Frank and Daisy Souza, husband Vincent De Costa, son Michael Alan De Costa and brother Albert Souza.

She is survived by daughter Theresa Christine De Costa Koki of Kalaheo, sons Vincent James (Gerlinda) De Costa of Lawai, Damien Mitchell De Costa of Kalaheo, Craig Anthony De Costa of Lihue, grandchildren Keola James De Costa, Vincent Kapono De Costa, Alanna Ku‘ulei (Niela) De Costa, Clifton Ikaika De Costa, Nicole Nalani De Costa, Damien Mitchell De Costa Jr., Sheree Chiemi (Preston) McCormack, Ciarra Kimi (Michael) Koki, Bronson Joel Shigeshi (Beverly) Koki, Holden James Akira (Amber Matsuyoshi) Koki and Kylan John Napualani Holt, 20 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and cousins.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, July 13, at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church in Waimea, with visitation at 8:30 a.m. with Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Kekaha Public Cemetery.

Borthwick Kauai Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ellen Emiyo Higa

Ellen Emiyo Higa, 78, of Lihue, passed away at Garden Isle Healthcare &Rehabilitation on May 27, 2019. She was born in Oahu on Dec. 15, 1940, and was a dedicated homemaker.

She was preceded in death by daughter Candice Higa, and brothers Albert Ono and James Ono.

She is survived by husband Tetsuo Higa, sons Roy (Nancy Rapozo) Higa, Garrett (Kuipo Shimizu) Higa and Eric (Tania) Higa, sister Marian Ichiyama, two grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 1, at Kapaa Hongwanji, with visitation from 9 a.m. and services beginning at 10 a.m.

Kauai Memorial Gardens &Funeral Home is assisting assisted the family with arrangements.

Mary Day Wilson

Mary Day Wilson 92, of Kapaa, died peacefully Monday evening, June 10, 2019, at Garden Isle Healthcare &Rehabilitation.

She was born in Honolulu on Nov. 12, 1926, granddaughter of early merchant C.J. Day, who came to Hawaii in 1892 on an apprenticeship and later operated a store on Fort Street from 1903 through 1943 specializing in English fancy foods. Born in Kalihi, she moved with her family to Manoa in 1936. She attended Hanahau‘oli kindergarten and then Punahou School, graduating in the Class of 1944. She attended the University of Oregon, where she graduated in 1948. When she returned from college, she went to work at First Hawaiian Bank. She met her husband Robert F. Wilson in 1950, and they were married in 1952. In 1961 they moved to Kauai, and remained married for 58 years before Robert passed away in 2010. She was a substitute teacher at Wilcox Elementary and Koloa schools for 22 years. She was also very active with her sons in the 4-H agricultural program, raising cattle, pigs and other animals for market and home. She was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Kapaa, and served with and volunteered her time to many nonprofit causes. She especially loved to cook and was very proud of her mango chutney, which was always one of the first items to sell out at various bake sales. In her later years she was a guide and office assistant at Grove Farm Plantation Museum, and also served as a trustee.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law Colin and Nancy Wilson, son and daughter-in-law Steven and Katrina Wilson, son and daughter-in-law Richard and Susan Wilson, grandchildren Christen, Cassie, Jessica, Alana, Sean, Luke and Chloe, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Services were held on Saturday, June 29, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Kapaa. Burial will be held at Nu‘uanu Cemetery on Oahu at a later date.

Katsugi Tamanaha

Katsugi Tamanaha passed away on June 25, 2019. He was born on April 17, 1932. He was a guidance counselor and served in the U.S. Army.

He is survived by wife Vivian “Happy” Tamanaha, sons Brian Tamanaha and Dale Eng, daughters Lani Broadbent-Tamanaha and Mari Tamanaha, grandchildren Brandy Tamanaha-Carlo, Jasmine Wazaney, Jolijt Tamanaha, Kats Tamanaha, Sara Tamanaha and Vincent Michalski, and great-grandchild Kennedy Wazaney.

A graveside service will held on Tuesday, July 2, at the Hanapepe Kauai Veterans Cemetery at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow. The family suggets aloha attire.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mark Boiser

Mark Boiser, 72, of Moloa‘a, passed away on June 6, 2019 at Straub Medical Center in Honolulu. He was born on Jan. 2, 1947 in Lihue. He was a retired lineman for HawaiianTel, a former naval officer, skilled fisherman, and an advocate for the aina.

He was preceded in death by wife Evelyn Louise Evans Boiser, parents Philip Boiser Sr., George Kaleiohi Jr. and Juliet Leimomi Ferreira Huddy.

He is survived by partner Susan Storm, daughters Maile (Lance Katekaru) Horikawa of Makakilo, Waianela Boiser of Wailua, Caroline Lahela (Buddy) Victorino of Waimea, and Martha Leimomi (Victor Ewulo) Boiser of Moloa‘a, son Howard “Sonny” Sakahara of Wailua, grandchildren Buddy Victorino, Cody Victorino, Ford Victorino, Nicole Katekaru, Joseph Camelo, Jodie Sakahara and Sonny Boiser, brother Philip “Butch” Boiser of Kapahi, former spouse Charlene “Pinky” Boiser and his best friend (dog) Fluffy.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 6, at Waika‘ea (Lihi) Canal boat ramp in Kapaa, with visitation at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. The Facebook event titled Mark Boiser Celebration of Life will stream live.