Michael Cipriano Otoman
Michael Cipriano Otoman passed away at age 73 on July 12, 2021, in Ewa Beach, O‘ahu. He was born on May 16, 1948 in Waimea. He retired from the Pacific Missile Range Facility as a lieutenant in the Security Department. He was a recipient of a Bronze Star and Purple Heart while serving in the 2nd Squadron 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Vietnam War.
He was preceded in death by parents Cipriano and Sachie Otoman, brother Sidney Nishiyama and sister Sherry Ann Otoman.
He is survived by wife Marynel Flojo Otoman and son Gian Michael Otoman, both of Ewa Beach, O‘ahu, brothers Gene (Elaine) Otoman of Waimea and David and Joseph Otoman of Kekaha, sisters Judy (Guy) Fujita of Waimea and Lisa (Robin) Murayama of Niumalu, and numerous nieces, grandnieces, nephews, grandnephews, cousins and friends.
The celebration of life is Monday, Aug. 23, at O‘ahu Mortuary at 9 a.m., with viewing at 10 a.m. and service with lunch to follow. Per his wishes, he will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of The Pacific (Punchbowl) at 1 p.m.
A celebration of life on Kaua‘i will be determined at a later date.
O‘ahu Cemetery and the National Memorial Cemetery of The Pacific are assisting the family with arrangements.
Edith Hideko Ko
Edith Hideko Ko passed away on April 19, 2021 in Las Vegas, at the age of 84. She was born on July 14, 1936 in Hanapepe.
She was prededed in death by husband Robert Ko and sons Clayton and Straton Oana.
She is survived by sons Shane Oana, Sterling (Tammy) Oana and Styles (Rose) Oana, daughters Stanette Takeuchi and Sheldeen (Robert) Ronia, sisters Linda and Janice Momohara, 21 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service at Lihu‘e Cemetery is Wednesday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m.
Richard Kazuo Yamamoto
Richard Kazuo Yamamoto, 91, of Hanama‘ulu, passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on Aug. 18, 2021. He was born in Lihu‘e and retired as an accountant with Berkley California.
He is survived by wife Loida Yamamoto, daughter Laurie (Jessie) Trujillo, three grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private services were held.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens &Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
30 November 2021
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Otoman. His fellow troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia, salute our fallen brother and worthy hero. Michael served courageously with G Troop of the 2nd Squadron in 1969-7o, and it was our privilege to have him in the ranks of the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment. Our loss is that of another brother down and we will continue to honor his memory at our gatherings and at our annual reunion. Michael was a Life Member and an exemplary soldier and had the utmost respect of the Blackhorse Troopers. His name will be listed on the roll of our honored dead and in our newsletter, Thunder Run and honored at our next Annual Reunion. But as our Burial Liturgy clearly states: “life has not ended, merely changed” and Michael’s soul continues on an endless path. As we were together then (in Vietnam), we will be together again in the life hereafter, comfortably enfolded in the loving arms of our Merciful Father.
Chaplain Blandin W. Karabinos, 11th ACVVC (Vietnam 71-72)