Obituaries for Sunday, October 3, 2021

Richard ‘Rick’ Prowse

Richard “Rick” Prowse, born Dec. 23, 1949, passed away at the age of 70, on Oct. 7, 2020. He was a fisherman, surfer, free-diver, boat captain, Water Safety Instructor, lifeguard, first aid and CPR instructor and a Junior Lifeguard coach. He also did volunteer work for the American Red Cross, Coast Guard Auxiliary, American Heart Association and the St. Catherine Food Pantry.

He was born and raised in the San Diego beach communities of South Mission, Pacific Beach and La Jolla, where he attended St. Brigid’s Academy and graduated from La Jolla High School in 1968. His dad, Art, was a boater, fisherman and hunter, and had an early influence on Rick’s love of the ocean, boats, and catching fish. His dad died suddenly when Rick was in grammar school. His mom, Florence (“Sandy”), was a sweet lady, who as a widow raised Rick and his older brother Chris while holding down a full-time job in the aerospace industry. After high school, he traveled throughout Mexico surfing and fishing, and using the Spanish-language skills he developed from managing migrant-farm-labor camps in Washington state during asparagus season. He moved to Hawai‘i in the mid-1970, and lived on the North Shore of O‘ahu until moving to Kaua‘i in the early 1980s. He taught ocean-rescue and boating-safety classes, and played a leading role as a leader and coach for Kaua‘i’s first Junior Lifeguard program. He spent many years driving tour boats on Napali Coast during the early days when inflatable boats were first adapted for sightseeing. During his nearly 40 years on Kaua‘i, Rick’s bodysurfing prowess achieved legendary status at many of the island’s best surf spots. Tall and lanky, Rick became known as “Stretch” in the lineup.

He was a kind-hearted soul, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his partner and friend Phyllis Graff, and survived by his brother Chris Prowse and his niece Corrie Prowse.

A memorial and paddle out are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9, at ‘Anini Beach Park at 8 a.m. Please be prepared to observe all COVID-19 safety and health measures that are in place at that time.

Pacific Beach Mortuary and St. Catherine Church are assisting the family with arrangements.

Charlotte Leimomi ‘Momi’ aka (Reis) McCumsey

Charlotte Leimomi “Momi” aka (Reis) McCumsey, 78, of Wai‘anae, passed away on Sept. 4, 2021. Born and raised in Kapa‘a, she graduated from Kapa‘a High School, class of ‘61.

Although she left too soon, she lived the best life possible. She enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by mom Margret Kameahou Kaui, dad Antone Carvalho Reis, son Clyde Higa, daughter Carol Kelekoma, brother Moses Kaui, sister Jeanette Souza, grandson Justin Kelekoma and stepson George McCumsey.

She is survived by husband Frederick Mac William McCumsey Sr. of Wai‘anae, brothers Tony (Lorraine) Reis of Keapana and James (Allyson) Reis of Anahola, sisters Cheryl Reis of Albuqurque, New Mexico and Gwen Yancey of New Mexico, daughters Lisa Higa of Kapa‘a and Cindy Delima of Kapa‘a, sons Glenn Higa of Anahola and Clayton Higa of Wai‘anae, stepson David (Helen) McCumsey of Wai‘anae, stepdaughters Kim McCumsey of Honolulu and Debra (Wolf) Lindh, 30 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

A walk-thru visitation is at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary in Koloa Friday, Oct. 8, with viewing at 9 a.m. and services at 10 a.m. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and face masks are required.

The family requests that flowers be omitted. Donations in her honor may be sent to the American Heart Association of Hawai‘i or the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i.

Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the McCumsey, Reis and Higa family with arrangements.

Stephen R. Smart

Stephen R. Smart passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at the age of 67. He was born on March 15, 1954, in Birmingham, England, to Jillian (later Ashford) and Rowland Smart (both deceased).

After serving 22+ years in the British Royal Air Force with a successful career in communications and radar, he worked for Mitsubishi/Apricot before being recruited by a friend into NetApp (formerly Network Appliance), based in UK but headquartered in Silicon Valley, California.

Steve and Louise (Barnfield) married in 2007 and relocated to Kaua‘i in 2012, where Steve enjoyed an active retirement mostly on the golf course with numerous like-minded buddies, or at 19th hole with a cold beer in his hand.

The sudden death of his much-younger sister Susan Thomas in 2019 affected him greatly. However, his two brothers Michael Smart and David Lees survive him, as well as his aunt Sandra Symonds, cousins, and many friends on both sides of the pond.

Steve’s ashes will be quietly and privately scattered in Hanalei Bay. A suitably celebratory gathering of his many friends will be arranged at a later date.

In appreciation of the wonderful care and support received from Kaua‘i Hospice, donations in Steve’s memory, if desired, would be very much appreciated: Kaua‘i Hospice, 4457 Pahe‘e St., Lihu‘e, HI 96766 or online at kauaihospice.org.

Lisa Marie (Unciano) Gaspar

Lisa Marie (Unciano) Gaspar, 57, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Born on Dec. 26, 1963, in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Charlotte (Santana) Unciano.

On Aug. 20, 1988, Lisa was united in marriage to Gregg Gaspar in Kekaha.

She was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend to so many. She was a member of Circle of Hope. Lisa’s relationship with God was evident in all that she did. It brought her joy to share God’s love with others in any way she could. She always said, “the greatest of these is love,” and truly lived her life with that in mind.

She is survived by parents Lawrence and Charlotte Unciano, husband Gregg, daughter Tanica Gaspar, siblings Darryl (Marlene) Unciano and Melanie Reece, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by son Terrence Steven Gaspar and grandparents Catalino and Caroline Unciano and Metodio and Gloria (Santana) Morales.

Memorial services honoring her life are Saturday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m. at Journey Church, 10700 75th St., Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Bill Donovan

Bill Donovan, was born in Santa Barbara, California, on Sept. 23, 1946. He was an avid sportsman throughout his life. In his boyhood, baseball, fishing and surfing filled his days. In baseball as a teenager he was selected for an all-star baseball team. Bill worked as a commercial abalone fisherman.

In 1989 he moved to Kaua‘i, where he spent the rest of his life. There he continued sports, especially surfing and sport fishing. He had a business renting video cameras. He was active in his church and volunteered often to help needy people.

On the island he became known as “Wild Bill.” The Hawaiian sunrises and sunsets were his favorite parts of the day. In his later years he enjoyed helping to save sea horses, too.

He passed away due to COVID-19 in Kaua‘i on Aug. 3, 2021. He had a strong faith and believed in the assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ.

He is survived by brother Stan, sisters Bonnie and Anne, and many relatives and friends. Up to the end of his life he was always in his beloved sea, often swimming with the turtles, his sun-bleached hair flowing in the wind. We miss and bless you Bill! Aloha!

Asayo H. Nishihara

Asayo H. Nishihara of Kapa‘a passed away at home on Aug. 31, 2021, at the age of 97. She was born on Jan. 14, 1924 on Kaua‘i. She worked her entire career at Bank of Hawai‘i.

She was preceded in death by husband Kamesake Nishihara, sisters Ruth Yamauchi and Betty Higa, and brothers Takeo, Tadashi, Yutaka, Sadao and George of the Hirakawa family.

She is survived by sons Owen (Verna), Wesley and Lance (Carmella), five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law Dora Nishihara and Nobue Hirakawa, both of O‘ahu.

Private services were held with burial at the Kaua’i Veterans Cemetery. The family requests no koden (monetary gifts).

Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.

Patsy Leilani Naito Asing

Patsy Leilani Naito Asing passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, at the age of 91. Born on March 20, 1930 in Lihu‘e, she was a cherished wife, mom, aunty and tutu.

She was preceded in death by parents Ralph Yoshio and Julia Panui Naito, brothers Robert “Sonny” Naito and Ralph “June” Naito, and her beloved niece, Juli Naito.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years Bill Kaipo Asing, children Kaipo R. Asing of Maui, Healani Asing, Kaili (Dukie) Asing and Linekona (Val) Asing, all of Niumalu, Maile (Ryan) Koyanagi of Hawai‘i Island, grandchildren Alika (Debbie) Asing of Maui, Kaipo Yoshio (Dera Caberto) of Niumalu, Amber (Cali) Carlos, Tori Koyanagi of Hawai‘i Island, great-grandchildren Kamailelauli‘ili‘i and Ka‘ipoleimanu Asing of Maui, Meleana, Kilinoe and Hilina‘i Asing of Niumalu and Kukaleo Carlos of Hawai‘i Island.

Private services were held and arranged by Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary in Koloa.