Obituaries for Sunday, March 20, 2022
Dr. Robert John Teichman
Dr. Robert John Teichman
Dr. Robert John Teichman, of Kapa‘a, passed away on March 9, 2022, at the age of 78.
He was born on Nov. 30, 1943, in Detroit. He grew up in a suburb of Detroit and graduated from Seaholm High School. He served as a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1962. He then received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Wayne State University in Detroit, and his doctorate in human anatomy. His Ph.D. dissertation title was “The Cytochemical Characterization of Bull, Human and Rabbit Acrosomes.” From 1969 to 1975, he served as the senior lecturer and course coordinator for gross anatomy at the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) in Manoa. His area of research and interest was male infertility, and he published many papers on this subject with other researchers at JABSOM. He received his medical doctorate degree in 1978 from JABSOM, and completed his internship at the Univesity of California at San Francisco, in general surgery, in 1979. He was a second-year resident in general surgery in Honolulu but left to work at Wilcox Memorial Hospital in the emergency department as a physician in 1980. In 1992, he transitioned from the emergency department to work in the Urgent Care Clinic for Kaua‘i Medical Clinic of Wilcox Health/Hawai‘i Pacific Health until 2007, when he retired. He received his diplomate from the American Board of Emergency Medicine in 1990, and he also received his diplomate from the American Board of Forensic Medicine in 1995. He continued to serve as a clinical assistant professor for the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Nursing, for most of the years he worked as a physician on Kaua‘i, as he loved to teach.
When he moved from Michigan to Hawai‘i to teach and then attend medical school in Honolulu, he enjoyed scuba diving and spearing fish, which he did over all the Hawaiian island chain. After relocating to Kaua‘i to practice medicine, he immediately got involved in one of his major hobbies, which was deep-sea fishing, and Kaua‘i was perfect for that. After retirement, he switched hobbies to beachcombing and gardening.
He was preceded in death by parents Fredrich John Teichman and Louise B. Teichman, father-in-law Hung Lum Young, and mother-in-law, Florence A. Young, and brother-in-law Joseph Escott.
He is survived by wife Geri Young of Kapa‘a, sons Kurt Teichman of Brooklyn, New York and Grant Teichman of Honolulu, sister Joyce Escott of Michigan, brother-in-law Terrence Young and his wife Lynette Young of Honolulu, sister-in-law Marlene Young and her wife Roberta Kokx of Reno, Nevada, nieces Melissa (Brad) Pohl and Kathy (David Myers) Nash of Michigan and Bliss (Van Wicklund) Young of Honolulu, nephews Jason (Beth) Nash of Michigan and Brent (Shari) Young of Honolulu, and their families.
His greatest passion was the love he had for his family and for the University of Hawai‘i sports teams, especially the football team. He also spoke about how grateful he was to have relocated to Kaua‘i in 1980, which he said was the “best place in the world” to live because of the people and the physical beauty of the island.
The celebration of life and memorial services are Wednesday, April 6, at Borthwick Kauai Mortuary in Koloa, with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., services from 10 to 11 a.m., and refreshments after that. The family requests no gifts or flowers. Anyone wishing may consider a donation to the Wilcox Health Foundation or Kaua‘i Hospice.
Eddie Taniguchi III
Eddie Taniguchi III, 58, of Lihu‘e, passed away on March 10, 2022, at home. He was born in Waimea on Jan. 20, 1964, and retired as a propane truck driver at The Gas Company.
He was preceded in death by father Eddie Taniguchi Jr., brother George “Keoki” Taniguchi, and in-laws Robert Tadashi Yamauchi and Tomie Yamauchi.
He is survived by wife Kris Yamauchi-Taniguchi, daughter Hokuka‘ano‘i Taniguchi, mother Eloise Taniguchi, brothers Roger (Lisa) Taniguchi and Manuel Taniguchi, sister Jasmine (Charlie) Taniguchi Kahepu‘u, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Saturday, March 26, at Niumalu Beach Park pavilion. Visiting with family will begin at 10 a.m. with services to follow at 11 a.m.
The family requests visitors wear masks, and welcomes flowers and lei are welcomed.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Hime is assisting the family with arrangements.
Gladys Ann Obar
Gladys Ann Obar passed away on Dec. 7, 2021, at the age of 81. She was born in Hilo, Hawai‘i, on Aug. 26, 1940. She was a housekeeper.
She was preceded in death by parents Julio and Anitra Rodrigues, husband Bartolome Obar, son Russell Obar, and brothers William Rodrigues and Thomas Rodrigues.
She is survived by daughters Gloria Paris, Corinna (Mark) Gardner, Dezeree Tay and Nichelle (Chris) Obar, son Jaime (Claudean) Obar, sisters Marie Kapoi, Clara Rodrigues, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, March 22, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary chapel in Koloa. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with services to follow at 11 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Valerie Ann Barretto-Oshita
Valerie Ann Barretto-Oshita of Kapa‘a passed away peacefully on July 8, 2021 at the age of 70. She was born on July 3, 1951 in Lihu‘e.
She was preceded in death by parents Gilbert F. and Dorothy I. Barretto.
She is survived by husband Marvin G. Oshita , sons Wendell (Laverne) Packard of Kapa‘a and Kalani (Lauren) Barretto of Kapa‘a, grandchildren Mele, Kamaile, Kalehua and Kali, brothers Gilbert F. (Lisa) Barretto Jr. of Wailua, Glenn M. (Linda) Barretto of Waipio Gentry, Waipahu, Patrick N. (Jennifer) Barretto of Kapa‘a and Brian S. (Shari) Barretto of Kapa‘a, sisters Joyce B. (Rick) Hernandez of Waipio Gentry, Waipahu, Debbie M. Barretto of Hanalei and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Saturday, March 26, at St. Catherine Church, Kapa’a. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:15 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Catherine Cemetery, Kealia. Due to COVID-19, face masks and social distancing is required.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Matthew Christopher Haider
“The art of living well and the art of dying well are one.”
— Epicurus
Matthew Christopher Haider had the heart of a lion. The heart of a dragon.
Most people never knew how much there was to him. How much he thought of. How much he cared for. He gave love and time freely.
He worked tirelessly.
He was born during rush hour on May 9, 1978, and the pace never let up. He learned fast. He grew up fast. He bonded fast and hard.
He knew the pain of loss, and let that motivate him to grow and create. He was determined to build a world he loved.
He built cars. He built boats. He built shelters.
He built a large and loving ‘ohana that currently spans the globe. Most of all, he built dreams with people.
He inspired everyone who knew him.
He challenged everyone who knew him.
He fought for everyone he loved.
He marched to the beat of his own drum, and created a rock star band of warriors in his wives, his children, his family and all of his many, many friends.
He was a creator and an engineer.
He was good at fixing things.
He was good at making things right.
He also had the desire to provide the best life possible for his family. With that goal in mind, he attended Lane Aviation Academy in Eugene, Oregon, and received certification as an AMP aviation mechanic.
He was so proud of that achievement, as was his entire family.
He was a driver. He was a captain, a teacher, a lover and a storyteller.
Above all else, he was a wonderful father.
On Feb. 22, 2022, he was reunited with father Jim, his grandparents Fran and Jim Sr., grandparents Edith and Harry, Fran and Clem, and uncle Roger.
He will forever rest in the hearts of sons Kaden Pomaika‘i and Dylan Kana‘iaupuni and their mother Mele, mother Penny, brothers Patrick, Alan and Chris, dad Greg, stepmom Malika, wife Roxy, and all of the many members of his soul tribe.
For information on how to offer support or to learn more about his story, visit honorandparadise.com.
Gerardo Penalba Mararagan
Gerardo Penalba Mararagan passed away on March 7, 2022, at the age of 83, in Waimea. He was born on April 23, 1938, in Punungyan, Mendez, Cavite of the Philippines. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was also a logistics specialist at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Rangey Facility at Barking Sands. He was preceded in death by parents Candido and Maria Mararagan, brother Gavino Mararagan and sister Vincenta Mararagan.
He is survived by wife Perlita Mararagan, sons Mario (Julie) Mararagan of ‘Ele‘ele, Melvin (Joletta) Mararagan of Lawa‘i, Mark (Rachelle) Mararagan of Honolulu, grandchildren Jeivin (Megan) DeCosta-Mararagan, Jeianna (Chris) Iguchi, Jace, Jaime, Megan and Connor Mararagan, great-grandchildren Kaeton, KariMei, KeeliRae and Kaezen Iguchi, sister Apolinaria Amparo of California, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services are Saturday, March 26, at St. Theresa Church in Kekaha. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m., Mass to follow at 10 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jamie Bermodez
Jamie Bermodez, 88, passed away Jan. 26, 2022, in Mililani, O‘ahu. He was born April 14, 1933 in Waimea. He lived in Mililani and was a retired supervisor for U.S. Postal Service.
He was preceded in death by wife Consuella (aka Connie) Kaleolani Bermodez, son James Matthew Bermodez, mom Hermilina Bermodez, dad Isidro Bermodez, and sisters Florida and Leonora Bermodez and Estelle Fukushima.
He is survived by daughter Moana (Raymond) Callejo, son Chauncy (Jennifer) Bermodez, brother Justino (Myong Son) Bermodez, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life is Saturday, March 26, at Calvary Chapel Honolulu on Komo Mai Drive, with visitation from 10 a.m. with services at 11 a.m. The family suggests casual attire. Burial will be Monday, March 28 at 9:30 a.m. at Mililani Memorial Park.
Jerry Cres Fabian Flores
Jerry Cres Fabian Flores passed away on Feb. 15, 2022, at the age of 67, in Lihue. He was born on April 15, 1954, in Laoag, Philippines. He was a hotel engineer.
He was preceded in death by his father Romulo Flores, mother Fe Antonia Flores and daughter Vissia Flores.
He is survived by wife Norma Lynne Remigio Flores, sons Jayson Bryan Flores of Kaua‘i, Patrick Flores of the Philippines and JR Flores of the Philippines, daughters Nathalie Joy Flores of Kaua‘i, Maribel Flores of the Philippines, nine grandchildren, sisters Geraldine (Miguelito) Miguel of the Philippines and Connie (Nestor) Villa of Kaua‘i, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is at the Immaculate Conception Church in Lihu‘e on Saturday, March 26, with services at 10 a.m.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Nanci Jeanne Lewis
Nanci Jeanne Lewis, born Dec. 24, 1935, was the only child of Constant and Lois Getschine. She grew up in Pasadena, Calif. She loved her morgan horse Black Beauty, being in Girl Scouts and fishing trips with her parents to Lake Arrowhead. She attended University of California Berkeley for two years, where she pledged the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, then studied occupational therapy at the University of Southern California, graduating in 1957. After graduation in June 1957, she took an internship in Honolulu, at Tripler Naval Hospital, while Norm was attending Navy flight school in Pensacola, Fla. They married in November 1957 and moved to Kansas, where Norm was completing advanced flight training.
Nanci and Norm were married for 64 years, and raised four children: Janis, Kay, Jon and Joy, while moving around the world with duty stations in Washington, Virginia, Canada, Japan, Florida and Hawai‘i, where they raised their children. In all of these places, she was the rock of the family, an active Navy community volunteer, Red Cross swim instructor and Girl Scout leader.
While living on Kaua‘i she was honored as Navy Wife of the Year. Norm and Nanci enjoyed playing tennis, sailing and traveling. She was active in Girl Scouting with her daughters, Janis, Kay and Joy, and Little League with her son Jon Lewis.
Nanci and Norm raised their children on the Westside of Kaua‘i where they attended Kekaha, Waimea Canyon and Waimea High schools. During that time, she was an occupational therapist for Easter Seals and a hostess at Wrangler’s Restaurant. She was also a substitute teacher at Waimea High, primarily in the science department. She was an avid tennis player and participated in the weekly round robin at Poipu Kai. She drove her family all over the island in her red VW bus.
She was her children’s greatest cheerleader, and then, later, went on to cheer on her eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her encouragement and support were not limited to family. Nanci and Norm had 19 years of active retired life as residents at The White Sands of La Jolla, where they spent many hours looking out at their beloved ocean.
She also worked for Cruise Holidays and The Tierrasanta Tennis Club. Norm and Nanci were long-time active members of La Jolla Presbyterian Church, serving as elders and deacons, and organized and led multiple service trips to Gleanings for the Hungry in Dinuba, Calif. She was a quilter with Circle 8, making dozens of quilts for mission projects.
A celebration of life was held at La Jolla Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 19.
Danny Tadashi Hashimoto
Danny Tadashi Hashimoto, the Kauaian Suppa Man (Kauaian Superman), passed away on Oct 20, 2022, 2:57 a.m., during the full moon.
He was born Dec. 25, 1948, 12:03 a.m., the first baby born on Christmas Day in Hawai‘i, and was forever childlike at Christmas. His childhood was in Wailua Houselots. He attended and graduated from Kamehameha Schools, served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and was a Realtor on Kaua‘i for many years, initially involved with Princeville. He lived aloha, was a great photographer, hiking guide and creator of epic cacao mousse desserts!
A celebration of life is Sunday March 27, from 11:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the large pavilion at Lydgate Park.
The family invites all interested to join them with a story, song, poem, dance or silent presence. Following a noon blessing, a potluck finger-food reception will be held. Free photos of friends on hikes and gatherings that Danny took, keepsakes of Danny’s precious things for friends to choose from, will be available.
Alice Asano Yoshimori
Alice Asano Yoshimori passed away on Feb. 2, 2022, at the age of 92, in ‘Oma‘o. She was born on Feb. 25, 1929 in Waimea. She was a Kaua‘i Surf housekeeper.
She was preceded in death by husband Sunao (Sandy) Yoshimori and daughter Sandra Sanae Yoshimori.
She is survived by daughters Charlene (Alan) Garcia of Lihu‘e and Alicia (Dennis) Matsumoto of Lihu‘e, granddaughter Lianne Allianic-Adam of Las Vegas, and grandson Michael Garcia of Lihu‘e.
A private service was held.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
