Obituaries for Sunday, August 28, 2022

Margaret Andrews Clark

Margaret Andrews Clark, 75, died July 17, 2022 in Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i.

A memorial service will be held on Margaret’s birthday, Thursday, Sept. 1, at 5 p.m. at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. Please plan to arrive at 4:30 p.m. to be escorted into the gardens from the Kalaheo, Papalina Road access point. RSVP to arianakramer@hotmail.com or (575) 770-4228 for directions, and/or a Zoom link. The memorial will be immediately followed with a reception. Everyone is welcome to attend both.

Margaret was born Sept. 1, 1947, in Oakland, California to Anne Beaudin Clark and Stephen Cutter Clark III. She graduated from Santa Barbara High School and earned a bachelor’s degree with honors from UC Santa Barbara. After earning her master’s degree in social work with a community mental health emphasis, Margaret worked as a social worker on the Hoopa Valley reservation and for a state-run mental health hospital.

She moved to Washington state next, where she lived in Seattle and on Bainbridge Island. She managed the organic produce department of a local market and was a strong advocate for organic agriculture through her work with the Washington State Organic Program and USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. This led to her serving on the first National Organic Standards Board, a Federal Advisory Board made up of 15 dedicated public volunteers from across the organic community. She was instrumental in developing the standards for organic certification for the entire country.

Margaret survived two bouts of breast cancer and was cleared of cancer following a stem cell transplant. During this period, she decided to apply for law school. She graduated from University of Washington School of Law with a Juris Doctor and LL.M in sustainable international development law and received a certificate in conservation biology policy.

After serving with Oregon Tilth as a farm inspector and legal affairs director, Margaret made a very conscious decision to move to Hawai‘i. She loved the climate, ocean and native plants of Hawai‘i. She worked at the local Border’s bookstore upon arrival and loved using her vast knowledge to assist customers. Margaret began to volunteer for the National Tropical Botanical Gardens of Kaua‘i. She was hired in 2005 as the garden’s Conservation Tech, and promoted to Seed Bank Manager in 2008. In this role, Margaret successfully raised funds to transform the seed conservation program. She was promoted to Science and Conservation Specialist in 2014, and was instrumental in finding funds to purchase the state-of-the-art equipment which attracted a world-class scientist to the role of Seed Manager to continue the program.

Margaret is preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister Katherine Moodey Spencer Hanberry.

She is survived by sister Elizabeth Clark Leone of San Anselmo, California, nephews Shaem Spencer of Hanover, Maryland, Nicholas Beaudin Leone of Greenbrae, California, niece Christina Leone Klein of Larkspur, California and her beloved cat, Meester.

Margaret had a life-long passion for social justice, gender equity, the arts and humanities, and science. She had a brilliant intellect, compassionate heart, wry sense of humor, insatiable curiousity, and a very green thumb. In each of the communities where she lived, Margaret made deep and lasting friendships, gathering life-long friends everywhere she went. Donations in her memory may be made to the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. Margaret is greatly loved and is greatly missed.

Michael Tsugio Tokioka

Michael Tsugio Tokioka, formerly of Honolulu, passed away on March 31, 2021, in Henderson, Nevada. He was born on Nov. 16, 1955, in Honolulu.

He was preceded in death by father Juichi Tokioka and mother Mae Sonoko Tokioka.

He is survived by brothers Stanford (Sandra) and Carleton (Iris), nephew Taylor, nieces Jennifer (Jason) and Aubrey, and grandnieces Brianna and Jenna.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, Sept. 5, at the John A. Burns Hall, Ke‘ehi Memorial Park, 2685 N. Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, starting at 10 a.m. The family suggests aloha attire.

Live stream can be viewed on YouTube link: https//www.youtube.com/channel/UCraKfaq18wM7MSNE1LHdpoA

Steven Dale Schantz

Steven Dale Schantz, age 70, of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on July 20, 2022.

Steve was born on Dec. 13, 1951, in Spokane, Washington, to Keith and Ruth Schantz. Growing up in and around Covina, California, with his younger sisters, Nancy and Gail, and younger brother Gary. As a boy, Steve loved to ride his bike, build model cars, and collect stamps, coins, and baseball cards. Steve also loved to make pancakes for the family before church on Sundays. Steve graduated from Covina High School in 1970 and then went on to attend Cal Poly University, where he met Mona Pharris, and the two married on May 10, 1975. Together they raised two sons, Chris and Matt, and one daughter Michelle.

In 1982 Steve and Mona moved their family from southern California to Elbert County, Colorado, to raise their family and followed their passions. Steve had a passion for serving his community through countless hours as a volunteer firefighter and through his passion for owning his own business (High Plans Food Store/High Plans Mini Mart). He loved baseball (Go Rockies/Dodgers), his kids, and hard work. Steve attended several churches throughout his life and loved a new adventure. He was known for his curiosity about others, his soft, warm smile and kind spirit, which allowed him to invest in those he loved.

Steve is survived by his mother, Ruth, his three children, Chris, Matt, and Michelle, his eight grandchildren, Luke, Henry, Brooklynn, Adeline, Samuel, Audrie, Beckett, and Hannah, his brother Gary, his two sisters, Nancy and Gail, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Steve is preceded in passing by his beloved father, Keith Schantz.

Steve’s final wishes will be fulfilled with close friends and family later on Kaua‘i, where he will be laid to rest by spreading his ashes.

Steve’s celebration of life will be held at the Majestic View Church in Kiowa, Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at 2 p.m., 620 Comanche St, Kiowa, CO 80117.

For those who wish to attend the services, the family asks to wear something Hawaiian in remembrance of Steve.

Thomas Edward Krysiak

Thomas Edward Krysiak, age 61, of Kilauea, Hawai‘i, passed away at his home on Aug. 19, 2022, from complications of a long term illness. He was born on April 16, 1961, to Harry Krysiak and the late Mary Jane Krysiak in Pulaski, Wisconsin. He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1979. After High School, Tom attended the University of Wisconsin — Oshkosh as an ROTC Cadet. Upon graduation in 1984, he served in the United States Army as a Captain and was stationed in South Korea. After leaving the Army, Tom worked in the US Department of Veterans Affairs in Jackson, Mississippi, helping military veterans obtain medical care.

Tom is survived by his husband of 7 years, Cisco Peru. Tom was previously married to Sue Greb and is survived by their two children, Katie and Thomas Jr. Tom also is survived by his father, Harry Krysiak, brother’s David, Steven, Michael, and sister Mary. Tom was predeceased by his mother, Mary Jane Krysiak, and a brother, Paul.

Tom loved to cook and bake, including making sweet potato pies with his good friend, Carol. Family and friends have all been recipients of his cookies, soups and pies. He enjoyed gardening and sharing flowers with his friends. Generous and thoughtful, Tom would go out of his way to brighten someone else’s day. Despite his health challenges, Tom maintained a good attitude and was always willing to help. Tom passed away peacefully at home with his husband, Cisco, by his side.

A private family service will be held in Hawai‘i at a later date.

Rodolfo ‘Rudy’ Padilla Bercasio

Rodolfo “Rudy” Padilla Bercasio passed away on Aug. 5, 2022, at the age of 62. He was born on Dec. 10, 1959, in Libis Quezon City, Philippines.

He worked as ground man maintenance at Princeville Golf, Hyatt Po‘ipu, and Sheraton Kaua‘i.

He was preceded in death by father Cornelio Bercasio.

He is survived by mother Elizabeth Padilla Bercasio, wife Juvie Bercasio, sons Steve (Carla) Bercasio, Jayrald (Elizabeth) Tanicala-Bercasio, Sandy (Jennylyn) Bercasio, daughters Helen (Rolly) Domingo and Julie Bercasio, brothers Joel, Reynaldo, Eric (Maria), Greg (Maya) and Jojo (Eva) Bercasio, grandchildren Bethany, John Kirby, Ellieana, Arianna, Jayelle, AkeenaBrie and Brielle.

A celebration of life is at Borthwick Kauai Mortuary on Friday, Sept. 2, with visitation at 5:30 p.m. followed by service at 7 p.m.

Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Frank Ruiz, Jr.

Frank Ruiz, Jr. passed away on Aug. 10, 2022, at Waimea Care Center at the age of 91. He was born on Dec. 10, 1930, in Waimea, Hawai‘i. He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force and a power plant operator.

He was preceded in death by wife Lillian Ruiz.

He is survived by sons Richard (Tiffany) Ruiz of Kekaha, James (Melanie) Ruiz of Kekaha, three grandchildren, brother Guy (Priscilla) Ruiz of Kekaha, sisters Lucy Kanoa of Kekaha, Marie Ruiz of Kekaha, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service is Saturday, Sept. 3, at the Garden Island Mortuary, with visitation 9 to 11 a.m. and celebration of life at 11 a.m.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Adam Huskey

Adam Huskey passed away on July 25, 2022, in Clearlake, California, at the age of 32.

He is survived by mother Leslie Ferrell, brothers Keith (Jeanne) Grebner and Earl (Kira) Huskey. He lives on in the hearts of his niece Mackenzie Grebner and his nephews Nathan Grebner and Jax Furugen-Huskey.

In the business of entertaining people with his unique sense of humor and gentle heart, he had countless friends and will be missed by many.