Lane R. Hiramoto
On April 8, 2023, Lane R. Hiramoto passed away at home with family at his side. He lived a happy and full life, accomplishing his many goals.
After graduating from Kaua‘i High School, he attended the University of Washington and earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. With an interest in diesel engineering, he was one of a few candidates selected by General Electric to enter into a training program which took him to several states over a two-year period. It was a rewarding training program, and one that enabled him to pursue (and succeed) in reaching another goal: to one day return to Hawaii and work for Hawaiian Electric. He was employed by HECO until his passing—over 35 years!
An avid motorcycle and car enthusiast, he enjoyed spending time with friends. He fondly remembered days of dirt biking with his brother, Charles, and friends Saki, Kevin and Lee and the Kalaheo boys. Always a grease monkey, he could be found at Harry’s Service — just his legs sticking out from under a car!
His later life was devoted to HECO and the volunteering/service opportunities it provided. He was a strong supporter of the University of Hawai‘i Athletic Department, especially women’s volleyball. He loved attending games at Stan Sheriff Center and supporting his favorite team.
His family will miss Lane—sisters, Janis Cox, Lynn (Patrick Murphy) Douthit, Rae (Orlando Valvieja) Hiramoto, and brother Charles (Maureen) Hiramoto, along with his beloved nieces and nephews, aunties, uncles and cousins. His many friends will miss him as well!
Services will be announced at a later date.
Leo Richard Patch
Leo Richard Patch, 66, of Hanalei, passed away at home on Feb. 12, 2023. He was born in Massachusetts on July 15, 1956, to John and Marita Patch, 9th out of 10 children. He was the proprietor of Glass Masters of Hawai‘i since 1984.
Leo was a strong-willed, hard-working, and generous man. He loved smiling and making people laugh. He had a passion for surfing, was a globe trotter who traveled the world, man of faith, grew up in California, and lived on Kaua‘i for 43 years.
Leo is survived by his children John, Angela and Thomas Patch, grandchildren Juliana Patch, Leona Patch, Mahealani Patch-Tavares, Konanui Patch-Tavares, Ioei Patch-Tavares, Keokawai Patch-Tavares, Kawena Patch-Tavares, sisters Ann Rother, Angela Palmer, Jeane Stevens, Priscilla Granger, brother William Patch, mother of his children Loraine Patch, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 27, at Hanalei Black Pot beginning at 10 a.m.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Helen Valencia Peterson
Helen Valencia Peterson, 62, of Oma‘o, passed away on March 26, 2023, in Valencia, California. She was born on April 19, 1960, in Capasan, Philippines. She worked at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa in Poipu, in the Grand Club.
She was preceded in death by father Juan Valencia and mother Segundina Gali Valencia.
She is survived by husband Gary Peterson, daughters Beverly Manuel, Melody Manuel, son Jeremy Manuel, step children Jeremy Peterson, Jason Peterson, Josh Peterson, Kyra (Matt) Sneddon, Halle (Jake) Lester, seven grandchildren, sisters Presentacion (Abe) Aquino, Herminia Ancheta, Pacita (Manny) Simpliciano, Soledad Valencia, Dolores (Wayne) Delos Santos, Merlita Valencia, Susana (Dan) Abadilla, brothers Pedro (Rita) Valencia, Benito (Cina) Valencia, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, May 27, at Koloa Neighborhood Center starting at 1 p.m. The family requests casual attire.
