George Eric Brunstad
George Eric Brunstad, 88, of Abbey Lane, died on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Golden View Health Care Center.
George was no ordinary man. He fulfilled his passions of flying, swimming, and faith with zeal. He ascended the skies as a B-52 pilot in the Air Force, as an American Airlines Captain for 30 years, and as pilot of his personally owned MIG-17 aircraft. He tamed the oceans with his legendary English Channel record-breaking swim at age 70, and at age 76 he conquered Lake Winnipesaukee’s length in a 22-mile, 22-hour swim, both swims for charity.
George was born in Wenatchee, Washington, on Aug. 25, 1934, to Helen and Arthur Brunstad. He grew up in the Richland-Kennewick area of Washington, where his father purchased a farm as an avocation, essentially assigning George the responsibility of operating the farm at the young age of 14. These formative years were instrumental in shaping his resolute work ethic as well as his sturdy musculature so indispensable to his future feats of endurance, including winning more than 100 national and five world swimming medals.
In 1954 George graduated from Richland High School, then attended Washington State University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Animal Science, never anticipating a career in aviation. However, he fell in love with flying when he entered the Air Force and continued to serve his country for seven years before being hired by American Airlines.
George’s faith commitment at age 23 inspired him to co-found the first Southern Baptist Church in New England. Twenty years later he and Judy were married in one of the many churches planted by that original church. His faith in God was central to George’s life, his principles, and his immense love for others.
The English Channel swim was a benefit effort through his church and a Haitian church to raise funds to establish an orphanage and school in a rural section of Haiti. George and Judy traveled to Haiti on four occasions to assist with the endeavor. 173 children are currently enrolled in the school.
In 2008 George and Judy relocated from Connecticut to New Hampshire where Judy’s aversion to the cold winters prompted them to explore the island of Kaua‘i. George soon embraced the lifestyle and aloha spirit of the islanders until one month in that winter paradise eventually expanded to six. Their faith community in Kaua‘i is likewise vibrant and Spirit-filled. George lived his life with intensity and fervor. Upon retirement from American Airlines, he spent five years instructing children how to swim via a YMCA program, arising reliably before 5 a.m. to open the pool for the day.
Of Norwegian heritage, he was determined to learn the language so, with no instructional materials available in 1979, George created his own cassettes and studied intently during his airport commutes, practicing until he became fluent. His ability to communicate made family trips to Norway most enjoyable. Later, when assigned flights to Germany, he similarly taught himself German in order to communicate and build relationships. George was a nature buff and an expert regarding evergreen trees.
In Connecticut he planted over 100 evergreen trees in his yard, some as seedlings he brought back from Oregon that were not supposed to flourish in the northeastern climate. Today they stand tall, still thriving. Hiking was another passion and he and Judy experienced numerous opportunities to hike in other countries as well as locally. For six summers they traveled to Morzine, France where the French Alps challenged them to explore magnificent mountain vistas.
George was a man of focus, discipline, and determination, yet with a big and loving heart. Now he has stepped into eternity with the God he so loved and is no doubt soaring with the angels and swimming in the Revelation’s sea of glass. Thank you, George, for sharing your love, values, knowledge, faith, and generosity with all of us who were blessed enough to be in your presence.
George is survived by his wife Judy of 44 years, sons Eric (Connecticut), Mark (Maine), Darin (Connecticut), Doug Jones (Kaua‘i), daughter Lauren Larson (Connecticut), grandchildren Eric III, Rob, Alexandra, Cole, Adelle, John, Michelle, Sarah, Stephen, Brian, plus many great grandchildren. Please join us in celebrating George’s extraordinary life!
A Calling Hour will be held on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, New Hampshine, using the Carriage House entrance.
A Funeral Service will be held on Aug. 12, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Meredith Center Free Will Baptist Church, 122 Meredith Center Road, with a lunch to follow at the church.
Burial with military honors will be held on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniels Highway, Boscawen, New Hampshine.
The family welcomes all in attendance to wear bright attire to celebrate George’s cheerful life. Donations most welcome at Center of Hope – Haiti, P.O. Box 1812, Orinda, California, 94563, or Aspire Woman’s Center, 506 Union Avenue, Laconia, New Hampshire, 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services and 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St. Laconia, New Hampshire, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.
Kyong Ae ‘Kay’ Uyeno
Kyong Ae “Kay” Uyeno, of Koloa, passed away on July 22, 2023, at the age of 75. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, on June 18, 1948. She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by brothers Min Shik and Min Young.
She is survived by husband Keith Uyeno, brothers Min Soo and Min Tae of New York, Seong Soo of South Korea, sisters Kyong Sook of South Korea, Kyong Cha of California, numerous nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of life will be held by the family. The family requests no koden (monetary gifts) and flowers be omitted.
The family would like to thank and acknowledge Hawai‘i Cancer Care and Kaua‘i Hospice for their care and support.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Esperanza ‘Ansang’ Tagatac
Esperanza “Ansang” Tagatac, 91, of Kekaha, passed away at home in Kahului, Maui, on July 28, 2023. She was born on April 23, 1932, in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She was a retired housekeeper and seamstress.
She was preceded in death by husband Francisco, parents Anotolio and Damiana Nacapuy, brothers Mariano, Felimon (Juliana) and Limbanio, and son Bernardo (Rosamond).
She is survived by sons Erwin (Melinda), Rolando (Lemelyn), daughter Esther (Brant), grandchildren Franklin (Jamy), Mark, Hazel (Todd), Charms, Zachary, Brittany, Courtney, Erin and Zane, and great-grandchildren Taylor and Victoria.
Service is Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, at St. Theresa Catholic Church. Visitation is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Eulogy at 9:30 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m., and burial will follow at 11 a.m. The family requests that flowers be omitted.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Felix Viernes Erorita Sr.
Felix Viernes Erorita Sr. passed away on June 13, 2023, in the Philippines at the age 70. He was born on Oct. 20, 1952, in the Philippines. He was a bus driver.
He was preceded in death by wife Nelia Erorita, parents Lijardo and Rosalia Erorita and son Felijar Erorita.
He is survived by sons Felix (Marygene) Erorita Jr., Neleo (Shallee) Erorita, Richjoy (Monica) Erorita, daughter Rose (Eddie) Motilla, sisters Remedios (Eduardo) Gudoy, Gloria Suniga, brothers Edison Erorita, Regoberto (Yolanda) Erorita, Ricarte Erorita, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A service is Saturday, Aug. 12, at Aloha Church Kaua‘i in Lihu‘e. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., service at 10 a.m., and burial will follow at Kalapaki Bay Memorial at 12 p.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Keith Suga
Keith Suga, of Hanapepe, passed away on June 18, 2023, at his residence at the age of 46. He was born on Jan. 22, 1977, in Lihu‘e. He was an operation manager at Pacific Concrete Cutting & Coring.
He was preceded in death by father Daniel Isaac Suga, grandparents Ronald and Kay Suga and James and Haruko Izumi.
He is survived by wife Jill Suga of Hanapepe, son Kelson Suga (Chaslee Aki), daughter Keisha Suga, mother Blanche Suga of Hanapepe, brothers Scott Suga (Gayle Caoagas) of Waimea, Kevin Suga (Leilani) of Hanapepe, nieces Kendra and Leily Suga, nephew Keiji Kitaguchi, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall. Visitation begins at 8 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m.
The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family the family with arrangements.
