Steven Mitsuo Saiki
Steven Mitsuo Saiki, of ‘Ele‘ele, passed away on Dec. 12, 2023, at home at the age of 79. He was born on Jan. 9, 1944, in ‘Ele‘ele. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired teacher of Waimea High School.
He was preceded in death by daughter Renee Aiko Saiki and parents Nobuo and Toyoko Saiki.
He is survived by wife Elaine Saiki, son Ryan Saiki of ‘Ele‘ele, daughter Lani Saiki-Woods (Matthew) of Lihu‘e, grandchildren Riley Saiki, Maya Saiki, Cayden Woods, brothers Gerald Saiki (Pam) of O‘ahu, Russell Saiki (Dale) of O‘ahu, Bert (Lita) Saiki of ‘Ele‘ele, sister Gayle Cuizon of Oma‘o, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A public visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at the West Kaua‘i Hongwanji Mission in Hanapepe from 9 to 10 a.m. A private service for the family only will follow at 10 a.m. The family suggests casual attire and requests no flowers or koden (monetary gifts).
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Carol Edith Duarte
Carol Edith Duarte, of Kapa‘a, passed away at home on Oct. 31, 2023, at the age of 79. Born on April 30, 1944, on O‘ahu, she was a retired retail sales manager.
She was preceded in death by parents Beatrice and Emil Prigge, Sr. of Kapa‘a.
She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Jacintho J. “Junie” Duarte, Jr., son Leslie Duarte, daughter Lisa Taniguchi, grandson Christian Taniguchi of Kapa‘a, sisters Betty Lou Severson, Patricia Ann Ichida, and brother Dr. Emil Prigge, Jr. of O‘ahu, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Private services were held.
Jim LaBau
1935-2023
Vernon James LaBau, known as “Jim”, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Nov. 29, in Loveland, Colorado. Jim was born to Vernon and Elizabeth (Brodigan) LaBau in Rapid City, South Dakota, and was raised in Lemmon on their family farm. While attending Colorado State University, he met the love of his life Kay (Thayer) LaBau; they recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary with family.
Jim pursued a career in Forestry, a passport to a life of unbound adventure and wonder, his calling to be a steward of the forest brought him deep satisfaction. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from CSU and his Master’s from Oregon State University. He worked forest inventory positions in Oden, Utah; Juneau, Alaska; Fort Collins, Colorado; and retired in Anchorage, Alaska.
Jim and Kay shared forty winters surrounded by friends and family on their beloved island of Kaua‘i. Jim loved getting up at sunrise to count the turtles in the crest of morning waves. Jim was a lifelong Methodist, devoted to the church in every way. In 2023 The Alaska United Methodist Conference recognized Jim as the Outstanding Lay Person of the Year. He loved singing in the choir and delivered solos at all three of his grandchildren’s weddings.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Beverly, and brother-in-law, Ron.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kay, brother Ken, sister, Jeanne, brother-in-law, Jerry, his children, Ken (Kay), Lindy (Chris), grandchildren Matthew (Katherine), Adam (Courtney), Leslie (Ryan), Byron (Amy), six great-granddaughters and one great-grandson.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Turnagain United Methodist Church (turnagainumc.org/index.php/ministries) or Lion’s Club (lionsclubs.org/donate).
