• Willie M. Rapozo • Yuriko U. Takekuma • Daniel George Gibson • Robert “Tada” Tadachi Yamauchi • Felicitas Tacang • Bruno Ramos Sr. Willie M. Rapozo Willie M. Rapozo of Kapa‘a died at Wilcox Memorial Hospital on March 25,
• Willie M. Rapozo
• Yuriko U. Takekuma
• Daniel George Gibson
• Robert “Tada” Tadachi Yamauchi
• Felicitas Tacang
• Bruno Ramos Sr.
Willie M. Rapozo
Willie M. Rapozo of Kapa‘a died at Wilcox Memorial Hospital on March 25, 2004, at the age of 90. Born in Kealia on Oct. 8, 1913, he was with the Kaua‘i Fire Department for 27 years, retiring in 1976 as captain at the Kapa‘a fire station. During his service he was part of a search-and-rescue team whose members rescued many people, including actor Frank Sinatra. Rapozo was known for his daring rescues and tenacious diving.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Clara Rapozo, and four children: Kathleen (the late John) Barretto of Kaua‘i; Linda (Bill) Pacheco of Oregon; Richard (Evelyn) Rapozo of California; and Laure (Richard) Thacker of Georgia. He is preceded in death by daughter Veronica Rapozo. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Daniel Barretto, Brandon and Michele Pacheco, Joshua Rapozo and Ashley Thacker.
Funeral services are Saturday, April 3, at St. Catherine Church in Kapa‘a, with visitation from 9 to 9:45 a.m., followed by an eulogy from 9:45 to 10 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., followed by burial at St. Catherine Cemetery in Kealia.
Arrangements are being handled by Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.
Yuriko U. Takekuma
Yuriko U. Takekuma of Numila, died on March 23, 2004 at the age of 79.
Born in Wahiawa, Kaua‘i on Aug. 13, 1924, she was an employee with McBryde Sugar Company.
She is survived by three sons, Bruce (Kathleen) Takekuma of Kalaheo, Clyde (Kay) Takekuma of Kapa‘a and Andy (Lesa) Takekuma of Pearl City, O‘ahu; daughter, Karen (Kenneth) Villabrille of Kapa‘a; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Jackie (Yasuko) Urata; four sisters, Chieko Miyamoto of ‘Ele‘ele, Nobuko (Kenneth) Hashimura of ‘Ele‘ele, Yaeko (George) Koga of California and Sueko Higa of California; numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Services were private.
Arrangements were handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.
Daniel George Gibson
Daniel George Gibson of Kapa‘a, died at home on March 27, 2004 at the age of 82.
Born in Toronto, Canada on Aug. 31, 1921, he was the proprietor of H.D. Hardware Store.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Robin Brent (Violet) Gibson; granddaughter, Sharon Gibson; two brothers, Gordon Lloyd Gibson and Albert Gibson; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. At his request, no services will be held.
Arrangements were handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.
Robert “Tada” Tadachi Yamauchi
Robert “Tada” Tadachi Yamauchi of Lihu‘e, died at Wilcox Memorial Hospital on March 28, 2004, at the age of 70. Born in Kaua‘i on Jan. 11, 1934, he was a retired salesman with Diamond Bakery and he also served in the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Eddie Satoru Yamauchi. He is survived by his wife, Tomie Yamauchi; one daughter, Kris Yamauchi-Taniguchi; son-in-law Eddie Taniguchi III; one sister, Betty Fusae Sora; brother, James Yamauchi; numerous nieces, nephews and his fishing and gambling buddies and good friends.
Friends and family may call on Saturday, April 3, at the Lihue Christian Church at 2943 Kress St., from 10 a.m., where services will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Private burial services will be held at a later date. Casual attire is suggested.
Arrangements are being handled by Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.
Felicitas Tacang
Felicitas Barut Tacang of Hanapepe died March 29, 2004, at her home at the age of 91. A homemaker, she was born July 8, 1912, in the Philippines.
She is survived by three daughters: Lucena (Jerry) Andres of Hanapepe, Violeta Hernando of Las Vegas, and Iida (Nato) Cadiente of Koloa; one son: Alfredo (Amelia) Tacang of the Philippines; one sister-in-law: Alejandra Barut of the Philippines; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Saturday, April 3, at Holy Cross Church from 9 to 10:45 a.m. where mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial to follow in Hanapepe Filipino Cemetery.
Casual attire is suggested. Arrangements are being handled by Borthwick Kauai Mortuary.
Bruno Ramos Sr.
Bruno Ramos Sr., of ‘Ele‘ele, died at The Queens’ Medical Center on March 26, 2004 at the age of 82.
Born in Luzong, Manabo, Philippines on Nov. 16, 1922, he was a truck driver with Olokele Sugar Company.
He is survived by his wife, Bella Ramos; six sons, Guardine (Lina) Bruno Ramos of Philippines, Edwin “Shapa” (Patricia) Ramos of Lihu‘e, Howard “Polo” (Darlene) Ramos of Lihu‘e; Bruno Ramos, Jr. of ‘Aiea, O‘ahu, Mando (Krystie) Ramos of Kaumakani and Steven Ramos of ‘Ele‘ele; daughter, Belinda (Jesus) Tacata of Hanapepe; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister of the Philippines; and numerous cousins.
Friends may visit with the family at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, at the ‘Ele‘ele Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Mass at 11 a.m. followed by burial at Hanapepe Public Cemetery. Casual attire is suggested.
Arrangements are being handled by Williams Mortuary & Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.
