Jon Derby
Jon Derby passed away on May 16, 2022, in Pineville, North Carolina, at the age of 80. He was born in Auburn, New York, and raised in the Weedsport area, until his family moved to Webster Groves, Missouri in high school.
He graduated from Webster Groves High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Culver-Stockton College in 1963. He served his country in the U.S. Army, spending two years in Vietnam.
He spent more than 34 years working as an educator in Hawai‘i, and as a part-time contractor for years after retirement. Mr. Derby, as he was known by his students, started his career teaching at Waimea High School for 13 years, moving to multiple vice principal positions, becoming the principal of Kekaha School, and ultimately working at the district-level for the state Department of Education. During his time at Waimea, he met his wife (also a teacher there), and adopted his two daughters.
In 2003, he moved to North Carolina to be closer to family, and spent 17 years as a photographer and digital artist. A lifelong learner at heart, he spent his retirement taking courses, supporting art students and galleries, showing his work in local shows and competitions, and documenting the artists of New Bern through social media.
He co-authored a book, “A Brief History of Artists in Eastern North Carolina,” and was a proud member of the Bohemian Artists of New Bern. He continued to show and sell his art in Asheville through 2019. He maintained a passion for education, social justice and speaking up for those who needed help throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by wife of 28 years Marilyn Derby, parents Payson and Dorothy and brothers David and Roderick.
He is survived by daughter Jennifer (Jeremy) Guy and grandchildren Joshua and Greyson, daughter Elisabeth (Clark) Doggett and grandchildren Estela and Catalina, sisters Ruth Anne (Keith) and Sheryl, and his beloved nieces and nephews.
At his request, there will be no formal funeral or memorial service. His family invites you to leave remembrances or condolences on his online page at csofcharlotte.com/obituary. In lieu of flowers, they ask that donations be sent to the Waimea (High School) Alumni &Friends Foundation at waffkauai.org/waffmembership.html.
Henrietta Daisy Leinani Gonsalves
Henrietta Daisy Leinani Gonsalves passed away at her home, on July 4, 2022, at the age of 86. She was born on Jan. 13, 1936, in Kapa‘a. She worked as one of the “Lunch Ledehz” at Kapa‘a High and Intermediate, and later worked at Flowers and Joys in Kapa‘a.
She was preceded in death by parents Isaiah Kalunakanawai and Daisy Ka‘auwai, mother and father-in-law Peter and Jennie Gonsalves, brothers John Keonaona Ka‘auwai, Joseph Ho‘onani Ka‘auwai, James Ho‘omaika‘i Ka‘auwai, Samuel Kaulia Ka‘auwai, Isaiah Kalunakanawai Ka‘auwai III, Kenneth Hokumalamalama Ka‘auwai and Abraham Lincoln Ka‘auwai, sisters Esther Rose Ka‘auwai Teraoka, Elizabeth Nellie Ka‘auwai Costa, Abbie Kananimalamlama Ka‘auwai Nabeshima and Maureen Kealoha Ka‘auwai Seagrove.
She is survived by husband Robert Fairbanks Gonsalves Sr., sons Robert (Gail) Gonsalves Jr., Douglas (Summer) Keola Gonsalves and Alan Kalama (Kelli) Gonsalves, daughters Roberta Leinani (Allen) Bactad and Joyleen TeeTee (Kachi) Rivera, brothers William King (Nan) Ka‘auwai, Bert (Blaze Ann) Ka‘auwai, sisters Annette Ku‘uipoaloha Ka‘auwai and Linda Napua Butchie (Dan) Iwamoto, sister-in-law Barbara Ka‘auwai, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, aunties, uncles, cousins and friends.
A service is at Kapa‘a First Hawaiian Church on Saturday, Aug. 13, with visitation at 9 a.m. followed by service at 11 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Brendan Anthony Alvarez
Brendan Anthony Alvarez, of Lihu‘e, passed away on July 13, 2022, at the age of 66. He was born on Dec. 7, 1955, in Waimea. He was a retired painter and served in the United States Navy.
He was preceded in death by parents Jose and Josephine Alvarez, and brothers Gilbert, Jose, Patrick, Jody, Thomas and Vincent.
He is survived by sisters Mary (Larry) Manuel and Cordell (Joel) Blair, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
