Frederick Tangalin
Frederick Tangalin left his mortal body unexpectedly on Jan. 14 2023 at his home in Wailua. He was born on Jan 18, 1950, to Buenaventura (Ben) Tangalin and Haumin (Herminia) Simeon.
As a young child, he lived in Moloa‘a Camp with his loving grandmother Victoria Tabigne instilling a lifelong love of plantation life, making it along with the beauty of Kaua‘i the subject of many of his paintings. He attended Ko‘olau and Kapa‘a School, and at 16 years old he began his study of painting from master artist and his mentor Leonard Herbert.
As a child, he worked as a shoeshine boy and torch lighter at the Coco Palms Hotel, later becoming a waiter before going on to work at other Kaua‘i restaurants. As a young man, he was an avid surfer, fisherman and spear diver.
In 1975 he met and married his wife Carol. He worked as a foster parent for Hale ‘Opi‘o for many years. Former foster children often called to talk to Uncle Fred. Always seeking to inspire the artist in others, he gave painting lessons in his studio to local artists, taught watercolors at Kaua‘i Community College and painted murals on the post office and ‘Ele‘ele School cafeteria with elementary school students.
Later in life, he really enjoyed traveling the world to places like Mexico, Spain, and Alaska with his wife, going holoholo around Kaua‘i in his Toyota truck, nurturing his koi fish and plants, cooking for his family and drinking good coffee. He embodied the aloha spirit, and enjoyed being with people, telling stories, and sharing his art and love (which are one and the same).
Family members who preceded him include his parents, stepfather Maurice Lardizabal, brothers Steve and Leonard, brother-in-law Dennis Marugame and dogs Hanuman and Bhima, among many beloved fur babies.
Fred is survived and missed by his loving wife of 47 years Carol, daughter Natalia, brother Leroy, sisters Gloria (Rick Wilson) Reed, Yolanda (Scott) Kurihara and Nena Johnson, sisters-in-law Charlotte Ka‘ai, Karen Tangalin and Teresa Brofka, hanai son Brandon Vrin Daavin Parker, foster sons Daniel (Loki) Collins, Kekoa Hubbard and Howard Spencer, nieces and nephews Steven Jr. (Melisa), Mahealani (Elmer) Sarmento, Michelle (Jim) Simbert, Ryan Delacruz, Sabrina Dune, Umi (Robin) Tangalin, Tisha Dawn (Steve) Hawley, Dane (Trisha) Kurihara, ‘Ohi‘a, Keawe, Kamani, Malia Grollman and Heather Marugame, and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life is Wednesday, May 31, at Harbor House next to Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha (the old mango grove) starting at 3 p.m.
Nelson Gene Keller
Nelson Gene Keller passed away on Jan. 8, 2023, in Waimea, at the age of 76. He was born on Jan. 7, 1947, on O‘ahu. He was the harbormaster of Port Allen Small Boat Harbor for many years, until he retired in 2006.
He was preceded in death by parents Edwin W. Keller and Juanita H. Sadino, wife Diane L.H.R Keller, daughter Resa L. Keller, brothers Albert Keller, Lawrence Keller, Herman Keller and Edwin Keller, and sisters Emma Keller and Juanita Gonsolves.
He is survived by daughters Corrina Keller (Gordan “Sonny” Kamauoha), Erika Keller, Emma (Kaina Rosare) Keller, son Nelson “Joe” Keller, brother Elmer “Rabb” Keller, grandchildren Tawni Castro, Leanne Castro, Blayne Keller, Faith Pascua, Dawson Pascua, Olivia Fitzgerald, Braxtyne Keller-Rosare, Braylyne Keller-Rosare, Tatum Kamauoha and Hope Kamauoha.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Feb. 11, at Waimea Neighborhood Center, beginning at noon.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Joseph A. Kona
Joseph A. Kona, of Waimea, died at Queen’s North Community Hospital on Dec. 30, 2022, at the age of 71. Born in Waimea on June 18, 1951, he was employed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and transferred to Koke‘e State Park as a supervisor (retired), and then worked for the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee.
He was preceded in death by his father Alfred P. Kona, mother Anna Mae Kona and brother Wallis W. Kona.
He is survived by wife Margaret (Agit) Kona of Waimea, daughters Tiffany (Richard) Ruiz of Waimea and Talia (Ronson) Arakaki of Kekaha, sons John (Jodie) Aguon-Kona of Hanapepe Heights and Joseph (Melissa) Aguon-Kona of Lawa‘i, grandchildren Java Aguon-Kona, Wyatt Ruiz, Layne Kanoa, Johnna Kona, Josiah Aguon-Kona, Kaili Arakaki, Hunter Arakaki, Jolee Aguon-Kona, Peyton Arakaki, Mehana Kona, Makana Kona and Kelson Arakaki, great-granddaughter Hali‘a Apo-Kona, sisters Joann (Roy) Borja of Waimea, Rose Marie Poirier of Maurice, Louisiana and Theresa Manatad of Hanapepe, and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunties and uncles.
Family and friends may join the family in a celebration of life on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Lucy Wright Park in Waimea, from noon to 5 p.m.
Christel Dorothea Hepa
Christel Dorothea Hepa, 87, of Wahiawa, O‘ahu, passed away on Jan. 19, 2023. She was born on Dec. 17, 1935 and retired as a bookkeeper for Tang & Wong CPAs.
She was preceded in death by husband Daniel Hepa, parents Adolf Kuhtz and Dorothea Kohn, daughter Diana (Phil) Badua, and granddaughter Jasmine Badua.
She is survived by daughter Dorothy (Lloyd) Hepa, grandchildren Steven (Beckie) Javinar, James Javinar, Reanna Javinar, Sage Javinar, Jonah Javinar, Nadia (Sean) Kaley, and Kayla (Braden) Rapozo, seven great-grandchildren and two sisters.
Services will be announced in the future.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Douglas Junji Inouye
Douglas Junji Inouye, 77, of Lihu‘e, passed away on Nov. 15, 2022. He was born on Sept. 15, 1945 on O‘ahu. He worked as a self-employed electrical contractor and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
He was preceded in death by parents Masao and Shizue Inouye.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna Inouye, son John (Deborah) Inouye, daughter Kimberly (Kimo) Inouye, sisters Ann (Herman) Kon and Carol (Eddie) Hirata, granddaughter Chloe Inouye, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private services were held.
The family wishes to thank Kaua‘i Hospice and Garden Island Mortuary.
Kay Kiyoto Kato
Kay Kiyoko Kato passed away on Jan. 27, 2023 in Hanapepe at the age of 90.
She was born on March 13, 1932 in Japan. She was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by husband Robert S. Kato and son Lance S. Kato.
She is survived by sons Blaine (Lorraine) Kato of O‘ahu and Glenn (Kehau) Kato of Kaua‘i, daughters June (Jeffrey) Ikeda of Hilo, Hawai‘i Island and Laverne (Umesh) Gheewala of California, 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
A service is Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023 at the Garden Island Mortuary, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. The family suggests casual attire and requests that flowers be omitted.
Garden Island Mortuary if assisting the family with arrangements.
