Gardner Kaaihue Brown / 1924-2003
A life of giving to athletes
He was Mr. Community Sports.
From Booth Park to Kawaiahao Church leagues to Na Opio canoe paddling, Gardner Brown always seemed to be around young athletes.
He coached, he mentored, he gave candy to anyone who could pull off a trick with a ball; always wearing a baseball cap and kolohe smile.
"He loved kids and sports," said his daughter Nahaku Brown, a former All-American setter for the University of Hawaii. "I attribute my career in athletics to him."
Gardner Kaaihue Brown died Sunday at Ka Puna Wai Ola care facility in Kapolei. He was 78.
Brown was born Nov. 16, 1924, in Hilo. He was a multi-sport athlete at Hilo High and active in both the Haili and Kawaiahao churches.
Brown served in the Army during the Korean War and was the youth activities director when the family was stationed at Fort Knox, Ky.
"He was a proud veteran," said Nahaku Brown. "He drove the generals around and loved to tell stories about that.
"And he coached wherever he was. Football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, bowling ... any sport he could help kids with. He liked to follow all of the athletes' careers."
In his later years, Brown could be found almost daily at Booth Park in Pauoa Valley. He was active in the Police Activities Leagues and the Pauoa Valley Community Center, and was the recipient of many volunteer awards.
Brown was active in Alu Like, the Native Hawaiian service organization. He was also a cornerstone in the Na Opio Canoe Racing Association, helping youth to perpetuate the state sport of outrigger canoe paddling at a time when there was no support at the high school level.
His six children all competed in athletics, with Nahaku and Paul gaining the most recognition. Nahaku continued her volleyball career as a coach at UH, Hawaii Pacific, Chaminade and Sacred Hearts Academy, while Paul, a pitcher for the Rainbows, was a second-round draft pick by the Boston Red Sox and played in the minor leagues for several years.
Gardner Brown was instrumental in starting volleyball booster clubs at HPU and Chaminade, and was an active booster when his daughter competed for the Wahine.
"I know that it will be hard for many of us who have seen him in the stands to turn and not see him there," said Nahaku Brown. "He was content with what he had done and knew he had made a difference. He was 'Mr. Aloha' to the kids."
Brown is also survived by son Gardner Alihikaua Brown Jr. of Kauai; daughters Louise Elizabeth Snyder of New York; Tanna Keola Pestana of Nanakuli; Adele Pili Ornelles of Honolulu; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Services will be held on May 21 at Kawaiahao Church. Viewing begins at 4:30 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. service. A celebration of his life is schedule for Wednesday at Booth Park beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.