Leo M.T. Yap created and developed many new orchid strains, giving the most beautiful and sought-after his daughters’ and family members’ names.

He had a small company, “Home of the Blue Vanda,” from which he shipped exotic orchids, anthuriums, and flora to the mainland.

Wife Violet at one time was head of the math department at Hilo High, where she was well-liked by students.

Joint services will be held in Hilo Saturday for teachers Violet and Leo Yap.

Leo Yap, 77, of Hilo died March 3 died in Portland, Ore. Violet Yap died March 15.

Born in Halaula, Kohala, Leo Yap attended Big Island public schools, graduating from Hilo High School in 1938. He completed a bachelor’s degree in industrial education at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., in 1942. He served with the Army During World War II, at Fort Benning, Ga., rising to the rank of first sergeant.

He married Violet Sun Kin Loo in 1949, when they were both teachers in Laupahoehoe. He earned a master’s in industrial education in 1952, also from Bradley, where he was the first non-Caucasian member of Sigma Phi and Sigma Chi fraternities. He taught at Waikea Kai Intermediate School and later Waikea Intermediate School, retiring in 1975.

“He was a very generous, kind fellow,” said friend Teruo Ihara of Honolulu.

Ihara recalled that Yap played football at Hilo High School, where he also was a track star. Yap later became an expert on orchid culture, Ihara said.

“He bred and raised orchids from seedlings -- a man of patience. No one could handle that without patience,” Ihara said.

Violet Yap, 77, was born in Hilo. She played piano, liked to read and cook and had an exceptional interest in her grandchildren. She also loved botany.

After retiring from Hilo High, she taught part time at Hilo Community College. Friends and family members say she was loving, caring and always there if someone was sick, cooking soup and helping in other ways.

The Yaps are survived by daughters Hollis Y. Bliatout, an acupuncturist and herbalist in Portland, and Dr. Laurent Loo-King, with the U.S. Public Health Service in Arizona; and two grandchildren.

Leo Yap also is survived by brother Oscar Mew Kong Yap. Violet Yap is additionally survived by sisters Ruth Wong and Mabel Loo; and brothers Ernest, Gilbert and Nelson Loo.

Joint services over the ashes will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at United Community Church in Hilo. Friends may call after 9:30. The ashes will be encrypted at Homelani Memorial Park in Hilo.

Mary K. Akiona, 78, of Waimanalo, the former owner and operator for 40 years of Mel’s Market in Waimanalo, died Monday at home. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by husband Melvin A.N.; daughter Sharon Bolmeier; sons Brian and Curtis; brothers Frank and William Kam; sisters Emily Jones and Rose Wilson; and four grandchildren. Service: noon Monday at St. George Church. Call from 10 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Emilia S. Baptista, 75, of Honolulu, an employee of McDonald’s, Discovery Bay, died March 9 in Kaiser Hospital. Born in Laoag City, the Philippines, she is survived by brothers Miguel, Laureto and Alex; and sisters Naty Baptista Quinto, Arsenia Baptista Agodon and Pacita Baptista. Service: 6 p.m. Tuesday at Nuuanu Mortuary. Call from 5 to 9 p.m. Mass: 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Philomena’s Church. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: Valley of the Temples.

Joseph G. Barros Jr., 35, of Papaikou, Hawaii died Monday in Hilo Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by wife Lauriean L. Arruda; sons Josiah K. Johnathon K. and Jaycob K.; mother Roselani “Tootsie” Stevens; father Joseph G.; and sisters Johanna Kanemitsu, Jolanda Rosario and Jodie Padilla. Service: Saturday 4 p.m. at Dodo Mortuary. Call from 2 p.m. Cremation to follow. Aloha attire.

Catalina A. Batangan, 59, of Kapolei, died Feb. 4 in Kapiolani Hospital at Pali Momi. Born San Nicholas, Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, she is survived by husband Ramon V.; sons Edwin A., Jurry A. and Roland A.; daughter Madelyn Batangan-Cabuslay; father Juan Agonoy; mother Pelicona Agonoy; brother Cecilio Agonoy; sisters Leonila Bonilla and Valeriana Manibog; and seven grandchildren. Wake service: 7 p.m. tomorrow at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, mauka chapel. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Mass: 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Church, 94-675 Farrington Highway. Call after 10 a.m. Burial: Mililani Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Mildred E. “Millie” Binz, 71, of Kapolei, died Saturday in Kapolei. Born in Pittsburgh, she is survived by husband William “Bill” V.; sons Charles G., Daniel C. and William Jr.; daughters Charlene Jackson and Cecelia Nirei; sisters Mary Hodanick and Berta Zelaney; and five grandchildren. Memorial services: 6 p.m. tomorrow at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, makai chapel. Call after 5 p.m. Aloha attire.

Mildred Y.W.A. Bow, 81, of Honolulu died Friday in Queen’s Hospital. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by sons David M.H. and Daniel M.C.; daughters Beatrice W.C. Bow and Janice Nishimura; and two grandchildren. Services: 7 p.m. tomorrow at Nuuanu Baptist Church, 2010 Nuuanu Ave. Call after 5:30 p.m. Graveside services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Manoa Cemetery. Casual attire. No flowers.

Helen L. Cheung, 67, of Portage, Wis., formerly of Oahu, died Friday in Arizona. Born in Arizona, she is survived by mother Thelma Burns; brother Ken Lucas; daughters Sharon Ito, Karon Kaneshiro, Evelyn Gibo and Katherine Hashida; sons David Jr., Larry, Daniel, Stephen and Timothy; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 94-107 Halu St., Waipahu.

Helen H. Choo, 82, of Honolulu, a retired bookkeeper clerk with Singer Sewing Co., died Monday in the Island Nursing Home. Born in China, she is survived by sons Ronald T.Y., Kenneth B. and Timothy T.S.; brother Kenneth Ho; sisters Violet Ching and Thelma Chang; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Service: 10 a.m. Monday at Oahu Cemetery Chapel. Call from 9 a.m. Burial in the cemetery mausoleum. Casual attire.

Takeo Fujisawa, 68, of Waianae, a retired sheetmetal worker and installer, died last Thursday at home. Born in Huelo, Maui, he is survived by wife Mae S.; daughters Annette H. Tomitaka and Carol M. Matsumoto; brother Hiroshi; sister Akiko Yuhara; and four grandchildren. Service: 2 p.m. Sunday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Casual attire. No flowers.

Lucile D. “Mamo” Graham, 57, of Kaneohe died Friday in Straub Hospital. Born in Lahaina, she is survived by husband Elmer H.; son Robert Bulawan; daughters Kaleo Rombawa, Rosie Graham, and Noe Graham Tenna Gaines; brothers Bernard and John Bulawan and Little Bob; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Service: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Nuuanu Mortuary. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Scattering of ashes at Heeia Kea Boat Harbor. Aloha attire.

Abigail J. Johnson, 89, of Hoolehua, Molokai, died March 6 in Molokai Hospital. Born in Waipahu, she is survived by daughters Barbara Hanchett, Joyce Ahu, Audrey Brooks, Beverly Kahoonei and Laverne Kiesel; son Cecil Spencer; brother Tommy Kamalii; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Memorial services: 5 p.m. Saturday at Jehovah’s Witness Church; and 5 p.m. March 28 at Lot No. 68 Farrington Road, Hoolehua.

Mack L. “Bobby” Kalua-Lestino, 55, of Makakilo died March 1 in Tripler Hospital. Born in Kunia, he is survived by sisters Emily Castillo and Darlene Borman. Wake: 7 p.m. Sunday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, makai chapel. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Burial: 10 a.m. Monday at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe. Casual attire. No flowers.

Antonia “Toni” Kaniaupio, 76, of Hawaii, a deaconess of Ka Mauka Mau Loa Church, kahu of Na Mookuauhau o Keaunui and former advisor of Ahahui on na Opiopio, died Saturday in Aiea. Born in Hauula, she is survived by sons Jeremiah Sr. and Wallace W. Sr.; daughters Cynthia E. and J. Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier; sisters Elizabeth Laa, Agatha Kaniaupio, Ellen Yamaguchi Mildred Froiseth and Winifred Gonsalves; brothers Edward N. Jr., Abraham, Samuel, Issac and Simeon Crawford; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Service: 7 p.m. tomorrow at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary. Call 6-9 p.m. Burial: 9 a.m. Saturday at Hawaiian Memorial Park.

Theodore K. “Pops” Kauai, 65, of Waimanalo, died last Thursday in Castle Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by wife Sarah M.; sons Danford, Daniel and Theodore “Bernie”; daughters Tedline H. Pa’a’aina and Darlene M. Aipa; parents Grace Anna and Bruno Viernes; brothers Bernard “Boogie” and Roy; sister Thelma “Peachie” Turner; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Services: 7 p.m. Sunday at Nuuanu Mortuary, call from 6 p.m.; and 10 a.m. Monday at the mortuary, call from 8 a.m. Cremation to follow.

Lily W.Y.W. Lee, 92, of Honolulu, founder and honorary director of the Chinese Buddhist Association of Hawaii-Hsu Yun Temple, died March 10 in the Palolo Chinese Home. Born in Chung Shan, China, she was also past president of Free China Women Relief Association. Survived by son Frank K.C.; daughter Mildred Chun; six grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Buddhist service: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Nuuanu Mortuary. Cremation to follow. Casual attire.

Alice Miranda, 83, of Honolulu, died Monday in Hale Pulama Mau Care Home. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by daughters Elaine Kaopuiki and Maxine Mundon; sister Evelyn Koerte; seven grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Service: 10 a.m. Monday at Diamond Head Mortuary. Call from 8 a.m. Burial: Diamond Head Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Sakae Nagata, 77, of Hilo died Tuesday in Hilo Hospital. Born in Aiea, she is survived by sons Stanley and Larry; daughters Helene Nagata and Shirley Tanaka; and sisters Misayo Katahara, Fumiko Omatsu, Itsue Hatakenaka and Takeko Sumiyoshi. Service: 10 a.m. Saturday at Dodo Mortuary. Call from 9 a.m. Casual attire.

Samantha H. Nicoll, 19, of Volcano, Hawaii, who died in a car crash near Pahoa Bypass Road on March 12, will be remembered in services Saturday. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by parents Mark and Belinda Nicoll; brother Mark A.; sisters Christina N., Leilani P. and Napua S.; grandmother Eloise Thompson; and grandfather Thomas J. Nicoll. Service over ashes: 3 p.m. Saturday at the Carson’s Cottage, corner Waiopai Street and Ocean Front Road in Kapoho Vacation Land subdivision. Call 2-6 p.m. Casual attire. Donations accepted.

Kazugu Onigama, 79, of Honolulu, a former owner of a painting contractors, died Saturday in Kuakini Hospital. Born in Honomu, Hawaii, he is survived by wife Violet M.; son Rodney K.; daughter Lynn M.; brother Masashi; sister Harumi Inada; and two grandchildren. Service: 10 a.m. Saturday at Mililani Memorial Park-Waipio, makai chapel. Call after 9 a.m.

Manuel P. Ramon, 80, of Honolulu died Monday in St. Francis Hospice. Born in Hamakapoko, Maui, he is survived by wife Emily; daughters Mercedes Arroyo and Carolyn Herman; brothers John, Jules and Joe; sisters Mary Brown, Jane Robello, Rita Kuaana and Virginia Rodrigues; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Service: 11 a.m. Monday at Valley of the Temples. Call after 9 a.m.

Alfred N. Roberts, 58, of Los Angeles, formerly of Hawaii, died March 12 in Los Angeles. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired vice president of Star Markets Ltd. Born in Michigan, he is survived by sisters Geneveive, Onales, Brenda and Kay; and brother Robert. Services in Michigan. Donations suggested to the American Diabetes Association, 310 Paokalani Ave., Building E, Room 204, Honolulu 96815.

Kenneth M. “Moto” Sasaki, 82, of Pearl City died Sunday. Born in Waialua, Hawaii, he is survived by Lillian A.; son Michael M.; daughter Aileen Tom; brothers Robert and the Rev. Norio; sisters Margaret Hiraoka, Kay Sasaki, Nobue Asaeda and Toki Sasaki; and six grandchildren. Service: 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, mauka chapel. Casual attire. No flowers.

Fred H. Takashima, 79, of Honolulu died March 3 at home. Born in Waiakea, Hawaii, he is survived by sons David M. and Alton N.; brothers Lester and Edward; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Private services.

Margaret L. Vincent, 76, of Las Vegas, died Feb. 22 in Las Vegas. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by son Clyde K. Eborn; brothers Harold, Albert and Edward Lee; sisters Dorothy Lincoln and Pearl Ahn; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Private service.

Albert J. “Endora” Watson, 46, of Waianae died March 8 in Waianae. Born in Honolulu he is survived by brothers William Kaneakalau and John A., David G. and Hiram Watson; and sisters Margaret Kealohanui, Agnes and Ruth Watson, and Annie Sotelo. Services: 11 a.m. tomorrow at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, makai chapel. Call 9:30-11 a.m. Casual attire.

Andy R. Wisler, 89, of Wahiawa, a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer and recipient of the Navy Cross and a retired transmitter technician with RCA, died March 8 at in Waihawa General Hospital. Born in Joshua, Mo., he is survived by wife Janet S.Y.; sons Andy Jr., William and Joseph; daughter Annette Edwards; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Private services.

Virginia L. Worley, 91, of Honolulu, a former Association of Childhood Eduction, Hawaii Branch president and school teacher, died Monday at home. Born in Chicago, she has no known survivors. Service: 4:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Church of the Holy Nativity. No flowers. Donations suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Victoriano Zampaga, 86, of Waipahu, a retired practical nurse at Queen’s Hospital, died March 12 in St. Francis-West Hospital. Born in Luna, La Union, the Philippines, he is survived by wife Helen; son Stephen V.; daughter Stephanie L.; hanai daughter Susan Hore; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Service: noon Saturday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Casual attire. No flowers.