Obituaries

Wednesday, November 19, 1997

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Joseph Spurrier, 73, on founding
faculty of BYU-Hawaii

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Joseph H. Spurrier, 73, of Laie, a retired professor of philosophy and music, died Sunday.

In 1955, he was a member of the founding faculty of Church College of Hawaii, which later became Brigham Young University -Hawaii. He also served as director of admissions and registrar, and as chairman for public relations and community services and administrative assistant to the school president.

Born in Tulsa, Okla., Spurrier attended public schools in El Paso, Texas, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Texas Western College. He completed a doctorate in educational administration at Utah State in 1962, writing his doctoral dissertation on “History of School Music in the Hawaiian Islands to 1950.”

Among his conclusions: “To the Hawaiians, the singing of the missionaries was the most attractive part of the new religion. In the native mind there had grown the concept that all learning was to be accomplished through chanting or singing. Nothing was learned until it could be chanted from memory.”

Spurrier first viewed Hawaii as a member of the armed forces in 1945, returning briefly in 1947. Moving to the islands permanently

in 1951, he taught at Lahainaluna High School on Maui, marrying Catherine Nohoanu Kanekoa of Hana. They later moved to Laie.

He is survived by his wife; sons Thomas K., Howard K. and Garth K.; daughters Uilani Goldsberry, Haunani Manning and Nancy I. James; and 15 grandchildren.

Services: 9 a.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints Stake Center, Laie. Call after 8 a.m. Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Friday in Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe.

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Agapito Acdal, 91, of Wahiawa, a retiree of Dole Company, died Nov. 6 in Wahiawa General Hospital. Born in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, he is survived by wife Felisa; sons Mariano and Domingo; daughters Carmen Raguirag and Melecia Eniero; brother Benigno; sisters Gertrudes Damil and Felisa Acdal; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Wake: 7 p.m. Friday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, mauka chapel. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at the mortuary. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: Mililani Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Helen C. Amerino, 87, of Kaneohe died Saturday in Salem, Ore. Born in Lahaina, she is survived by sons Harold, Floyd and Alvin; daughter Candy Coelho; brothers Herman, Albert and Frank Coelho; sisters Agnes Pires, Violet Auwae, Valentine Janero, Katherine Cooke and Mildred Ingram; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Mass: 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Call after 10 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Leland C. Blackburn, 74, of Waialae Iki, chairman emeritus of HFM Inc., died Friday in Queen’s Hospital. Born in Omaha, Neb., he is survived by wife Ruth; sons James, Stephen and Richard; daughter Diane Hochberg; and 10 grandchildren. Services: 11 a.m. today at the Church of the Holy Nativity, Aina Haina. Casual attire. No flowers. Donations suggested to the Church of the Holy Nativity, Hawaii Heart Association or other charities.

John F. Brixey, 37, of Haleiwa, died Saturday in Honolulu. Born in Oklahoma, he is survived by parents Harold and Norma; and sisters JoAnne Leikam, Laura Reinhardt and Katy Box. Burial at sea.

Gertrude M. “Gertie” Cabral, 54, of Honolulu, will be remembered in services 12:30 p.m. Friday at Borthwick Mortuary. Call after 9:30 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire. Additional information for an obituary published yesterday provided by the mortuary.

Winifred B.K. Ching, 75, of Honolulu, a food manager with F.W. Woolworth Co., died Thursday in Straub Hospital. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by sons Eddie and Xavier; daughters Yolette Nishimoto and Veralyn Meyer; sister Ellen Hughes; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Services: 11:30 a.m. Friday at Diamond Head Mortuary. Call after 10 a.m. Burial: Diamond Head Memorial Park. Aloha attire.

Beatrice L. Chu, 67, of Honolulu, a retired banquet waitress at Ala Moana Hotel, died Nov. 3 at home. Born in Kaneohe, she is survived by husband Wallace; sons Robert, Larry, Steven and Wendell; daughters Cynthia Souza, Lynda Akitake and Jerilyn Burke; brothers Allen, Richard and Norman; sister Winifred Ko; and nine grandchildren. Private services.

Edward K.W. Chu, 86, of Honolulu, a retired heavy equipment operator with the federal government, died Thursday in Honolulu. Born in Kukaiau, Hawaii, he is survived by daughters Hannah M. Ho, Mildred Pascua, Leimomi Galera and Gay-Lynn Douglas; son Edward; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Mass: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of the Mount, Kalihi. Call after 9:30 a.m. Mass: 12:15 p.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Church, Hilo. Call after 11 a.m. Burial: Homelani Memorial Park.

James G. “Lung Sun” Chun, 74, of Honolulu, past president of Ha Chek Village Society, died Nov. 7 in Tripler Army Hospital. Born in China, he is survived by wife Sue; sons Irving and Gary; daughters Evelyn Kusek and Cora Chun; brothers Leonard, Rupert and Kenneth; and five grandchildren. Taoist services: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Borthwick Mortuary. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park.

Reginald K. “Uncle Dada” Davis Sr., 65, of Kailua-Kona, a retired tour driver for Fairwinds Tours, died Nov. 1 in Kailua-Kona. Born in Maalehua, Molokai, he is survived by wife Elizabeth; sons Reginald Jr., George and Clinton K.; daughters Roberta Romain, Cheryl A. Maliga, Kawewehi, Matilda Margaret, Beatrice Kaleikini and Gina Ropati; brothers Leroy and Douglas Peneku, and George, Charles and Ronald Davis; sisters Jennie Perry, Daisey Lewis and Rachel K. McGuire; 30 grandchildren; a great-grandchild. Services: 8 p.m. tomorrow at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kona second ward. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kalamaula, Molokai. Call after 8 a.m. Burial: Kapaakea Cemetery, Kaunakakai, Molokai.

Robert T. “Bob” Davison, 60, of Honolulu, a restaurant owner, died Nov. 3 in Kailua. Born in California, he is survived by mother Doris B. Memorial services: 2 p.m. Friday at Fort DeRussy Beach. Scattering of ashes to follow. Celebration of life: 5 p.m. at Waikiki Beach Hotel, pool area.

Stephen M. Fernandes, 78, of Honolulu, a supervisor for Pearl Harbor Shipyard Shop No. 2, died Friday in Honolulu. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by children Stephanie and David. Mass: 9:30 a.m Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire. No flowers.

Susumu “Sus” Ishii, 79, of Ewa, a retired pan man with Oahu Sugar Company, died Nov. 11 in Pearl City Nursing Home. He was also a World War II veteran. Born in Ewa, he is survived by wife Hazel F.; sons Calvin M. and Andrew J.; daughter Phyllis A.I. Ibara; brothers Dr. Mamoru, Herb and Mitsuru; sisters Leatrice Kimura and Charlotte Hasson; and three grandchildren. Memorial services: 6 p.m. tomorrow at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, mauka chapel. Call after 5:30 p.m. Private inurnment.

Charlene K. Johnson, 61, of Honolulu, died Friday in Kuakini Hospital. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by husband Ora I.; son Joseph; daughters Oralene Levi, Nalani Kauleinamoku, Lisa Kahalewai, Ann Johnson-Kekaulike and Judi Johnson; and 14 grandchildren. Services: 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at Borthwick Mortuary. Call after 6 p.m. Graveside services: 10:45 a.m. Friday at Diamond Head Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Chie Kikuta, 78, of Mililani died Saturday in Wahiawa General Hospital. Born in Hokkaido, Japan, she is survived by husband Takashi; son Roy S.; daughter Ruth K. Dorothy; brother Seiichi Tomioka; a grandchild; and two half brothers. Memorial services: 2 p.m. Sunday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Private inurnment. Casual attire. No flowers.

Ruby Y.N. Kong, 63, of Kaneohe, a retired state Department of Education clerk, died Nov. 11 in Honolulu. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by husband Eugene; son Eugene Jr.; daughter Lisa Heaston; mother Rose Lai; sister Judy Colbert; and a grandson. Services: 7 p.m. Friday at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary. Call after 6 p.m. Burial: 9 a.m. Saturday at Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire. No flowers.

Alexander P.K. “Zoot” Lewis Jr., 60, of Hilo, a warehouse supervisor for Transco Hawaii, died Nov. 10 in Hilo Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by wife Laverne L.; daughter Laura L. “Pake”; sons George K. and Alexander K.K.K.; brothers Arlington L.K. “A’Ling,” Rodney K. “Derby,” Wendell S.L.M. Sr., Wayne C.K., Nathan K. and Spangler S.K. “Spanky”; sisters Azalia P. “Dinky” Stokes; Gwendolyn U. “Coco” Garcia; Alexanne N. Kano, Michelle K. Lewis, Renee N. Logan, Liane D.M. Meze, Verda N.K. Moana and Charmaigne C.K. Kim; four grandchildren; and a hanai granddaughter. Wake: 7 p.m. tomorrow at Dodo Mortuary, Hilo. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Services: 10 a.m. Friday at Glad Tidings Church. Call after 8 a.m. Casual attire. No flowers.

Kazuma Mayeda, 79, of Hilo, a retired senior clerk with Young Brothers, died Saturday in Hilo Hospital. Born in Kaiwiki, Hawaii, he is survived by sons Frank and Leslie Pavao; daughters Pearl Kamahele and Annette Frias; brothers Melvin, Clarence “Akio” and Sunao; sisters Masako Kadooka, Lillian Okumoto and Martha Mayeda; and seven grandchildren. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Borthwick Hawaii Funeral Home. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: Homelani Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Glenn E. Min, 33, of Honolulu, a freelance graphic artist, died Nov. 11 in Honolulu. He is survived by mother Edna; brother Nicholas; sisters Brenda Yonamine, Sandra Hyman, Frances Fujishige, Valerie Yorimitsu and Audrey Smith. Private services.

Frank T. “Frankie Boy” Molina Jr., 50, of Waianae died last Wednesday in Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by wife Rose K.; sons William F., Frank T. III, Alexis T., Sonny K. and Jesus J.; daughters Elizabeth A. Lindley and Charmaine L.P. Molina; father Frank T. Sr.; brother Leroy G.; sisters Linda M. Keller, Maggie and Winifred Molina, and Barbara Torres; and seven grandchildren. Services: 11 a.m. Friday at Nanaikapono Protestant Church, 89-235 Pua Ave., Nanakuli. Call after 9 a.m. Cremation to follow. Casual attire.

Warren E. Nahooikaika Sr., 75, of Lahaina died last Wednesday in Hale Makua. Born in Olowalu Village, Hawaii, he is survived by wife Matilda; sons Warren E. Jr., Nathan, Marc, James, Clayton and Jason; daughters Jane L. and Helene; and 14 grandchildren. Services: 7 p.m. Friday at Nakamura Mortuary. Call from 4 to 8 p.m. Cremation to follow. No wreaths.

Joseph E. Nahoopii Sr., 58, of Kapaakea, Molokai, died Saturday in Molokai General Hospital. Born in Halawa Valley, Molokai, he is survived by wife Lovey; sons Joseph Jr. and John; daughters Joanne Kaauwai, Joni Amaro and Joelle Kaai; sisters Josephine Sanchez and Ann McGuire; brothers Albert and John; and 15 grandchildren. Visitation: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Ka Hale Laa O Iruselema Hou church, Kalamaula, Molokai. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: Kapaakea Cemetery, Molokai. Aloha attire.

Donald M. Nishida, 61, of Kaneohe, a retired vice president for City Bank, died Nov. 11 in Castle Hospital. Born in Kapaa, Kauai, he is survived by wife Irene K.; daughter Dawn M.; mother Shigeno; brother Herbert H.; and sisters Evelyn Austin and Susan Morita. Services: 6 p.m. tomorrow at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Highway. Burial: 10 a.m. Friday at Valley of the Temples. Casual attire.

Beatrice K.A. Ogata, 75, of Waimanalo, also known as Beatrice A. “Granny” Kahalewai, died Nov. 2 at home. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by husband Masanari; children Penny J. Davis, John G. Meyers and Charles K. Kaleo; stepchildren James and David Kahalewai; adopted children William F. and Jaime M.; sister Angeline Paikai; brother Charles Aana; 28 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Services: 7 p.m. Friday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, makai chapel. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Burial services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Memorial Park. Aloha attire.

Pedro Oyamot, 74, of Makaweli, Kauai, a retired laborer with Gay & Robinson Inc., died Sunday at home. Born in Makaweli, Kauai, he is survived by sister Gregoria Albarado; and brothers Dick, Larry, Marcie, Severino, Alberto and Lucky. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Veterans Cemetery, Hanapepe. Call after 10 a.m.

Francis E.K. “Pete” Pedro, 72, of Papakolea, died Nov. 8 in Aloha Health Care Center. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by son Joseph; daughter Sammilynn; brothers Leon and Simeon Samalino; and a grandson. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Borthwick Mortuary. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Services: noon Saturday at the mortuary. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: Sunset Memorial Park.

Toratsugu “Sunshine” Ryusaki, 80, of Honolulu, a maintenance supervisor for Tradewinds Tours and Polynesian Hospitality, died Nov. 9 in Kuakini Hospital. Born in South Kohala, he is survived by wife Harue “Grace”; sons Dennis and Terry; daughter Pearl Lopez; brothers Hiroshi, George, Francis, Mutsuto and Morris; sisters Shimeji Kanazawa, Hideko Maruyama and Elsie Yamamoto; and three grandchildren. Private services.

Elton H. Sakamoto, 80, of Honolulu, a retired attorney, died Oct. 29 in Queen’s Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by wife Irene; son Charles; daughter Ruth Satake; brothers Henry, Robert, Richard and Milton; sisters Chieko Tanaka and Henrietta Nagahisa; and two grandchildren. Private services.

Valentina “Betty” Calma Sanchez, 59, of Honolulu, a retired security officer with Freeman Guards Inc., died Friday in St. Francis Hospital. Born in South Kona, she is survived by daughter Cynthia Calma; brother Carlos Hernandes Sr.; sisters Martina Usman and Irene C. Paladin; stepdaughter Helen Self; and a granddaughter. Mass: noon tomorrow at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral, 1184 Bishop St. Call after 10:30 a.m. Burial: Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe. Casual attire. No flowers.

Emily Tavares, 86, of Kailua, died Nov. 11 in Kailua. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by sons Frank and William “Willie”; daughters Bernice Erminger and Betty A. Shinotsuka; 25 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Services: 10:30 a.m. tomorrow at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire.

Victoria D. Terry, 87, of Waipahu died Nov. 11 in Queen’s Hospital. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by son Joseph; daughters Theresa Niau, Bernadette Chung, Mary Akiu, Shirley Ann and Beatrice; 37 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Visitation: 7:30 to 11:15 a.m. Friday at Borthwick Mortuary. Mass: noon Friday at Our Lady of Peace. Burial: Diamond Head Memorial Park. Aloha attire.

Daryl L. Tilton, 75, of Honolulu, a retired sheet metal manager for Heide & Cook, died Nov. 11 in Honolulu. Born in North Carolina, he is survived by wife Takayo; sons Kenneth and Thomas; daughter Kathleen Kawano and Charlene Hopfe; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services: 7 p.m. tomorrow at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary. Call after 5:30 p.m. Burial: 10 a.m. Friday at Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire.

Kiuji Tomita, 95, of Hilo, a retired warehouse clerk for Hawaiian Tel, died Saturday at home. Born in Mountain View, Hawaii, he is survived by wife Shigeko; son Charles; daughters Jane Sumiki and May Ushijima; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Services: 5 p.m. Friday at Hilo Meishoin Mission, 97 Olona St. Call after 4 p.m. Cremation to follow. Casual attire. No flowers. No monetary gifts.

Motoi Ueda, 91, of Hilo, a retired University of Hawaii extension agent, died Tuesday in Life Care Center of Hilo. He was also a driver and narrator for Jack’s Tours Inc. Born in Wahiawa, he is survived by wife Takayo; son Byron T.; daughters Kay Kudo and Ann Kawai; brother Goro; sister Sumie Onaga; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services: 5 p.m. Friday at Dodo Mortuary, Hilo. Call after 4 p.m. Casual attire.

Brant Kahale Vida, 22, of Honolulu, a lifeguard, died Nov. 10 in Castle Hospital. Born in Kailua, he is survived by mother Bunnette; father Robert Hitchcock; sisters Lindsey Daniels and Laine Vida; grandparents Gladys Vida, Emma Hitchcock and Melville Vida; and fiancee Andrea Drew. Services: 6 p.m. Thursday at St. Louis High School, Mystical Rose Chapel. Call after 4 p.m. Private scattering.

Samuel W. Wahilani Sr., 72, of Waianae, a retired construction worker, died Nov. 6 in Kaiser Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by sons George K.K., Samuel W. Jr. and Eric K.; and five grandchildren. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Borthwick Mortuary. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Cremation to follow. Aloha attire.

Bruce M. Whitesides, 74, of Aiea, a retired U.S. Army colonel, died Nov. 1 in Tripler Hospital. Born in Fort Benning, Ga., he is survived by wife Arlene; son Dallas E.; daughter Dale Chipchase; stepson John Young; stepdaughter Pamela Schlueter; and five grandchildren. Services with full military honors were held. In lieu of flowers, contributions to a favorite charity.

Haruko Yamasato, 79, of Honolulu, a retired director of Jikoen Hongwanji pre-school, died Nov. 11 in Straub Hospital. Born in Pepeekeo, Hawaii, she is survived by sons Lloyd Y. and Gary K.; brothers Seisho, Richard, Chester, Ben and Seiyu Toguchi; sisters Gladys Gushiken and Setsuko Shimamoto; and three grandchildren. Services: 6 p.m. Friday at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. No flowers.

Santos T. Yanos, 91, of Waipahu, a retiree of Hawaiian Electric, died Oct. 27 in Pearl City Nursing Home. Born in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, he is survived by wife Anastacia G. “Ann”; sons Allen G. and Dennis G.; and two grandchildren. Wake: 7 p.m. Friday at Mililani Downtown Mortuary, 20 S. Kukui St. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at the mortuary. Call after 9:30 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park. Casual attire.