Life saver from Maili was
‘ultimate EMS professional’
Henry Cook recalled swimming and bodyboarding with Mandy Shiraki at Maili Point Beach during their high school years.
Mandy Shiraki: Is remembered for caring for and touching people's lives
"We've always been friends," Cook said.
Cook wiped away tears as Shiraki's ashes were scattered in the ocean at Maili Point yesterday. Cook and more than 70 family members and friends attended the ceremony. Friends from the Emergency Medical Services, Honolulu Fire Department and Ocean Safety Division also attended.
Shiraki, 47, paramedic and firefighter Joseph Daniel Villiaros, 39, and pilot Ronald Laubacher, 38, were killed in a Hawaii Air Ambulance plane crash on the slopes of Mauna Kea on Jan. 31.
Shiraki grew up in Maili, a few minutes away from the beach that he often frequented with his friends. His uncle, Rocky Shiraki, said his nephew enjoyed swimming and fishing at the beach.
"He was very caring. That's why he touched so many lives," Shiraki said.
Mandy Shiraki started his career with the Emergency Medical Services in April 1975. He spent the last seven years as a district chief overseeing more than 90 people in half of the 16 units on the island.
Shiraki also taught at the Kapiolani Community College as an adjunct faculty member teaching courses in life support. He also received more than 75 commendation letters from residents.
"He handled everything in a professional manner. He was the ultimate EMS professional," said EMS Assistant Chief Donnie Gates.
A dozen boats and a few jet skis formed a circle several miles from the shoreline while two police helicopters and a medevac helicopter dropped petals into the ocean.
Three days before the Hawaii Air Ambulance plane was reported missing, Cook said he spoke to Shiraki to help start planning their 30th Waianae High School class reunion. "Everybody knew him," he said.
He was dedicated to his work, Cook said, recalling how Shiraki took interest in becoming a paramedic during their senior year.
Waianae High alumna Kathy Westbrook said Shiraki was outgoing and had a great sense of humor. She said Shiraki and her brother, William Keliinoi, were best friends. When her brother had cancer, Shiraki regularly visited him in the hospital until Keliinoi's death in August 2002.
"He always checked up on him," Westbrook said. "We will all miss him."
Shiraki is survived by wife Melinda; sons Sheldon and Matthew; daughter Shari; parents Takeo and Frances; sisters Fran E. Shiraki, Lili Ann Shiraki Silva, Minza Shiraki-Higa and Dina Kanakaokai; and a grandchild.
