Anthology remembers co-founder David Wilson

Anthology FINN Partners mourns the passing of David Wilson, co-founder of McNeil Wilson Communications. The firm reflected on his leadership saying Wilson’s “strategic thinking, wise counsel and irreverent British wit helped shape the firm and earned him enduring friendships throughout Hawai‘i.” He was 80.

Wilson co-founded McNeil Wilson Communications with David McNeil in 1982. What began as a three-person office grew into Hawai‘i’s largest public relations agency and expanded into advertising, research and integrated marketing. Today, the firm operates as Anthology FINN Partners.

For those who knew him, Wilson’s legacy reaches well beyond the company he helped build. “He was a trusted adviser to business and political leaders, a mentor to colleagues and a steadfast friend whose charm was matched by considerable determination,” according to the firm.

“He had a presence: handsome, athletic, charming, making people laugh with that irreverent British sense of humor we shared. Yet beneath the charm was considerable steel: David was passionate, tough, strong-willed, unyielding,” said McNeil. “He was my brother in many ways.”

Born and raised in Manchester, England, Wilson served aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal during his career in Her Majesty’s Royal Navy and later rose to become an officer. A gifted natural athlete, he excelled in swimming and water polo and later competed in the Honolulu Marathon.

Wilson met Hawai‘i television news reporter Carolyn Tanaka during her visit to the United Kingdom. The couple married and made Honolulu their home. Carolyn later served as press secretary and communications director to Gov. John Waihee.

In Hawai‘i, “Wilson built a reputation for sound judgment, political insight and a commonsense approach to complicated challenges,” according to the firm. His counsel was sought by elected officials and local CEOs, and his work spanned tourism, transportation and other major industries.

“David was very interested in making Hawaiʻi a better place,” said former Gov. Waihee. “He was the kind of person who you would want as a friend.”

Wilson also helped develop generations of communications professionals. Dennis Christianson, whom Wilson hired as the firm’s creative director in 1993, remembered him as a mentor who made colleagues, clients and business partners feel they were part of a team.

“David helped build this firm, but just as importantly, he helped build the confidence and careers of so many of us who worked alongside him,” Christianson said. “He had a way of making you feel that he was firmly in your corner. I’ll always be grateful for his guidance, his friendship and the laughter we shared.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who knew Wilson from the formative years of their careers, recalled his intelligence, humor and persuasive charm.

“David was one of the most charming, witty, and well-informed friends that I ever knew. He could talk about almost anything, and the scary part was he was always convincing, even if you disagreed with him,” Blangiardi said. “David was one of a kind and did so much for so many people and our City over the years. He will be missed.”

Wilson is survived by his wife, Carolyn Tanaka; daughters Hollis Wilson and Brooke Wilson De Leon (Malia De Leon); sons Aran Wilson and Jamie Wilson (Rebecca); grandsons Edward and Henry Wilson; and brother Ian Wilson (Sue).

Services will be held Dec. 12, 2026 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9 a.m., a tribute program at 9:30 a.m. and the funeral service at 10 a.m.