Obituaries

Donald Louis Albrecht, 78 of Mt. View, passed away on March 27, 2021 at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in Illinois, he was a woodturner, past administrative technician for the federal government, member of Big Island Woodturners, HI Chapter American Rhododendron Society, and a retired United States Air Force veteran.

No services.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Albrecht of Mt. View; sons, Douglas (Justine) Albrecht of Bellville, TX., Darren (Teresa) Albrecht of McAlester, OK., Johnnie (Teresa) Williams and Gary (April) Williams both of Fairbanks, AK.; daughter, Peggy (Jefferson) Mitchell of McAlester, OK.; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and nieces.

Arrangements by: Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo

Donna-Frances Kaleiluhilani Street, 67 of Hilo, passed away on April 4, 2021 at her home. Born in Hilo, she was a retired supervising police radio dispatcher for the County of Hawaii.

Services to be held at a later date.

She is survived by her sons, Keith Kiyojima, Frederick (Michele) Desha, and Tipton (Carrie) Street; daughter, Tanya-Jo (Puna) Moller; hanai brother, Keith Wilhelm; sisters, Henrietta Clay, Alexandra Waipa, and Simone (Samuel) Kalua; sister-in-law, Karen Desha; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and cousins.

Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo

George Kaanana, 87, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 5, 2021 at home in Makawao, Hawaii. Born in Kahului, Maui on February 22, 1934 to the late David Kaanana & Ida Kahue, he lived a full life.

Dad leaves behind his three children; George Kawika Kaanana (Mary), Ynez Evalani Gomola (Robert Sr.), and Eunice Kealoha Kaanana-Ramos (the late Christopher), seven Grandchildren; Tony Lehman, Robert Gomola, Ashley-Nicole Ray, Daniel Kaanana, Malia Kaanana, TJ Kaanana, and Cherie Kaanana, and five Great Grandchildren; Leilani Gomola, Havana Tanji, Ryker Tanji, Carmen “Pueo” Kaanana-Cummings, and Ethan Ray along with Ohana and friends.

Dad was a 1953 graduate of Lahainaluna where he was a boarder, and well-known all-star athlete. He was in the military with an honorable discharge from the Army in 1958. Jobs held was at Ige Construction, Maui Lu, and Wailea-Intercontinental Hotels where he retired. Dad’s first love after God and family was teaching martial arts, specifically; Kajukenbo-Emperado’s Method. Dad began training in the early 1950's and has been committed to the Arts ever since. He achieved the esteemed rank of Senior Grand Master. He has trained many students where he gave generously of his time and himself. Many of them continued to call or visit him until his final days. Above all things, Dad truly cherished his family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Norman’s Mortuary with a private burial to follow at Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we kindly ask for those in attendance, to wear masks, social distance & follow guidelines at all times. For service information, please contact Kealoha (808)280-7047, Ynez (757)725-3371, or George (808)542-6554.

Arrangements by Norman's Mortuary.

On March 22, 2021, the world lost a good man. Larry “Vaughn” Baker died unexpectedly at Maui Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

He was preceded by his parents, Wilma and Melvin Baker and a nephew, David Arnold. He is survived by his wife Luly Baker, stepson Gregory Wigger, former wife and friend Roz Baker, sister Sue McCoy (Denny) niece Emily Cash and family.

Vaughn was born on April 25, 1940 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. His family lived in Illinois, Texas and Oklahoma before moving to Gainesville, Florida where he finished growing pains. He graduated from Gainesville High in 1958 and then the University of Florida. After getting his Masters degree at John’s Hopkins University, Vaughn worked several years as a high school history teacher in Maryland before joining the government relations staff of the National Education Association. He was involved in many successful campaigns for NEA endorsed candidates, including that of his favorite: President Jimmy Carter.

In 1980, when a business opportunity opened up on Maui, after one too many snowstorms in Maryland, Vaughn and his then wife, moved to Lahaina and stayed.

In 1987, he joined the staff at Maui Community College as head of the non-credit programs. Eventually, he became the Director of Work Force Development for the entire University of Hawaii system until his retirement in 2011.

A celebration of Vaughn’s life will be held on his birthday, April 25, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing may donate to the Lahainaluna Foundation for the Vaughn and Luly Baker Scholarship fund.

P.O.Box11617

Lahaina, Hawaii 96761

Go Gators!

John Stanley Rippy was born on January 12, 1940, in Philadelphia PA to Theodore and Pearl Rippy. John was lovingly called Stanley or Stan by all his loved ones and friends. He leaves to grieve his passing, his wife Lorraine Nole Rippy of Philadelphia where they met in in 1969. John and Lorraine married on November 21, 1976 at St. Charles Roman Catholic Church at 20th and Catharine Street in Philadelphia PA. They later moved to Hawaii in 1977, where they lived until his death on March 31, 2021.

John had two daughters, Khristina Lona Noell and Leysa Morris; four sons, Jimmy Johnson, Keith Nichols, Kevin Duncan, and John Stanley Galloway who preceded him in death in 2012.

John had 11 siblings, Theodore R. Rippy Jr., Salonie E. Long, Barbara P. Payne, Sandra D. Clory, Rita D. Mallory, Jacqueline C. Ross, Robert S. Rippy, Arthur D. Rippy, Kenneth J. Rippy. One brother, Clarence L. Roulhac-Rippy and sister, Patricia Y. Miller who preceded him in death.

John was educated in the Philadelphia education system.

John Stanly Rippy served in the United States Marine Corps and later the Unites States Navy.

He formed his own construction company doing business all over Hawaii and was well knoe and made friends wherever he went. He and his wife Lorraine loved to travel.

Aloha for now, God Bless everyone!

Larry Dean Snook passed away on March 23, 2021 in Hilo, HI. Longtime resident of both Hilo and Marysville, CA, Larry was a proud US Navy Submarine Specialist and Vietnam Vet. He was active in his communities though service organizations like the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, and the Loyal Order of Moose, and was a lifetime member of the Sprinklerfitters Union. A voracious reader and generous soul, Larry was an avid collector of hot rods and ornamental swords. He is survived by his three daughters, Michelle Bond of Oroville, CA, Sharon Keoppel of Shingle Springs, CA, Tess Snook O’Riva of Rodeo, CA, and eight grandchildren. Donations in memory of Larry can be sent to the Moose Family Center, 205 South Walton Ave., Yuba City, CA 95993.

Joseph A.M. Tampon Sr, 77, of Kahului, Maui, passed away on March 28, 2021, at Maui Memorial Medical Center. He was born on July 5, 1943, in Wailuku.

Joseph was a “Jack Of All Trades”. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry & Margaret Kahaikupuna. He is survived by his children, Java (Elima) Kaahanui, Joseph Tampon Jr. (Monika), Gina Carroll (Soane); brothers, Alex Tampon, Clarance Kahikupuna, Henry Kahikupuna, Isaac Kaaihue (deceased), Ephiram Kaaihue, Jerry Kahikupuna (deceased), Sonny Kepa (deceased); sisters, Patricia (Mamo) Alipio, Minnie Soto, Naomi Calderon, Shirley (Haunani) Drake, Harriet (Ipo) Tampon (deceased), Caroline (Lani) Ongais (deceased) Francine Mayer (deceased), Cronicles Tampon (deceased); grandchildren: Jolene Kalawa, Joseph III Tampon, Kayla Santiago, Gina Tampon, Makana Tampon, Aulia Tampon, Napua Ikeda; Kamalei Santos Bras; and great-grandchildren: Pua‘olena Kalawa, Ka’iulani Kalawa, Ha’aheo Kalawa, Mahealani Kalawa, and Zalia Santos Bras.

A drive-thru viewing will be held from 6:30 pm – 9 pm on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Ballard Family Mortuary; cremation will follow. Due to COVID19, please practice social distancing.

Darlene Elise Woodend 52, of Haiku, Hawaii had peacefully passed on March 11, 2021 in Maui, Hawaii. She was born on November 24, 1968 to Frederick William Woodend III. & Diane Elise Mac Manus, in San Diego, California.

Wilson Kamuela Namauʻu Rapozo was born on April 27, 1983 in Wailuku, Maui.

He was raised Upcountry and loved the peace and tranquility of it. Wilson was truly a Miracle baby having been born with many physical and cognitive ailments but he defied the doctors diagnosis of never being able to walk, talk or live a normal life. He lived with such resilience and compassion, always wearing a smile as he pushed through all the physical and mental challenges throughout his life. At the age of 4 he sat at a grand piano with his grandmother who began playing and teaching him the keys- this opened a whole new means of communication for him and attributed to growth in his verbal & gross motor skills. As a teen, Wilson earned his Eagle Scout rank & was selected to represent Hawaii as an Ambassador of Music. Being an ambassador allowed him the opportunity to travel to Europe and other foreign destinations along side his father creating some of is most treasured memories. In 2013, Wilson earned his certification from the UHMC Institute of Hawaiian Music’s 1st cohort.

He was an advocate for disabled children and adults and earned the title of Mr. Kahikinui 2015 & Mr. Na Hawai’iki 2016. Wilson was an accomplished musician mastering the ukulele, guitar, steel guitar, drums, banjo and his favorite, the piano. He was happiest being able to play with numerous bands on Maui as well as traveling to various places to share his passion through music.

Wilson’s genuine smile, spirit and music will truly be missed by all those he leaves behind.

He is now reunited in heaven with his Mother the late Rowella (Soon) Rapozo as well as his brother Carlton Rapozo (Jill). Wilson is survived by his loving Father Charles Rapozo (Dee Dee), sisters Billie Jean Machado (Buddy R.), Kanoe Kehano (Peter), Lahela Rapozo as well as His beloved companion Iolani Chun. He also leaves behind his most treasured nieces Chelsie Machado, Taylor Makana Rapozo, Mila, Lili & Teahi Kehano, Adison-Rae Sako & his cherished nephew Elias Rapozo.

The Rapozo ‘ohana would like to send a special and humble thanks to Maui Airport Rescue & Fire Department, AMR Medic services, Maui Memorial Medical Center’s ER, OR, ICU staff and Nurse Brooke Dodd, Pamela Thompson & the Legacy of Life Hawaii Organ Donation & Transplant team, Maui PD, Ballard Family Mortuary, US Aviation, Bentos & Banquets by Bernard as well as the numerous ohana and friends that have extended your aloha and support at this time.

A Driveby Celebration of life will be held in his honor on Friday April 2, 2021 at Ballard Mortuary in Kahului from 11-1pm.

We kindly ask to malama one another and wear your masks.

Anthony Joseph Eagle, 44, of Hilo, passed away on March 21 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Washington, he enjoyed "ghost hunting". He is survived by his mother, Debra Eagle Sale; stepfather, Vance W. Sale Sr.; son, Anthony Joseph Eagle, Jr;, stepson, Kayden Masaoka,; daughter, Ara Lee Eagle, stepdaughter, Kylee Masaoka; Partner, Patricia Santos; brothers; Keala Kaehuaea, Alfred Barrozo, Matthew Sale, and Mark Sale; stepbrother, Vance W. Sale Jr., sisters, Chasidi-Ann Chabli Sale; grandmother, Abigail Sale.

Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo.