Obituaries: 4-26-17

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Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. The content is subject to editing to ensure parity treatment and style continuity.

Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.

Pansy Apaka

Pansy Apaka, 86, of Hilo died April 17, 2017, at the Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center. Born in Honokaa, she was a retired telephone operator for the former Hawaiian Telephone Co and a member of the Waiakea Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Friends may call from 4-5 p.m. April 29 at Dodo Mortuary chapel for a 5 p.m. memorial service. The family requests casual attire and that flowers be omitted.

She is survived by husband, Kenneth Apaka of Hilo; daughter, Alana (Mark) Foster of Hilo; brother, Alexander (Patricia) Kamau of Hilo; sisters, Mary Fragas of Hilo, Kuulei Pae of Kaneohe, Oahu, Marguerite (Russel) Lerch of North Carolina; seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Hilo.

Pamela Lewis

Pamela Jean Lewis, 64, of Keaau died March 28, 2017, at her residence. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she was a retired emergency room technician at the Hilo Medical Center and a member of Soka Gakkai International-USA in Hilo.

Visitation will take place from 9:30–10:30 a.m. April 29 at Dodo Mortuary chapel for a 10:30 a.m. service. Casual attire. Family requests no flowers.

She is survived by daughter, Brandy Shields of Port Arthur, Texas; son, Robert Willis of Hilo; sisters, Sylvia Thomas of Colorado, Patricia Tatum of Colorado; three grandchildren, one great-grandchild.

Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Edward Brighter

Edward Lanakila Brighter, 87, of Louisville, Kentucky died April 17, 2017. Born Jan. 8, 1930, in Kamuela, he was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He was a retired heavy equipment operator for Grace Pacific Co. and a singer with The Motet Group.

Visitation, will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. April 29 at the Brighter Estate in Kamuela with 10:30 a.m. services, with burial to follow. Those of you who wish to share musical and dance talents are invited to join the celebration of life.

He is survived by wife, Betty Brighter; son, Victor (Jon) Brighter; daughter, Jan Lunsford; stepsons, James (Travis) LeMaster, Wayne (Margie) LeMaster, David (Leigh) LeMaster; stepdaughters, Elsie Balgas, Charlene (Kawika) Keaweehu, and Darlene Cruz; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren

Arrangements by Ratterman &Sons Funeral Home, Louisville, Kentucky and Dodo Mortuary, Kona.

Samuel Kawaha Jr.

Samuel “Kila” Kawaha Jr., 75, of Hilo died March 14, 2017, at the Hilo Medical Center. Born in Hilo, he was an assistant base manager with the former Aloha Airlines in Hilo, a professional musician and former security guard for the federal government. He was also a member of the Haili Congregational Church and a Navy veteran.

Friends may call from 8:30-10:30 a.m. April 29 at Haili Congregational Church for a 10:30 a.m. service. The family requests that casual attire be worn.

He is survived by sons, Michael Kawaha, Daniel Kawaha, both of Hilo; brothers, William Kanui of Oregon, Edwin (Tiki) Kanui, John Kanui, both of Hilo; sisters, Anna (Willard) Wessel of Nevada, Margaret Hill, Lucille Morris, both of Oregon; hanai brothers, Lawrence (Sue) Poai, George Poai, both of Hilo, Dennis (Ellen) Poai of Kona; hanai sisters, Rachel (George) Hanohano, Eva Rowe, Mabel Iopa, Sybil (James) Evans, Cathy (John) Simmons, all of Hilo; three grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Hilo.