Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. Content is subject to editing for parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Any questions regarding obituaries should be directed to the mortuary or via email to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Masako Fujii
Masako Fujii, 91, of Honokaa, died Oct. 8, 2021, at her residence. Born April 15, 1930, in Haina, she was a retired postal clerk for the Honokaa Post Office and member of Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and Buddhist Women’s Association.
Private services held. Family requests no monetary gifts or flowers.
She is survived by son, Jason (Gemma) Fujii of Honokaa; daughter, Kay (Dean) Tanaka of Hilo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Jesse McBraun
Jesse Bruce McBraun, 51, of Keaau, died Nov. 1, 2021, at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Honolulu, he was a musical lyricist.
Private services will be held.
He is survived by father, Jay Letuli/Henry McBraun of Keaau; mother, Judith Medeiros of Greenwood, Arkansas; brothers, Patrick McBraun Sr., of Oahu, James Letuli and Jacob Letuli of Hilo; sisters, Michelle McBraun of Mountain View and Rose Letuli of Hilo; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Arthur Leithead
Arthur Scott Leithead, 72, of Hilo, died Oct. 26, 2021, at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Hilo, he was a retired attorney, former housing director with the County of Hawaii, a former Board of Regents member at the University of Hawaii, a graduate of Hilo High School, UH Manoa and the William S. Richardson School of Law, and author.
Friends may call at 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at Dodo Mortuary chapel for a 6 p.m. service. Private urn committal services at a later date. Casual attire; no flowers.
He is survived by wife, Yvonne Leithead of Hilo; son, Jonathan Leithead of Las Vegas; daughters, Erica Paik (Chris) Honda of Hilo and Lisa Canete (Kawika) Hughes of Mililani; sister, Bobby Jean Leithead (Steve) Todd of Hilo; brother, Leslie (Pat) Leithead of Michigan; seven grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Patrick Urabe
Patrick Masami Urabe, 75, of Hilo and formerly of Buena Park, California, died Oct. 29, 2021, at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Lihue, Kauai, he was retired from Boeing and was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran.
A private service will be held on Kauai at a later date.
He is survived by brothers, Harold Urabe, Steven (Sheryl) Urabe, and Francis Urabe; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.