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.
^
Margaret Woodford
Margaret “Margie” Itsue Woodford, 75, of Honomu, died Dec. 8, 2022 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Pepeekeo, she was a merchandiser with Macy’s. Private services will be held. Survived by husband, Warren Woodford of Honomu; daughter, Jamie Woodford of Honolulu; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Reynolds of Vancouver, Wash.; brothers, Kenneth (Nani) Masaki of Kurtistown and Richard (Fay) Masaki of Kaneohe; two grandchildren, one great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
^
George Akiu Sr.
George “Uncle Butchie” R.K. Akiu Sr., 82, of Hilo, died Jan. 4, 2023 at home. Born Sept. 28, 1940 in Wailuku, he was a retired machine operator for the County Parks and Recreation and U.S. Army veteran. Visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at Dodo Mortuary chapel, Hilo; celebration of life at 6 p.m. Aloha attire. He is survived by daughter, Ceceliaann Evans of Keaukaha; sons, George Akiu Jr. of Piihonua and Francis (Donna) Akiu of Kansas; sisters, Cecilia Knowlton of Hilo, Elizabeth (Lee) Abbott of Maui and Darlene (Keala) Kakalia of Hilo; brothers, Arthur (Janet) Iokepa of Hilo, Melvin Iokepa of Hilo and Wayne (Kanani) Iokepa of Kohala; five grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
^
Connie Colwell
Connie Lee Colwell, 72, of Ocean View, died Dec. 10, 2022 at Hilo Medical Center. Born Jan. 13, 1950 in Colorado, she was a retired cashier for Safeway. A celebration of life will be held at noon Jan. 13 at Kahuku Park on Paradise Circle in Ocean View. Casual attire. She is survived by step-daughter, Michele Ironhill. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
^
James Weller Jr.
James F. Weller Jr., 64, of Waiakea Uka, died Dec. 2, 2022 at home. Born in Lehia, he was the president of Kamehameha Canoe Club Hilo, a retired conservation enforcement lieutenant for DLNR-DOCARE, and a former HCCC correction officer. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 15 at Hilo Bay; celebration of life at 10 a.m.; paddle out to follow. Casual attire. He is survived by wife Heanu; daughters, Anuhea, Pohaikealoha (Glenn) and Naolionalani; son, Kepa (Tiffany); grandsons, Kane and Ka’iawekuauli; granddaughter, Heanu; brothers, Matthew (Tootsie) Weller and Wesley (Traci) Murakane; sister, Roslyn Murakane; aunts, Bernice Lewi and Patricia Lewi; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
^