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 to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements with photos may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Ruth Luka Liwai
Ruth Luka Liwai, 78, of Waikoloa died Nov. 30, 2023 at St. Francis Hospice in Honolulu. Born in Waihee, Maui, she retired from the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, had worked for the Kona Village Resort, and founded the Boy Scouts of America Pack and Troop 120 with the Waikoloa Village Association. Visitation 8:30 a.m. Saturday (June 1) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 65-1160 Kapiolani Rd. in Waimea. Celebration of life service at 9:45 a.m. Aloha attire; no flowers. Private interment. Survived by sons, Jack Liwai, Thomas Liwai, Jesse Liwai and Andrew Liwai; hanai son, Zachary Kapololu; brothers, Charles Rapozo, Solomon Namau‘u and Richard Rapozo; nine grandchildren and two hanai grandchildren.
ShirleyAnn Vicente Casuga
ShirleyAnn Vicente Casuga, 72, of Milolii died May 15 at home. Born in Kealakekua, she was a farmer and fisherman, involved as a member of countless associations in Milolii and member of the Milolii NFL crew. Scattering of ashes Saturday, June 1, outside Milolii, followed by a celebration of life, fellowship and music at the family’s home, 89-1707 Milolii Government Rd. Casual attire; flowers are welcome to scatter. Survived by daughters, Christina (Richard) Casuga of Tacoma, Wash., Laurie (Rashad) Casuga-Matthews of Milolii and Yvette (Dowell) Jordan of Carson, Calif.; sisters, Dora Halena, Elizabeth Taetuna, Pearline (Didja) and Mildred (Darlene) Casuga of Milolii; brothers, Ben (Darlene) Casuga and Jack (Caroline) Casuga of Milolii; three grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
John Charles Phillips
John Charles Phillips, 67, of Captain Cook died March 20 at Kona Community Hospital. Born in Oregon, he was a business partner of Atlas appliance repair and sales. Celebration of life memorial service at ECOL private estate in Kailua-Kona for family, friends and guests by invitation only. Two trees and a bench to be installed at a later in his memory at Old Airport State Park (Maka’eo) walking trail. Survived by wife, Yolanta Wehmeier-Phillips; son-in-law, Frank Vocek; a grandson and hanai nephew. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Anthony “Antonio” Yuc Len Lam
Anthony “Antonio” Yuc Len Lam, 98, of Hilo died May 13 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Canton, China, he was a retired chef for the Naniloa Hotel, cook for the former Mun Cheong Lau and former Tou Inn, former co-owner for Diamond Restaurant and Bar, and member of Malia Puka O Kalani Catholic Church in Keaukaha. Private services held. Survived by daughter, Carolina (John Quitoriano) Lam; brother-in-law, Jose Chang Si Loy Perez of Peru; a granddaughter. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Kathryn “Kathy” Ann Vilander
Kathryn “Kathy” Ann Vilander, 88, of Kailua-Kona died May 7. Born in Mason City, Iowa, she was one of the first women officers on the Long Beach (Calif.) Police Department, serving 30 years. Services to be held by Dignity Memorial and Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cypress, Calif. Survived by children; Don (Joan) Vilander, Jay (Debi) Vilander, Steve Swan, Dana Vilander, Annette (Mike) Parsons and Eric (Hollie) Vilander; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Natasha Haunani Yachi Kunishige
Natasha Haunani Yachi Kunishige, 47, of Waimea died April 10 in Waimea. Born in Honokaa, she was a manager at Village Burger. Visitation 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at Mana Christian Church in Waimea. Celebration of life at 11 a.m. Casual attire; flowers and leis welcome. Survived by husband, Charles Pahio of Waimea; sons, Kale Pahio, Maikai Kunishige-Aikau and Keenan Pahio; daughters, Nairie Pahio and Naila Pahio; parents, Earl and Noreen Kunishige; brother, Sheldon Kunishige; sister, Earleen Kunishige; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Veneranda “Nancy” Banez Cabico
Veneranda “Nancy” Banez Cabico, 103, of Captain Cook died May 14 at home. Born in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, she was a retired housekeeper for the former Kona Hilton Hotel, member of AFL Hotel and Restaurant Workers union, coffee farmer and former worker for Dole Pineapple Cannery in Honolulu. Services at a later date. Survived by sons, Mabini Dagdag of Captain Cook and Rogelio (Michelle Smith) Dagdag Sr. of Ocean View; hanai son, Kevin Dagdag of Oahu; grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Masaru Iwami
Masaru Iwami, 97, of Hilo died April 2 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Hilo, he was a researcher for the engineering department at Boeing and U.S. Army veteran during World War II. Private services held. No flowers or koden (monetary gifts). Memorial donations to the Hawaii Island Humane Society. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Bruce M. Cate
Bruce M. Cate, 78, of Hilo, died May 8 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Kingman, Ariz., he was an artist, goldsmith and owner of Freehand Gold Works. Memorial services “Remembering Bruce” are 1-6 p.m. Friday, June 21 at Wailoa State Recreation Center Pavilion 3. Survived by wife, Joyce Cate of Hilo; children and stepchildren, Scott Cate of Hilo, Roy Cate of the Philippines, Buddy Betts of Hilo and Rose (Mike) Consigli of Denver; sister, Carlyn (Janice) Marley of San Antonio; sister-in-law, Suzi Cate of Waipio; 10 grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
David “Butch” “Psycho” Paul Medeiros
David “Butch” “Psycho” Paul Medeiros, 64, of Mountain View died April 29 at home. He was born in Hilo. Celebration of life noon Monday, July 8, at Kolekole Beach Park in Honomu. Casual attire. Survived by children, Chana “Pikake” Medeiros-Jenkins, Tyler Medeiros and Kevin Medeiros; siblings, Valerie “Val” (Carmen) Medeiros, Paula Medeiros, Jeff (Paula) Medeiros and Mark Medeiros; five grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Dora Kim Heung Liu Kraul
Dora Kim Heung Liu Kraul, 101, of Hilo, died May 12 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Honolulu, she was retired as co-owner of the former Dorsyd Sight and Sound with her late husband Sydney A. Kraul and as a real estate agent, and was a member of the St. Clement and Holy Apostles Episcopal churches. Memorial services 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 4 at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Hilo and 10:30 a.m. on Friday June 7 at The Parish of St. Clement in Honolulu. Aloha attire. Survived by children, Jonathan (Micki) A.L.W. Rickard and Pamela (Stephen Marcuccilli) K.L. Rickard Fern; hanai daughter Audrey (Jim) Wilson; brother, Dr. Calvin Y.Y. Liu, daughter-in-law, Diane (Syd Jr.) Kraul; a granddaughter; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
