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.
Yoko Watanabe Durham
Yoko Watanabe Durham, 86, of Hilo died July 22 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, she was a homemaker, member of Urasenke Hilo Association and Ikenobo Ikebana Association. Visitation 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Celebration of life at 10:30 a.m.. Casual attire. No flowers or koden (monetary gifts). Survived by daughter, Joan Durham of Lake Tahoe, Calif.; brother, Reizaburo Watanabe of Japan; a grandson. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Robert John Rego
Robert John Rego, 74, of Ocean View died May 30. Born in Bridgewater, Mass., he was a construction laborer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Inurnment 11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Survived by daughter, Tara Garkow of Oregon; sister, Connie Rego of Massachusetts. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Gwethlyn “Georgie” Sue Hauser
Gwethlyn “Georgie” Sue Hauser, 69, of Ocean View died July 24 at home. She was born in Fort Smith, Ark. No services planned at this time. Survived by caregiver and friend, Tim O’Brien of Ocean View; mother, Hilda (Leo) Tilson of Hackett, Ark.; brothers, Mike Smith of Bonanza, Ark., Joe (Darla) Smith of Rogers, Ark. and Woody (Patricia) Harvin of Hackett, Ark; sister, Zena (Doug) Plaster of Lavaca, Ark.; stepsister, Connie Wheatly of Texas; stepbrother, Kenny Tilson of Oregon; nieces, nephews and friends. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Samson Yoshio Hamamoto
Samson Yoshio Hamamoto, 87, of Hilo died July 28 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Hilo, he was a retired diesel mechanic for Hawaiian Equipment Co., a U.S. Army veteran and member of Papaikou Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Private services held. No flowers or koden (monetary gifts). Survived by wife, Eunice Hamamoto of Hilo; son, Ryan Hamamoto of Hilo; sisters-in-law, Betty Hamamoto of Hilo, Mabel Watanabe and Jennifer Watanabe of Honolulu, Etsuko Horio of Hilo; brothers-in-law, Masaru Watanabe and George Shigenaga of Hilo of Hilo; nephews and nieces. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Robin Leslie Lamson
Robin Leslie Lamson, 92, of Captain Cook died June 29 at home. Born in San Francisco, he was a retired clinical social worker and very active in the Ocean View community, starting a group, Friends of Kahuku Park, to improve the park for keiki, and was on numerous community organization boards. Celebration of life for family and friends at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, in Ka‘u. Contact the family for specific details. Online condolences: ballardfamilymortuaries.com. Survived by wife, Madalyn McWhite Lamson; children, Steven (Vanessa) Lamson of Spokane, Wash., Caroline (James) Bryan and Brian (Janet) Lamson of Portland, Ore., Christopher Lamson and Kevin Lamson of Rocklin, Calif., Matt (Debbie) Lamson of Antelope, Calif., Megan Lamson (Patrick) Leatherman of Kealakekua; stepson, James Todd of Yreka, Calif.; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Nathan Kapuhili Kekoa
Nathan Kapuhili Kekoa, 45, of Kawaihae died July 16 at Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital. Born in Hilo, he was a carpenter for Nan, Inc. Visitation 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service at 10 a.m. Casual attire. Cremation to follow. Survived by companion, Marla Kane of Kawaihae; daughters, Mikayla (Kalani Fernandez) Kekoa and Jaylah (Joseph Kaili) Kekoa; son, Kahekili Kekoa; mother, Velma Kekoa; father, William (Lani) Kekoa; brothers, Preston (April) Kekoa and William (Ui) Kekoa III; sisters, Shaina (Layne) Kekoa, Brenda Kekoa and Nicole Keonaona (Kamakalani Han) Kaaihue; a grandson; uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.