Tom Huska
Lopaka, Bob Bee, breaks my heart that you are gone! Just spoke with Bruce and he informed me of your passing! I first me Bob aboard Hawaii'loa in 1995. I was asked to help with the crew and be a member sailing to Alaska to thank the residents of the gift of the logs to build Hawaii'loa! I was the only non native of Hawaii and felt un worthy and uncomfortable being that person! Captain Bruce recognized this and put me in charge of cooking for 30-40 people on the canoe in Prince Rupert. I asked if. Could have a helper and Bruce said Lopaka will help you! So Bob and I came up with a plan, walked up to the local fire hall and asked where we could get fresh produce and chicken. I was trying for a career firefighter position in Vancouver so the Prince Rupert fire department invited us in and we cooked and drank beers and watched hockey together! The Captain said we were going to be escorted on the fire engine down to the canoe with lights and sirens. I looked over at Bob and he said " this is pretty cool" we got to the canoe and no one was there! We pretended that we cooked it all on the canoe on two hot plates! Everyone excepted me after that and Bob and I made a great connection that I will never forget!
Love you brother Lopaka RIP
Tom Huska