Douglas Lei Kamakawiwoole's Obituary
Douglas Lei Kamakawiwoole was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on November 15, 1931, to parents Henry Naniwa Kaleialoha and Mary Kamakaokalani Kamakawiwoole. He served active duty abroad in Germany as a member of the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. He loyally and devotedly worked for Hawaiian Electric Company for over 35 years working his way up to graduate from an apprentice program and retiring as a Technician in 1987. Over the years, he was also a business owner, became a real-estate agent in the 80’s, and was a stock investor. He was far from “strictly business” and swore by the motto “you work to live not live to work”. In his younger days, he played basketball and later volleyball, bowling, and skin diving. He loved listening to music and enjoyed singing for many, many years with the Tahitian Lanai Gang. This last year he attended senior day care where he enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and participating in other activities.
Douglas passed away peacefully at his home in Kaimuki on June 23, 2018. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Henry Jr., Harriet, Ethel, and Francis. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Kamakawiwoole, sons Len “Brada” and Lee “Kalani” (Tsulan), daughters Leilani, Lin, and Lea, 15 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Mary Johnson and Barbara Baker, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Services will be in Honolulu at Diamond Head Mortuary, on Friday, July 20, 2018. Viewing is at 10:00 a.m., services at 11:00 a.m., followed by a lunch reception at
noon. Burial is at 2:00 p.m., Diamond Head Cemetery.
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