Alfred Ainoa "Eki" "Coach" Espinda, Jr.
ALFRED AINOA "EKI" "COACH" ESPINDA, JR. Age 78, of Kaneohe died on February 20, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife, Moana Whaley Espinda, mother, Thelma "Sookie" Ahuna Espinda, and father, Alfred Espinda, Sr. He is survived by sons, Allen (Sandy) Espinda and Nolan (Malia) Espinda; daughters, Alana "Kau'i" (Pili) Faagai and Nalani Espinda; brother, Herbert (Marie) Espinda, and sister, Kaleinani (Walter) Larsen; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and 'ohana. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, he was an all-star athlete in football, basketball, and baseball at Punahou High School. He was selected to play for Hawaii's All-Star Baseball Team that competed in Japan and was most noted for his game-winning catch in the 1953 Football State Championship against St. Louis. He graduated from Punahou in 1954, eventually garnering Hall of Fame honors for football in 1981. He went on to compete in varsity football and baseball at Purdue University and received his B.S. in Physical Education in 1958. After receiving his M.A. and teaching certificate from the University of Hawaii in 1961, he began his teaching career at Waiahole Elementary. From there, he became an educator and head football coach at Farrington High School, where he mentored countless young men and women. His legacy as a teacher and coach was encouraging young individuals to excel on and off the field, inspiring his students and athletes to receive a college education in an effort to shape them into future, impactful leaders of Hawaii. Along with his career, he remained a dedicated husband, caring father, and loving grandfather, spending time as a volunteer coach for community youth leagues in basketball, baseball, and soccer. All who knew him came to respect his stalwart persona, cherish his contagious charisma, and appreciate his love for music and laughter. We welcome you to join us in a celebration of his life on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at Thurston Memorial Chapel at Punahou School. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. and memorial services at 12:00 p.m. Private inurnment. Aloha attire.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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