age 93, of Kaunakakai, HI, passed away on July 12, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kay K. Hirayama, and his five children and six grandchildren: Leila Watson (Robert) and Akira and Lili Kay, Fred Iwa Hirayama, Kimo Chikami Hirayama (Lisa) and Kaichi and Kian, Lincoln Hirayama (Shelley) and Keenan and Jakob, and Lynne Hirayama. He is survived by three generations of nieces and nephews. He is survived also by hundreds of friends and companions with whom he shared stories, wisdom, fish and a glass of wine. He is preceded in death by his parents Tsunehiko and Seki Hirayama, his brothers, Chikami and Yasoshi Hirayama, and his sisters Fuyuko Kamei, Misae Tomimoto, Setsue Yamashita, and Matsuko Tamura. At times in his life, Chik had been a pig farmer, glass chemist, Molokai farmer, fisherman, game hunter, writer, winemaker, PTA president, chief luau caterer, artisan, political commentator, philosopher, and always, a son, father, grandfather, uncle and husband. He prided himself on his wisdom cultivated over a lifetime and shared it by delivering one-liners to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and anyone else who would stop in at the house. He reveled in everything that involved tramping through woods and water, especially with children in tow. He believed in the strength of family ties and was so proud that his large and extended family have always loved each other and kept so close. While strict and at times critical of his children's choices, he was always proud of them. He often said that hisgreatest achievement was raising his five children to be happy, independent, educated, and productive adults, and that the single best and luckiest moment in all his life was meeting and marrying Kay. Chik grew up the son of Japanese immigrants and learned early that an education and hard work were keys to a successful career. He was awarded a Ph.D. in chemistry and worked as a research chemist for Westinghouse with lasers and developing specialty glasses still used today, and earned over 30 patents. However, he abhorred the idea that success should be gauged by achievement plaques, money and promotions, and was doggedly determined that his life would be most notable for teaching his children how to fly fish for trout in small Pennsylvania streams, gathering the family together as often as possible, smoking the catch of the day from the ocean and mountains, hand-carving the most beautiful wood bowls, and being happy. His life was joyous and full. A private ceremony to scatter his ashes according to his wishes will be held in the future. Arrangements Provided By: NUUANU MEMORIAL PARK & MORTUARY LLC
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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