MICHAEL TOSHI MORITA
Mike Morita's life was music. Born the second child of Toshiaki and Harriet Morita on December 18, 1950, he spent red-dirt-covered childhood days in Kaimuki and picked up his first trumpet in intermediate school. Thereafter, his love affair with music never ended. He played with the Royal Hawaiian Band for almost thirty years, becoming Brass/Percussion Supervisor in 1986 and toured extensively throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, and Japan.
Mike played for many big bands and luminaries such as Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., orchestras of Burt Bacharach, Henry Mancini, Tony Bennett and for community musicals as well as national touring companies such as "A Chorus Line," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Chicago". He also enjoyed many musical and personal relationships with Hawaii's local artists. In later years, his passion turned to the Hawaiian culture where he helped the Royal Hawaiian Band nurture community connections through music.
According to Mike's wishes, his last days were spent at home in Hawaii Kai and he passed peacefully in his sleep on April 8, 2011. Besides wife and son, Teresa and Jason (and cat Blackie), Mike leaves his sister, Jan Morita Beaulieu (husband Bill), Aunt Elaine Hirosumi, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and countless friends.
Celebration of Mike's life: Hosoi Garden Mortuary, Saturday, April 23, 2011. Visitation 1:00 p.m.; services at 2:00 p.m. Attire: Aloha Wear.
MICHAEL TOSHI MORITA
Mike Morita's life was music. Born the second child of Toshiaki and Harriet Morita on December 18, 1950, he spent red-dirt-covered childhood days in Kaimuki and picked up his first trumpet in intermediate school. Thereafter, his love affair with music never ended. He played with the Royal Hawaiian Band for almost thirty years, becoming Brass/Percussion Supervisor in 1986 and toured extensively throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, and Japan.
Mike played for many big bands and luminaries such as Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., orchestras of Burt Bacharach, Henry Mancini, Tony Bennett and for community musicals as well as national touring companies such as "A Chorus Line," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Chicago". He also enjoyed many musical and personal relationships with Hawaii's local artists. In later years, his passion turned to the Hawaiian culture where he helped the Royal Hawaiian Band nurture community connections through music.
According to Mike's wishes, his last days were spent at home in Hawaii Kai and he passed peacefully in his sleep on April 8, 2011. Besides wife and son, Teresa and Jason (and cat Blackie), Mike leaves his sister, Jan Morita Beaulieu (husband Bill), Aunt Elaine Hirosumi, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and countless friends.
Celebration of Mike's life: Hosoi Garden Mortuary, Saturday, April 23, 2011. Visitation 1:00 p.m.; services at 2:00 p.m. Attire: Aloha Wear.Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
