Dr. Ronald T. OhtaniDR. RONALD T. OHTANI
Dr. Ronald T. Ohtani passed away on December 21st at the age of 83. He will be remembered as a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather as well as a friend to many.
Shortly after high school, Ronald served in the Army in the graves registration unit which made it possible for him to further his education with the benefits package that the GI Bill offered.
In 1947, he pursued his interest to become a dentist and left for Omaha, Nebraska to attend Creighton University.
Ronald returned to Honolulu in 1950 and married Martha Okamoto. Both of them went back to live in Omaha where he completed his dental degree in 1955. During their years in Nebraska, three of their five children were born.
Ronald returned with his family to Honolulu where he began his dental practice lasting 5 years (1955 - 1960).
Wishing to expand and further his skills in dentistry, Ronald packed up and headed for Iowa (now with two more children added to the Ohtani family) to attend the University of Iowa to become a surgeon in Maxillary (Oral) surgery.
He completed his degree in 1963 and returned to Honolulu where he was one of the first handfuls of practicing Oral Surgeons in the islands.
Ronald was also on the dental staff at St. Francis Hospital and lectured at the University of Hawaii.
He gave his time to community causes and was a member of the East Manoa Lions Club and Optimist Club.
Ronald also was a dedicated fan and supporter of the University of Hawaii Athletics.
Last but not least was Ronald's great love of golfing. He was a member of the Mid-Pac and Waialae Country Club. And in his later years he enjoyed golfing with close friends at Ft. Shafter.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Martha, five children: Rhonda Trow (late Michael Trow), Rodney Ohtani (Lynn), Beverly Ohtani-Omura ( CJ), Christine Ohtani-Chang, Lori Ohtani (Dan).
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A private burial for the family will take place at a later date.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased