Lawrence "Larry" Kalani Wilcox Smith, Jr.
LAWRENCE LARRY KALANI WILCOX SMITH, JR. Age 79, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 6, 2014. He was born on December 11, 1934 in Honolulu, HI. He was the son of late Lawrence Smith and late Mary C. Bovee. He is survived by his wife, Gail (Kailua); brother, Edward; daughters, Lavon D. Smith Pinto and Lynn M. Benioni; sons, Lawrence K.W. Smith III and Kaipo K.S. Smith. Also survived by 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Larry retired as a Honolulu Firefighter/Fireboat Captain for 27 years. Through the department's ideal schedule, he was able to pursue other high-profile work positions. With his intense love for the sea and his family's maritime heritage, it was only natural for him to gravitate to any work that involved danger and high risk on or under the waves. As a salvage diver/welder he worked as lead diver for companies such as Uaukewai Salvage, Morrison Knudsen, Healy and Tibbitts, Hawaiian Dredging, Sause Brothers and ATT Communications. With his time at the company McWayne Marine Supply, he met and networked with dive and boat reps from all over the world. The Riffe Speargun Company recently recognized him as a spearfishing legend. His unparalleled work ethic, coupled with a no-fear approach toward adversity, made him the guy to call if you wanted it done in the underwater construction field. Dives in excess of 300 feet in this line of work was common for Larry. His reputation as a fisherman and fireman are legendary. Tour guides speak of him regularly about his hiker Rescue in Kalalau Valley on Kauai. Tamashiro Market held him in high regard of his knack to bring in fish, lobsters and squid when they were running low on inventory. If you were to ask him about all these feats, he would defer to his "teams" and their efforts, not his own. Even to the end, he said his greatest accomplishments were his wife and all his children. He will truly be missed by many. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2014. Visitation 3:00 p.m.. Service from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Kawaihao Church. Aloha attire. Ultimate Cremation Services LLC.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
69