STEPHEN RANDALL DINION 46, of Honolulu, died May 13, 2014. Steve was a musician, teacher, activist, and community organizer. Born in Washington, DC., Steve studied Music Performance and Russian Studies at Oberlin College and Conservatory and earned a Masters in Music at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance. Steve moved to Honolulu in 1992 and began his professional career as a percussionist for the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra (formerly Honolulu Symphony Orchestra). Since 1992, he continued as percussionist and timpanist in the Orchestra and also performed in many percussion and chamber ensembles. In addition to being a gifted performer, he worked selflessly to enhance the work life of his fellow musicians and also taught percussion in his private studio, Niu Valley Middle School and the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. As a dedicated activist and organizer, Steve worked with many organizations, including Pride at Work, Hawai'i Peace and Justice, Hawai'i People's Fund, American Federation of Musicians Local 677, Unite! HERE Local 5, and the AFL-CIO. He was a strong advocate for civil union and marriage equality in Hawaii. He is survived by partner, Stewart Kubota; mother, Bernice Dinion; sister, Laure (David) Hadder; brother Michael (Eva) Dinion; brother Robert Dinion; nieces Nicole Dinion and Kelly Hadder; nephew Marcos Dinion. Celebration of Stephen's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, in Studio 909, located at 909 Kapiolani Blvd. Scattering of ashes at a later date. Donations in Steve's memory may be made to Pride at Work, Hawaii Peace & Justice, Hawaii People's Fund, and/or Live Music Awareness.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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