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THOMAS KANAMU LALAKEA Born October 23, 1926 in Hilo, Hawai'i, died on September 29th, 2015 in Honolulu at age 88. He was the fifth generation of the Lalakea family which traces its lineage to the reign of Kamehameha III. Tom completed his early years of education in Hilo before attending and graduating from Kamehameha School in Honolulu in the class of 1945. Tom served in the U.S. army before matriculating at the University of Hawai'i, where he was a member of the ROTC Program. Following graduation, Tom was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Upon his return, he attended Harvard Business School and graduated in 1955. He continued his Army service in the Reserves for 20 years, retiring with the rank of major. His career began at the Bank of Hawai'i, followed by work with the Bishop Estate (Kamehameha Schools) in real estate. Thereafter, he worked for the Dillingham Corporation before striking out on his own in real estate development. Tom was active in civic life, including service in the House of Representatives (Diamond Head - Hawaii Kai district) for the 1965-66 session. In 1968 he served as a delegate to the Hawaii Constitutional Convention; in 1970 he ran for Nu'uanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board, where he served first as a member and later as chairman. As co-founder of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, Tom spent many years supporting the youth of Hawai'i. The Foundation has provided millions of dollars of scholarships to Hawaiian athletes. Serving as president of the Historic Hawai'i Foundation was an honor Tom enjoyed, finding particular pleasure in researching the history of Nu'uanu Valley and the vital importance of the taro irrigation system, known as the 'auwai. In addition, Tom lectured in business and finance at the University of Hawai'i. His passion for Hawaiian horticulture led to service as president of the Lyon Arboretum. Tommy also served as a trustee for Seabury Hall and the Bishop Museum Trust, and was one of the directors of the YMCA Central Board and member and director of the Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu. Beloved patriarch of the Lalakea family, Tom instilled a love and appreciation of their Hawaiian heritage in his daughters and grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Clausen Lalakea; his children, Dr. Mary Lauren Lalakea (Aaron Alter), Linda Bear Lalakea, Louise Lalakea Alving (Jason), and nine grandchildren: Ethan, Isaac, and Abigail Alter; Molly, Thomas, Caroline and Pau Turina; and Jack and Lauren Alving. Private services held. Donations may be made to the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, the Bishop Museum, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
THOMAS KANAMU LALAKEA Born October 23, 1926 in Hilo, Hawai'i, died on September 29th, 2015 in Honolulu at age 88. He was the fifth generation of the Lalakea family which traces its lineage to the reign of Kamehameha III. Tom completed his early years of education in Hilo before attending and graduating from Kamehameha School in Honolulu in the class of 1945. Tom served in the U.S. army before matriculating at the University of Hawai'i, where he was a member of the ROTC Program. Following graduation, Tom was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Upon his return, he attended Harvard Business School and graduated in 1955. He continued his Army service in the Reserves for 20 years, retiring with the rank of major. His career began at the Bank of Hawai'i, followed by work with the Bishop Estate (Kamehameha Schools) in real estate. Thereafter, he worked for the Dillingham Corporation before striking out on his own in real estate development. Tom was active in civic life, including service in the House of Representatives (Diamond Head - Hawaii Kai district) for the 1965-66 session. In 1968 he served as a delegate to the Hawaii Constitutional Convention; in 1970 he ran for Nu'uanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board, where he served first as a member and later as chairman. As co-founder of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, Tom spent many years supporting the youth of Hawai'i. The Foundation has provided millions of dollars of scholarships to Hawaiian athletes. Serving as president of the Historic Hawai'i Foundation was an honor Tom enjoyed, finding particular pleasure in researching the history of Nu'uanu Valley and the vital importance of the taro irrigation system, known as the 'auwai. In addition, Tom lectured in business and finance at the University of Hawai'i. His passion for Hawaiian horticulture led to service as president of the Lyon Arboretum. Tommy also served as a trustee for Seabury Hall and the Bishop Museum Trust, and was one of the directors of the YMCA Central Board and member and director of the Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu. Beloved patriarch of the Lalakea family, Tom instilled a love and appreciation of their Hawaiian heritage in his daughters and grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Clausen Lalakea; his children, Dr. Mary Lauren Lalakea (Aaron Alter), Linda Bear Lalakea, Louise Lalakea Alving (Jason), and nine grandchildren: Ethan, Isaac, and Abigail Alter; Molly, Thomas, Caroline and Pau Turina; and Jack and Lauren Alving. Private services held. Donations may be made to the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, the Bishop Museum, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
