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May 1, 1944 - October 21, 2017 Of Hawaiian, Filipino and Chinese ancestry, Joe was the eldest son to Joseph "Sonny" Ahina, Jr. and Sophie Lavilla. Born and raised in Kalihi, Joe grew up in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house with his parents and his siblings. He is the first of his 9 siblings to leave this earthy world, survived by sisters Clara "Ola" Cambra, Josephine Mapuana Koanui, Napua "Nona" Turley, Sharon Keyser, and Michele Wilhite, and brothers Ronald Ahina, Byron Ahina, and Lionel Ahina. Joe would be happy to know that all of his siblings and many of his 42 nieces and nephews who all have memories of "Uncle Sonny" will be gathered together this week to reminisce and celebrate his impact on all of us. Often the life of the party, Joe loved spending time with family. He and his former wife of 32 years, Kathleen "Kay" Ahina-Nua (now married to Mike Nua) raised 3 children in their Kailua home, Kaleo Ahina (Rebecca Krohn), Leilani Ahina-Dawson (Marc Dawson), and Kahale Ahina (Jen Bonnell). Joe embraced his role as grandpa to his 5 grandchildren, Kainoa, Alika, Tyler, Eli and Solbee Ahina. While in high school Joe was a regular dancer on the Tom Moffatt show, and his passion for dancing to the oldies continued throughout his life. A natural born performer, he won many a dance contest dancing the jitterbug, bop, and cha-cha. In his retirement he went out several nights a week dancing at Coconut Willies, the Elks Club, Hawaii Yacht Club, and at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His life partner, Ruth Wilkerson, has been a constant support and source of unconditional love for him, especially since his stroke in 2016. Joe graduated from Farrington High School in 1963 where he was the brigade adjutant LTC in the ROTC. He stayed in touch with many of his high school classmates. Joe joined the Army shortly after graduating high school with the all-Hawaii regiment, where as a PVT he was stationed in Germany and Korea. Joe spent most of his career as a successful life insurance agent and financial planner with Manulife, Guardian Life and independently. He was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table. Joe loved to fish, and spent lots of time on his boat, The Prince of Tides. He was in his element deep sea fishing, escorting Molokai canoe races, and volunteering use of his boat with the Special Olympics. He also greatly enjoyed time with his "boat friends" at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor. Joe was ready to leave this world and was surrounded by family and friends when we said our final goodbye. He made a big impact on many lives which will never be forgotten. We love you dad. Thank you for all that you gave us. Please join us in celebrating the life of Joe Ahina and his love of oldies music this Sunday, October 29th at 5pm. Please call Lionel at 222-4747 for the location. Aloha, casual or party attire. No flowers, please.
May 1, 1944 - October 21, 2017 Of Hawaiian, Filipino and Chinese ancestry, Joe was the eldest son to Joseph "Sonny" Ahina, Jr. and Sophie Lavilla. Born and raised in Kalihi, Joe grew up in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house with his parents and his siblings. He is the first of his 9 siblings to leave this earthy world, survived by sisters Clara "Ola" Cambra, Josephine Mapuana Koanui, Napua "Nona" Turley, Sharon Keyser, and Michele Wilhite, and brothers Ronald Ahina, Byron Ahina, and Lionel Ahina. Joe would be happy to know that all of his siblings and many of his 42 nieces and nephews who all have memories of "Uncle Sonny" will be gathered together this week to reminisce and celebrate his impact on all of us. Often the life of the party, Joe loved spending time with family. He and his former wife of 32 years, Kathleen "Kay" Ahina-Nua (now married to Mike Nua) raised 3 children in their Kailua home, Kaleo Ahina (Rebecca Krohn), Leilani Ahina-Dawson (Marc Dawson), and Kahale Ahina (Jen Bonnell). Joe embraced his role as grandpa to his 5 grandchildren, Kainoa, Alika, Tyler, Eli and Solbee Ahina. While in high school Joe was a regular dancer on the Tom Moffatt show, and his passion for dancing to the oldies continued throughout his life. A natural born performer, he won many a dance contest dancing the jitterbug, bop, and cha-cha. In his retirement he went out several nights a week dancing at Coconut Willies, the Elks Club, Hawaii Yacht Club, and at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His life partner, Ruth Wilkerson, has been a constant support and source of unconditional love for him, especially since his stroke in 2016. Joe graduated from Farrington High School in 1963 where he was the brigade adjutant LTC in the ROTC. He stayed in touch with many of his high school classmates. Joe joined the Army shortly after graduating high school with the all-Hawaii regiment, where as a PVT he was stationed in Germany and Korea. Joe spent most of his career as a successful life insurance agent and financial planner with Manulife, Guardian Life and independently. He was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table. Joe loved to fish, and spent lots of time on his boat, The Prince of Tides. He was in his element deep sea fishing, escorting Molokai canoe races, and volunteering use of his boat with the Special Olympics. He also greatly enjoyed time with his "boat friends" at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor. Joe was ready to leave this world and was surrounded by family and friends when we said our final goodbye. He made a big impact on many lives which will never be forgotten. We love you dad. Thank you for all that you gave us. Please join us in celebrating the life of Joe Ahina and his love of oldies music this Sunday, October 29th at 5pm. Please call Lionel at 222-4747 for the location. Aloha, casual or party attire. No flowers, please.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
