Edwin was a hardworking rascal devoted to his wife and family. Edwin was born in 1917, the eldest of six in Honolulu. He rode trolley cars, sold newpapers and dived for coins thrown by shipboard tourists docking at Honolulu Harbor. He spent memorable summers on Kauai, where his grand- mother had a rice farm. He went to McKinley High School, and graduated from UH Manoa. He would go on to an accounting career of 40 years with the State and served as Chief of the Field Audit Division. Edwin married his first sweetheart, Edith Sanchez, who once reminisced that she liked him because he was so attentive. He was dedicated to providing for his 3 children, hosting family gatherings at home and at restaurants like Royal Garden, maintaining a beautiful home (designed by his son, Gerald) and yard, and of course keeping his wife, Edith, happy. Weekends for both were filled with family dinners, time spent playing cards and scrabble and following UH sports. Edwin loved his scotch and a high ball was typically in hand at the many family celebrations. As a couple they loved travel, always with family and were able enjoy trips to the mainland, Canada, Alaska and Europe. Yet they were always willing to babysit grandchildren. Edwin loved his cars, and driving to Manoa, Pearl City, Waipahu and Ewa for weekend family gatherings. He also played the ukulele and loved listening to Hawaiian music. In Pearl Harbor, Edwin would go mullet fishing and crabbing with his brothers-in-law, though they'd go at night so as not to get caught. He also had weekly poker nights with friends, and lunches in Chinatown and Big Boy's later in life. In his twilight years, he would nightly recite the names of his family members and took special delight in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Edwin had a strong desire to be generous to his family and ensure their future wellbeing. When asked near the end what he loved most about his entire life, he said, "My wife." Edwin is survived by sisters Mildred Wong, Pearl Chang, children Gerald Lai, Lorinda Tokuhama (husband Eugene), Suzanne Rowland (husband Larry), grandchildren Shelee Kimura, Mark Tokuhama, Beau Rowland, Kitri Rogers, and great-grandchildren, Brennan, Kaelah, Sarah, Nalani, Luka and Niko. He was predeceased by his parents Yun Chung Lai, Annie Yim Lai, brothers Wallace Lai, Leonard Lai, and sister Doris Look. Services will be held at Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 with visitation at 8:30am - 9:15, Service 9:15am -10:15, Lunch will follow at 11:15am. Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary
Edwin was a hardworking rascal devoted to his wife and family. Edwin was born in 1917, the eldest of six in Honolulu. He rode trolley cars, sold newpapers and dived for coins thrown by shipboard tourists docking at Honolulu Harbor. He spent memorable summers on Kauai, where his grand- mother had a rice farm. He went to McKinley High School, and graduated from UH Manoa. He would go on to an accounting career of 40 years with the State and served as Chief of the Field Audit Division. Edwin married his first sweetheart, Edith Sanchez, who once reminisced that she liked him because he was so attentive. He was dedicated to providing for his 3 children, hosting family gatherings at home and at restaurants like Royal Garden, maintaining a beautiful home (designed by his son, Gerald) and yard, and of course keeping his wife, Edith, happy. Weekends for both were filled with family dinners, time spent playing cards and scrabble and following UH sports. Edwin loved his scotch and a high ball was typically in hand at the many family celebrations. As a couple they loved travel, always with family and were able enjoy trips to the mainland, Canada, Alaska and Europe. Yet they were always willing to babysit grandchildren. Edwin loved his cars, and driving to Manoa, Pearl City, Waipahu and Ewa for weekend family gatherings. He also played the ukulele and loved listening to Hawaiian music. In Pearl Harbor, Edwin would go mullet fishing and crabbing with his brothers-in-law, though they'd go at night so as not to get caught. He also had weekly poker nights with friends, and lunches in Chinatown and Big Boy's later in life. In his twilight years, he would nightly recite the names of his family members and took special delight in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Edwin had a strong desire to be generous to his family and ensure their future wellbeing. When asked near the end what he loved most about his entire life, he said, "My wife." Edwin is survived by sisters Mildred Wong, Pearl Chang, children Gerald Lai, Lorinda Tokuhama (husband Eugene), Suzanne Rowland (husband Larry), grandchildren Shelee Kimura, Mark Tokuhama, Beau Rowland, Kitri Rogers, and great-grandchildren, Brennan, Kaelah, Sarah, Nalani, Luka and Niko. He was predeceased by his parents Yun Chung Lai, Annie Yim Lai, brothers Wallace Lai, Leonard Lai, and sister Doris Look. Services will be held at Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 with visitation at 8:30am - 9:15, Service 9:15am -10:15, Lunch will follow at 11:15am. Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
