Charles Waihinano Wright died peacefully in the awakea of Wednesday, September 25, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones at his home of over 50 years in Kaluaopalena, Kalihi, O`ahu. Born on October 5, 1946 to David "Diver" (Kaeo), Sr. and Lucy (Kaleohano) Wright on Farrington Highway near his childhood home on Fourth Road in Nanakuli, Charles was a gifted athlete and proud alumni of Farrington High School class of 1964. Shortly after high school in 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Hunawaika`ala Wong. Together, they raised their three children (and many nieces, nephews, younger cousins, and grandchildren) in the home of his beloved in-laws, Benjamin (Kamakea), Sr. and Dorothy (Lau) Wong, leaving his children to endure a lifetime of "Wright-Wong" jokes. His love of classic cars, an aptitude for driving a variety of vehicles, and a keen understanding of building materials led him to have a long and productive career as a heavy equipment operator for Pacific Concrete and Grace Pacific. A critically important part of Charles' life was his commitment to workers' rights and served as a shop steward and contract negotiator for the Teamsters Union and Local 3 for almost the entirity of his 40 year career in the construction industry. However, Charles is best remembered by family and friends as: the uncle who would drive all the kids to the beach, camping, and drive-in movies, a lover of politics, beer, and Hawaiian music, and a generous and genuine man who deeply cared for the well-being of his entire `ohana. Charles is survived by his loving family: his wife of 54 years, Sandra; their three children Shannan Lokelani (Roy Quiamno), Kyle Waihinano (Jennifer), and Erin Kahunawaika`ala; his grandchildren: Kaui, Ke`alohilani, Keanu, Damien (Ige), Josiah, and Kamakea; his sisters Charlotte Aiona (John) and Patricia Wentela (Edmond); sisters-in-law Veronica Wright (David "Kawika", Jr.), Aloma Wright (Winston Waipunalau "Puna", Sr.), and Arleen Wong (Benjamin, Jr.); his brother-in-law Norman Wong (Shirley); and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The last decade of Charles' life was profoundly enriched by a generous donor and their family who gifted their kidney to him for which his family will be eternally grateful for. Charles' family encourages other families and individuals to consider organ donation because it is a gift of life. In keeping with Charles' wishes, funeral services will not be held. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
Charles Waihinano Wright died peacefully in the awakea of Wednesday, September 25, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones at his home of over 50 years in Kaluaopalena, Kalihi, O`ahu. Born on October 5, 1946 to David "Diver" (Kaeo), Sr. and Lucy (Kaleohano) Wright on Farrington Highway near his childhood home on Fourth Road in Nanakuli, Charles was a gifted athlete and proud alumni of Farrington High School class of 1964. Shortly after high school in 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Hunawaika`ala Wong. Together, they raised their three children (and many nieces, nephews, younger cousins, and grandchildren) in the home of his beloved in-laws, Benjamin (Kamakea), Sr. and Dorothy (Lau) Wong, leaving his children to endure a lifetime of "Wright-Wong" jokes. His love of classic cars, an aptitude for driving a variety of vehicles, and a keen understanding of building materials led him to have a long and productive career as a heavy equipment operator for Pacific Concrete and Grace Pacific. A critically important part of Charles' life was his commitment to workers' rights and served as a shop steward and contract negotiator for the Teamsters Union and Local 3 for almost the entirity of his 40 year career in the construction industry. However, Charles is best remembered by family and friends as: the uncle who would drive all the kids to the beach, camping, and drive-in movies, a lover of politics, beer, and Hawaiian music, and a generous and genuine man who deeply cared for the well-being of his entire `ohana. Charles is survived by his loving family: his wife of 54 years, Sandra; their three children Shannan Lokelani (Roy Quiamno), Kyle Waihinano (Jennifer), and Erin Kahunawaika`ala; his grandchildren: Kaui, Ke`alohilani, Keanu, Damien (Ige), Josiah, and Kamakea; his sisters Charlotte Aiona (John) and Patricia Wentela (Edmond); sisters-in-law Veronica Wright (David "Kawika", Jr.), Aloma Wright (Winston Waipunalau "Puna", Sr.), and Arleen Wong (Benjamin, Jr.); his brother-in-law Norman Wong (Shirley); and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The last decade of Charles' life was profoundly enriched by a generous donor and their family who gifted their kidney to him for which his family will be eternally grateful for. Charles' family encourages other families and individuals to consider organ donation because it is a gift of life. In keeping with Charles' wishes, funeral services will not be held. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
