Kazukiyo Kuboyama, 90, affectionately known as "Jiggs", passed away on December 16, 2019. He was born in 1929 in Lahaina, Maui. He was a graduate of Lahainaluna School in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before attending college at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Upon graduation, Jiggs returned to Hawaii and taught at Wai'anae High School and Kalani High School. He was an instructor and administrator at Honolulu Community College. He retired in 1992. Jiggs first become interested in making 'ukuleles in 1957, at the request of his students at Wai'anae High. After retiring, Jiggs began conducting classes in his garage where it is estimated that he taught over 500 people (ages 15- 75) to make their own 'ukulele. Participants included members of the Japanese Consulate. He never considered charging anyone for the class. His reward was witnessing the joy and pride each student displayed when they finished their 'ukulele. In 2005, Jiggs was declared a 'Ukulele Treasure by the Ukulele Guild of Hawaii for his dedication and commitment towards the perpetuating the craft of the 'ukulele. In 2008, Jiggs was invited back to UW-Stout as a visiting artist for a summer institute that drew participants from all over the US. In 2014, Jiggs was selected at the UH Community College's 50th Anniversary as one of the 50 Finest for his outstanding contributions and service to the quality and success of the community colleges. He was a member of the United Japanese Society, Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai and Honolulu Takata Gunjinkai. Jiggs was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great- Grandfather. He is preceded in death by his wife Mae whom he was married to for 58 years. He is survived by sons Keith (Myra) and Kris (Carol), daughters Kelli Ebata and Kathi (Warren) Ferguson, sister Kay Kodama, and brother Dr. Roy Kuboyama, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Jiggs' life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Makiki Christian Church. Visitation 9:30 am; Service 10:30 am. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary
Kazukiyo Kuboyama, 90, affectionately known as "Jiggs", passed away on December 16, 2019. He was born in 1929 in Lahaina, Maui. He was a graduate of Lahainaluna School in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before attending college at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Upon graduation, Jiggs returned to Hawaii and taught at Wai'anae High School and Kalani High School. He was an instructor and administrator at Honolulu Community College. He retired in 1992. Jiggs first become interested in making 'ukuleles in 1957, at the request of his students at Wai'anae High. After retiring, Jiggs began conducting classes in his garage where it is estimated that he taught over 500 people (ages 15- 75) to make their own 'ukulele. Participants included members of the Japanese Consulate. He never considered charging anyone for the class. His reward was witnessing the joy and pride each student displayed when they finished their 'ukulele. In 2005, Jiggs was declared a 'Ukulele Treasure by the Ukulele Guild of Hawaii for his dedication and commitment towards the perpetuating the craft of the 'ukulele. In 2008, Jiggs was invited back to UW-Stout as a visiting artist for a summer institute that drew participants from all over the US. In 2014, Jiggs was selected at the UH Community College's 50th Anniversary as one of the 50 Finest for his outstanding contributions and service to the quality and success of the community colleges. He was a member of the United Japanese Society, Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai and Honolulu Takata Gunjinkai. Jiggs was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great- Grandfather. He is preceded in death by his wife Mae whom he was married to for 58 years. He is survived by sons Keith (Myra) and Kris (Carol), daughters Kelli Ebata and Kathi (Warren) Ferguson, sister Kay Kodama, and brother Dr. Roy Kuboyama, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Jiggs' life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Makiki Christian Church. Visitation 9:30 am; Service 10:30 am. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
