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Mervin John Young will always be "Mr. Aloha;" generous, kind and loving. His big hearty laughter was suddenly silenced on Dec. 24, 2020; ending 80 years well lived in extensive travel, love of sports, appreciation of performing arts, and cultivating lifelong friendships. Born Sept. 30, 1940, Merv attended St. Louis High School, Laie Church college (BYUH) and Glendale Jr College, before returning to Honolulu to join the HFD; nurturing a "brotherhood ohana" of 25 years; initiating at the waterfront station and retiring as Firefighter III, from Kalihi Uka.
The HFD work schedule allowed Merv to work as security at Spat's Nightclub, and later Hyatt Regency Waikiki, and extensively travel around the world. He loved to bring home souvenirs from everywhere he ventured; even if it meant hand carrying a carved bronze lamp throughout Europe. His adventures continued after retirement spanning countries in every continent, except Antarctica.
Merv enjoyed all sports as a spectator and participant, especially surfing in his youth; progressing to windsurfing; snow skiing for a consecutive 49 years; and golfing regularly with a group of close friends and the Komai Golf Clubâ€"at least 3 times per week. Merv took golf seriously, but more so relished in the post-competition socialization of food, karaoke, and friendship. Though not speaking a word of Japanese, Merv developed an extensive vocabulary in Sumo "take down" moves and names of all the Sumotori; ever since our "local boys" participated.
His lifelong passion for music, led him to become a member of The Potted Palms, one of the first dance bands in Hawaii, performing at JB's nightclub. Transporting his upright base in his MG; and occasionally played back-up for some of Waikiki's finest entertainers.
While traveling in Vienna, Merv developed a love and appreciation for classical music; enthusiastically viewing concerts on PBS and subscribing to the Honolulu Symphony and also enjoying local theatre productions; especially musicals.
Merv was a devout Catholic and devoted servant to St. Peter and Paul Parish as an office volunteer, lector, and choir member. Merv's deep comforting voice, often led parishioners to share their appreciation of his participation in the Masses.
Merv is predeceased by his parents Violet and Gabriel; brothers Paul (Carrie) and Robert (Avilla) Young, and first wife, Stella (Kutaka). He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Joni, whom he sponsored as a Catholic catechist, and shared many trips, cruises and his love of music, family and laughter; brothers Gabriel (Rena), Jeffrey (Jeannie), and Randy (Beverly) Young; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Merv enjoyed life with abandon and wanted everyone he knew and recently befriended to feel that same enthusiasm; always generously sharing of himself and his talents, so that others could reap a similar joy. Merv's kindness will live on, as he has intricately woven all of us together into the Lord's melody of love, forgiveness and compassion.
Due to Tier 2 restrictions, on January 27th, a private Celebration of Life for Merv will be livestreamed from Nuuanu Memorial Mortuary at 11 am with his burial to follow at Diamond Head Memorial Park at 12:30 pm. For more information and the link, please visit: http://www.nmplimited.com/obituaries/mervin-john-young.
Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
