Mr. Robert "Bob" Ogawa, a government relations advisor and former President of the Hawaii Long Term Care Association, unexpectedly passed away on February 18, 2021. Bob was born and raised in Wailuku, Maui. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1966, and earned a degree in Literary Writing from the University of Hawaii, in 1971.Bob was an active public servant in Hawaii throughout his life, having served on innumerable state councils, working groups, task forces, advisory committees, and boards within our community. Prior to establishing his consulting firm, Ogawa & Associates, in 1995, Bob proudly served for nearly two decades on the staff of the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka.
Of his numerous contributions and invaluable service to our community, none was greater than his work and leadership of the Hawaii Long Term Care Association (HLTCA), which he ran with his beloved wife Sharon Ogawa. Bob and Sharon's vibrant leadership for HLTCA was instrumental in developing excellent relations with state agencies and establishing best practices for long-term care facilities in Hawaii.
Despite the overwhelming sadness of Sharon's unexpected passing in 2010, Bob persevered and continued to reflect the values he and Sharon had cherished and personified for years. Bob had an innate and gifted ability to bring people together, no matter the circumstance or degree of difficulty, and inspire a shared sense of togetherness while providing positive encouragement to all who knew him and sought his wise counsel.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Hakaru Ogawa; the love of his life, Sharon Ogawa; and his brother and sister-in-law, Marlin and Lynne Little. He is survived by his mother, Shigeko Ogawa; brother, Michael (Holly) Ogawa; and three children: James (Tony Chun) Lima, Kimberley (Tim) McDonald, and Kelley Armendariz; treasured grandchildren: Jessica Cousins, Timothy, Jr., and Anthony McDonald, Courtney, Nicholas and Shawn Martinez, Sydney and Samantha Armendariz; and great grandchildren: Aurey, Tommy, Nyjah, Whitney, Gracie, Chloe, Aubrey, Nolan, Tim III, Charley, and Robbie; as well as nieces Cindy, Lori and Debbie, and nephew Ethan.
Anyone wishing to honor Bob Ogawa's memory, may make a contribution to the Sharon Ogawa Scholarship at Sacred Hearts Academy, or the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
