66, of Honolulu passed away April 30, 2020. He was born July 11, 1953 to John Kinohou Spencer and Vivian Nalani Spencer. Kaipo was a renowned figure in Hawaii Sports. He grew up in Kaimuki and attended Lili'uokalani Elementary, Kaimuki Intermediate, and St. Louis High School. Kaipo was a star quarterback in football and an outstanding point guard in basketball. As a senior at St. Louis, he was named athlete of the year in Hawaii.
He attended and played football for Santa Clara University. He earned a degree in Sociology. After college Kaipo returned home and was a P.E. teacher and coached at St. Louis High School.
Kaipo eventually went on to become the head coach for both the football and basketball programs at St. Louis High School. In 1986 he led the Crusaders to a state championship in basketball and was voted Coach of the Year by the Star Bulletin. After coaching and teaching at St. Louis, he worked as a stevedore for McCabe Hamilton and Renny.
Kaipo is survived by his sons: Nainoa, Waika, and Kaipo; grandchildren Kilinahe, Kiele, and Kainalu; brothers John Jr. and Kenui and sisters: Kehau and Nalani.
Services will be held at St. Louis High School at the Mystical Rose Oratory on July 17, 2021. Visitation 9:00 to 10:00am. Service 10:00 to 10:30am. The burial will taken place at Diamond Head Cemetery from 12:00 to 12:30pm.
