We were blessed to have George in our lives January 7, 1954, to September 3, 2021. He reminisced about his Kauai childhood and family life on Oahu. His wish was for us to remember him when he was healthy and active. George's vivid memories: tending to cows, pigs and bull "Billy Boy"; making poi, kalua pig, rice pudding and laulaus; fishing for 'o'opu; picking ripe mangos, mountain apples, lychees and guavas; exciting escapades with cousins, Kapaa High '72 varsity football; and US Marine Corps experiences. He recalled driving for: Loomis Courier Service round island routes when the H1 freeway was not yet completed; and McKesson Wine and Spirits where he made lifelong friends, participated in truck rodeos and company baseball. After 28 years he retired from Ameron/HC&D as a mixer driver and remembered long busy days, his pristine truck, friendships, great compensation, benefits and Perfect Attendance awards. He was proud to have contributed to the community (H3, subdivisions, the Rail, high rises, etc.) where he poured concrete. As a caring disciplinarian he afforded Helena and Carl opportunities to learn life skills and thrive. George was a canoe paddler and golfer, but cherished being a "Papa" to his grandchildren; and took the older ones to golf lessons. He enjoyed yard work and raised vegetables (e.g., corn, squash, beans, eggplant) to share. George was happy to be baptized a Catholic (2020), and content that he provided his family a quality life. Preceded by his birth mother Rachel Kupihea Akiyama, adoptive parents Solomon and Hattie Kupihea; sisters Martha Witter, Piilani Bright, Malu Fernandez, Grace Fitzgerald, Nani Shimabukuro, Elaine Watson, Dorothy Goo, Deborah Muff, Kelani Torres, Mary Maunakea and Sandy Kiilau; brothers Solomon Kupihea Jr., Henry Kupihea, Roy Kupihea, George Kupihea and Mona Kupihea. He is survived by wife Aileen of 44 years, daughter Helena Rachel (Dave) Sundberg, and son Carl George (Christina) Kupihea, grandchildren Alakai, Houston, Seraphina, Kingston, Saoirse and Emery; sisters Yolanda Rosa, Cynthia Pundyke and Margaret Simola; brothers Wallace Kupihea, Minato Jr. Akiyama and Tyress Akiyama; cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind good friends, friendly neighbors and caring relatives. Special thanks to Pali Momi Cancer Center, St. Francis Hospice and Mililani Memorial P & Mortuary. Services: November 8, 2021 at St. John Evangelist Church, Mililani. Visitation 9:00 am, Eulogy 9:40 am, Mass 10:00 am. Inurnment 1:00 pm at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Covid protocols apply.
We were blessed to have George in our lives January 7, 1954, to September 3, 2021. He reminisced about his Kauai childhood and family life on Oahu. His wish was for us to remember him when he was healthy and active. George's vivid memories: tending to cows, pigs and bull "Billy Boy"; making poi, kalua pig, rice pudding and laulaus; fishing for 'o'opu; picking ripe mangos, mountain apples, lychees and guavas; exciting escapades with cousins, Kapaa High '72 varsity football; and US Marine Corps experiences. He recalled driving for: Loomis Courier Service round island routes when the H1 freeway was not yet completed; and McKesson Wine and Spirits where he made lifelong friends, participated in truck rodeos and company baseball. After 28 years he retired from Ameron/HC&D as a mixer driver and remembered long busy days, his pristine truck, friendships, great compensation, benefits and Perfect Attendance awards. He was proud to have contributed to the community (H3, subdivisions, the Rail, high rises, etc.) where he poured concrete. As a caring disciplinarian he afforded Helena and Carl opportunities to learn life skills and thrive. George was a canoe paddler and golfer, but cherished being a "Papa" to his grandchildren; and took the older ones to golf lessons. He enjoyed yard work and raised vegetables (e.g., corn, squash, beans, eggplant) to share. George was happy to be baptized a Catholic (2020), and content that he provided his family a quality life. Preceded by his birth mother Rachel Kupihea Akiyama, adoptive parents Solomon and Hattie Kupihea; sisters Martha Witter, Piilani Bright, Malu Fernandez, Grace Fitzgerald, Nani Shimabukuro, Elaine Watson, Dorothy Goo, Deborah Muff, Kelani Torres, Mary Maunakea and Sandy Kiilau; brothers Solomon Kupihea Jr., Henry Kupihea, Roy Kupihea, George Kupihea and Mona Kupihea. He is survived by wife Aileen of 44 years, daughter Helena Rachel (Dave) Sundberg, and son Carl George (Christina) Kupihea, grandchildren Alakai, Houston, Seraphina, Kingston, Saoirse and Emery; sisters Yolanda Rosa, Cynthia Pundyke and Margaret Simola; brothers Wallace Kupihea, Minato Jr. Akiyama and Tyress Akiyama; cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind good friends, friendly neighbors and caring relatives. Special thanks to Pali Momi Cancer Center, St. Francis Hospice and Mililani Memorial P & Mortuary. Services: November 8, 2021 at St. John Evangelist Church, Mililani. Visitation 9:00 am, Eulogy 9:40 am, Mass 10:00 am. Inurnment 1:00 pm at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Covid protocols apply.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
