FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

Gilbert Fooks
91, of Waialua, Hawaii, died on January 9, 2022. Born in Somerville, Massachusetts he uprooted himself to attend the University of Hawaii graduating in 1953. Eloping with his wife, Bessie Ibrao, they stopped briefly in San Francisco to get married before traveling on to New London, Connecticut where he completed his graduate work in psychology at Connecticut College as one of the first three male students admitted to the college. Gilbert and Bessie returned to make Hawaii home in 1959. They joined the Department of Defense Dependents Schools and worked and traveled around the world. Throughout his life Gilbert took every opportunity to travel, visiting new places and connecting with family and friends. Many of his trips were to assist Bessie at Ikebana exhibitions around the world, something he continued with his oldest daughter at her Ikebana exhibitions in Florida. His favorite trip remained the short walk he took to the beach for his daily swim in Hawaii's ocean water. He was active in efforts to protect Kaiaka Bay and the beach in front of his house, earning a Telly award for the documentary he appeared in documenting his and others' efforts. He was the reigning Kiapoko Place ping pong champion and Qwirkle King. Survived by his children, Laurel, Maureen, Karl, Karen, and Joyce; six grandchildren; one great-grand- child; sister Pauline Medoff, brother Marvin Fooks; and nieces and nephews.

Arrangements Provided By:
Hosoi Garden Mortuary

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

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