Age 92, of Kaneohe, Oahu, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 27, 2022. Born on Kauai in the sugar plantation town of Makaweli on October 1, 1929, Renji served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. A graduate of the University of Hawaii and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in social work, he served as the first Director of the State Executive Office on Aging for 17 years, laying the foundation for many elderly programs we know today. Renji married Ellen Yoshida on August 23, 1952. At their 50th wedding anniversary celebration on August 23, 2002, he shared, "I fell head over heels in love with her about the time we graduated from high school - she from Kapaa High School and I from Waimea High School. We 'grew up' together in St. Louis, sharing many experiences, and then returning home to Hawaii. Our children, Jennifer Rei and John Thomas have made our marriage complete. Our grandsons are offering us new challenges and surprises."
Renji and Ellen were inseparable. They traveled near and far, were loyal UH football, baseball and volleyball fans, lovingly spoiled and helped raise their grandsons, Ioane Ren, Naki Satoru, and Kauanui Kichizo, and lived happily together for 62 years until Ellen's passing on December 24, 2014. Renji continued to travel, enjoyed good food including a weekly meal at Zippy's, watched Japanese shows with daughter Jennifer (John) and son John, and spent happy times with his grandsons.
But he missed Ellen every day. While the family mourns Renji's passing, we find solace knowing he is reunited with the love of his life ... on the other side of the rainbow.
Private memorial service held, with interment at Punchbowl. Some of Renji and Ellen's ashes are scattered on their beloved Kauai.
Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
