"Papa" Shoichi, of Kailua, Oahu was born March 8, 1920 in Kona where he grew up in the Coffee fields in Captain Cook, Kona. He passed away on March 15, 2019, one week after his 99th birthday. He was a graduate of Konawaena High School, Class of 1938. Shoichi was an Army Veteran and worked in Communications for 32 years with the United States Government at Red Hill and Fort Shafter. After retiring he went to work for City Bank Kailua and Kahaluu Elementary School. He also was active with the Kailua Senior Citizens Club and Seicho No Ie Hawaii. His passions included swimming and running at Kailua and Ala Moana Beaches. He won Numerous Gold medals at the Hawaii Senior Olympics and Aloha State Games. He also was named Sportsperson of the Month for the Honolulu Quarterback Club in July 2002 for his awards at the Aloha State Games, where he won 5 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. He was named the Male Athlete of the Year for the 2002 Aloha State Games. It was quoted after his 6th race of the day and anchoring the 4x400 relay, he dropped to the ground and ramrodded 20 straight pushups, then jumped up and did a jig! Papa, also enjoyed gardening at home to keep him busy daily. He was a true "McGyver" making his many homemade gardening tools. He also played a harmonica at home and events just to liven up the party! "Coach" was the #1 and eldest fan of KCBL, as he also enjoyed watching his granddaughters play basketball there as well as at Le Jardin Academy and Maryknoll Schools. One of his famous quotes was made on his 92nd birthday... " The first 92 is the hardest!" Shoichi was predeceased by wife Harue on January 30, 2019 and daughter Judy on August 28, 2010 and by brother Masaru and sisters, Carol Hirata, Gertrude Hayashida and Mildred Imai. Papa is survived by daughter Molly of California, son Gary of Kailua, daughter-in-law Patti and granddaughters Kelsey and G. Kenna. Also, survived by brother Takeo Tanouye. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Friday, June 7, 2019 at Hawaiian Memorial Park Chapel. 45-425 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii. Visitation: 10:00 a.m.; Services: 11:00 a.m. Burial: 2:00 p.m. at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery.
"Papa" Shoichi, of Kailua, Oahu was born March 8, 1920 in Kona where he grew up in the Coffee fields in Captain Cook, Kona. He passed away on March 15, 2019, one week after his 99th birthday. He was a graduate of Konawaena High School, Class of 1938. Shoichi was an Army Veteran and worked in Communications for 32 years with the United States Government at Red Hill and Fort Shafter. After retiring he went to work for City Bank Kailua and Kahaluu Elementary School. He also was active with the Kailua Senior Citizens Club and Seicho No Ie Hawaii. His passions included swimming and running at Kailua and Ala Moana Beaches. He won Numerous Gold medals at the Hawaii Senior Olympics and Aloha State Games. He also was named Sportsperson of the Month for the Honolulu Quarterback Club in July 2002 for his awards at the Aloha State Games, where he won 5 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. He was named the Male Athlete of the Year for the 2002 Aloha State Games. It was quoted after his 6th race of the day and anchoring the 4x400 relay, he dropped to the ground and ramrodded 20 straight pushups, then jumped up and did a jig! Papa, also enjoyed gardening at home to keep him busy daily. He was a true "McGyver" making his many homemade gardening tools. He also played a harmonica at home and events just to liven up the party! "Coach" was the #1 and eldest fan of KCBL, as he also enjoyed watching his granddaughters play basketball there as well as at Le Jardin Academy and Maryknoll Schools. One of his famous quotes was made on his 92nd birthday... " The first 92 is the hardest!" Shoichi was predeceased by wife Harue on January 30, 2019 and daughter Judy on August 28, 2010 and by brother Masaru and sisters, Carol Hirata, Gertrude Hayashida and Mildred Imai. Papa is survived by daughter Molly of California, son Gary of Kailua, daughter-in-law Patti and granddaughters Kelsey and G. Kenna. Also, survived by brother Takeo Tanouye. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Friday, June 7, 2019 at Hawaiian Memorial Park Chapel. 45-425 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii. Visitation: 10:00 a.m.; Services: 11:00 a.m. Burial: 2:00 p.m. at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
