FRANKLIN T. BAMBOO OPPERMAN November 10, 1924 - August 25, 2015 Franklin Tunstill "Bamboo" Opperman, 90, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2015 at his home on Oahu's North Shore. Born in Hawaii, Frank's early years were spent in Haiti, Hawaii and California, where he lived with his parents, Hugh Sr. and Nyle Gibson Opperman and elder brother, Hugh Opperman Jr. In 1942, Frank graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in California. Subsequently, he returned to Hawaii to serve as a machinist at Pear Harbor for the U.S. Naval Reserve. There, he earned his life-long nickname, "Bamboo," after he discovered a particularly strong and springy variety of the plant, which would eventually be used for fishing poles. After serving in the military, Frank launched a fleet of fishing boats in Alaska. There, he married Barbara Stuyvers Bate in 1949. The couple later returned to Hawaii where they raised their four children: Franklin T. Jr. (Oppie), Elizabeth (Beth), Victoria (Vic) and Montgomery (Monte) Opperman. Back on Oahu, Frank's entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy led to several business ventures including warehousing, general contracting and commercial and industrial real estate development. As a long-time kama'aina, Frank understood the importance of giving back to the community and he generously contributed to many charities including Waialua Library, the Hawaiian Humane Society and the Waikiki Yacht Club, even donating his yacht, Golden Marlin I, to benefit the Club's youth sailing program. Frank was passionate about the sea - from fishing to sailing to ship building and racing. He captained TransPac Yacht Races, America's Cup and was the proud owner of Golden Marlin I and II. During this time, he also wed his longtime sweetheart, Barbara O'Malley on August 26, 2006 in Seattle, Washington. Frank will be remembered as an innovator, astute businessman, exceptional mariner, practical joker, and beloved friend and family man. He is survived by his wife, Barbara O'Malley Opperman, two daughters, Beth (Opperman) Andrewes and Vic "Budd" Opperman, son Monte Opperman, two nieces, Candace Horsley and Laurel Fisher, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His well-lived life will be celebrated with a private and quiet service.
FRANKLIN T. BAMBOO OPPERMAN November 10, 1924 - August 25, 2015 Franklin Tunstill "Bamboo" Opperman, 90, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2015 at his home on Oahu's North Shore. Born in Hawaii, Frank's early years were spent in Haiti, Hawaii and California, where he lived with his parents, Hugh Sr. and Nyle Gibson Opperman and elder brother, Hugh Opperman Jr. In 1942, Frank graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in California. Subsequently, he returned to Hawaii to serve as a machinist at Pear Harbor for the U.S. Naval Reserve. There, he earned his life-long nickname, "Bamboo," after he discovered a particularly strong and springy variety of the plant, which would eventually be used for fishing poles. After serving in the military, Frank launched a fleet of fishing boats in Alaska. There, he married Barbara Stuyvers Bate in 1949. The couple later returned to Hawaii where they raised their four children: Franklin T. Jr. (Oppie), Elizabeth (Beth), Victoria (Vic) and Montgomery (Monte) Opperman. Back on Oahu, Frank's entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy led to several business ventures including warehousing, general contracting and commercial and industrial real estate development. As a long-time kama'aina, Frank understood the importance of giving back to the community and he generously contributed to many charities including Waialua Library, the Hawaiian Humane Society and the Waikiki Yacht Club, even donating his yacht, Golden Marlin I, to benefit the Club's youth sailing program. Frank was passionate about the sea - from fishing to sailing to ship building and racing. He captained TransPac Yacht Races, America's Cup and was the proud owner of Golden Marlin I and II. During this time, he also wed his longtime sweetheart, Barbara O'Malley on August 26, 2006 in Seattle, Washington. Frank will be remembered as an innovator, astute businessman, exceptional mariner, practical joker, and beloved friend and family man. He is survived by his wife, Barbara O'Malley Opperman, two daughters, Beth (Opperman) Andrewes and Vic "Budd" Opperman, son Monte Opperman, two nieces, Candace Horsley and Laurel Fisher, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His well-lived life will be celebrated with a private and quiet service.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
