Dr. Ige, age 95, peacefully passed on August 18, surrounded by his loved-ones while listening to his favorite songs.
Philip was born in a banana patch in Kahalu'u, O'ahu on June 28, 1925 as an Okinawan Nisei. He spent his early life in Maunaloa, Molokai before moving to a family farm near Wai'alae-Wailupe.
As an avid reader and life-long student, Philip earned a Bachelor's and Master's of Education from the University of Hawai'i and a Doctor of Philosophy in English and Education from Columbia University in New York.
Finding a passion for education, Philip spent 28 years in the Hawai'i State Department of Education. He taught at many high schools and colleges and especially enjoyed teaching special-ed classes at Dole Intermediate. Thereafter, he became Provost of Kauai Community College, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, and Provost of Leeward Community College. After retiring, he spent 12 years as a Visiting Professor of English at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts & Music (Tokyo Geidai) and fulfilled his dream of studying Japanese language and culture.
Besides education, Philip also had a passion for writing and literature. He was one of the first Hawai'i writers to use pidgin English and is regarded as a pioneer in Asian American literature.
As a mentor, father, and grandfather he taught us the importance of having a dream that fills you with hope and purpose, broadening your perspectives through education and travel, and respecting your heritage and all cultures.
Philip is survived by his wife Janet, three daughters - Paulyne Kawamura, Joy (Lennie) Ige-Akau, Arleene Ige, sister Sachiko Kaneshiro, brother Masao Ige, five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Due to the pandemic, no services will be held.
Joyce Midori Uehara
95, of Honolulu, passed away on August 17, 2020 at home. She was born in Hilo, Hawaii. She is survived by sons, Michael (Meg), Wesley and Norris (Desiree); daughter, Susan Englehart; and six grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. Services to be held later.
Gary Y. Kurosu
72, of Honolulu, Hawaii, died Friday, September 11, 2020 peacefully at home. He was a veteran and retired electrician at Castle Medical Center. Preceded in death by wife, Gayle and survived by sons Ryan (Kim); Rory (Bonnie/Keane); Daryn; daughter Wendy and grandson Shayvis. Memorial services to be held at a later date.
Mitsuko Sugi Coglianese
94, of Honolulu, a retired bookkeeper for the Board of Trade in San Francisco, passed away on August 9, 2020 at Kalakaua Gardens. She was born in Hilo, Hawaii. She is survived by sisters, Hiroko Sharon Akiyama and Miyoko Blanche Unoki. Private services were held. No monetary gifts.
Toshie S. Suzuki
96, of Honolulu, passed away peacefully at home on August 14, 2020. She was born in Hilo, Hawaii. She lived a quiet life and left quietly. She is survived by son, Garrett (Lila), sister, Amy Aoki and two grandsons. Service to be held at a later date.
Walter Mitsuo Manriki
88, of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away peacefully August 11, 2020. Born in Lahaina, Maui. Served Air National Guard (109th AC&W), retired aviation mechanic. Preceded in death by wife, Sumiko. Survived by sons, Lane and Ross; daughter Pamela Leong; five grand- children Kylie, Tayler, Lauren, Chase and Rayce. The family gratefully acknowledges your kind expression of sympathy. Private services pending.
Raymond Setsuo Yanagida
89, of Aiea, a Korean War Army veteran and retired communication supervisor for the U.S. Army at Fort Shafter, passed away on September 2, 2020, at Kaiser Permanente Foundation Medical Center. He was born in Wahiawa. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Lisa (David) Mora; brother, James; and two grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. Private services will be held at a later date.
Richard Burniske
Richard "Nick" Burniske, husband of Penelope "Penny" Burniske, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at the age of 81.
Nick was the proud father of four children: Vincent Burniske - Coral Gables, FL, Susan Diggs - Virginia Beach, VA, Brenda Thibault - Southampton, MA, and Richard "Buddy" Burniske Jr. who predeceased him. Other family members include Buddy's wife, Jackie and Brenda's husband, Steven along with 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Natives of Greenfield MA, Nick and Penny chose to raise their children in West Hatfield, MA, living there for over 37 years while Nick was working as an executive for Coca Cola Bottling Co.
Upon retiring, Nick and Penny split their time living in California and Massachusetts for six years before moving permanently to Oahu, Hawaii 18 years ago. Nick was extremely active and could be seen all over town riding his bicycle to play tennis, paddling on a canoe team or being a fill in for a softball game. He fell in love with the local climate and decided Oahu would be his permanent home. Nick felt blessed to have celebrated his 62nd wedding anniversary this year with Penny in Hawaii.
Due to the pandemic and his children all living on the US east coast, a 'Celebration of Nick's Life' will take place during Summer 2021, with arrangements still to be announced.
Family has requested in lieu of flowers donations in Nick's memory be sent to the Univ. of Hawaii scholarship fund set up in his son's name: Dr. R.W. "Buddy" Burniske Memorial Graduate Student Award Endowment at University of Hawaii https://giving.uhfoundation.org/funds/20473803
Ruth Suehiro Wong
Ruth Suehiro Wong, 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 25th, 2020. She was born on April 22, 1942 to James and Hanako Suehiro in Los Angeles, and was only a few weeks old when her family was forced to relocate to a WW2 internment camp. Raised in Seattle after the war, Ruth graduated from the University of Washington in 1965, worked as an occupational therapist, then as a full-time mother, and finally at her dream job of helping people and companies become more organized by decluttering their workspaces and lives.
Ruth is survived by her brother Joshua, two sons David and Robert, and five grandchildren: Nikhil, Sania, Ashlynn, Charlotte, and Mackenzie. The family thanks everyone who was a part of her life. We have been blessed by your love, friendship and support.
Margaret Toshie Higa
83, of Kaneohe, a retired secondary school homemaking and art teacher, passed away on September 3, 2020, at home. She was born in Wahiawa, and she taught at Laupahoehoe High School, Waianae High School, Leilehua High School, Castle High School, King Intermediate, Campbell High School and Stevenson Intermediate. She is survived by her husband, Larry; son Denny (Claire); daughter, Wendee Lee (Partner: Jan); brothers, Keiichi, Nobu (Sue) and Tony (Charlotte) Tamanaha; sisters, Edith Cambra, Michiko Arakawa and Lily Tamanaha; and grand- children, Mason and Miyo. A private service was held. Inurnment service will be at a later date.