My father died just before 2 a.m. this morning. He was within sight of his 97th birthday, which would have rolled around December 7.
My sister, Bonnie, got the news to the web early this morning on her blog.
We spent yesterday at his bedside after his condition worsened, but gave up the vigil by early evening. He was not expected to live through the afternoon, but did. Even at the end, he displayed surprising strength, although by now it was a burden and not a blessing.
He made quite a mark in the world of Hawaii ocean sports after arriving in the islands in 1939. He was a founder of the Hawaii Surfing Association, a founder and first president of the Waikiki Surf Club, and a founder of the Makaka Surfing Championships. He headed the Waikiki Surf Club through most of its first decade. He believed in amateur sports, and I don’t think he ever warmed to the idea of surfing becoming a professional enterprise.
I quickly grabbed a few photos that I think he would enjoy seeing again. That’s him surfing in Long Beach, California, in 1938, when he spearheaded organizing of the First National Surfing Championship at a surf spot later wiped out by construction of the Long Beach breakwater. His board had been built by the father of his close friend, Myron Brejcha, who was a Long Beach city official.
The middle photo was a Christmas card sent out by my parents around 1940. They’re walking on Kahala Beach with my mother’s dog, Kiki.
The bottom photo was taken on the beach in Waikiki, early 1950s.
![[text]](http://www.ilind.net/oldkine_images/lbsurf1938/source/image/05.jpg)
![[text]](http://www.ilind.net/images_2004/parents1214.jpg)
![[text]](http://ilind.net/oldkine_images/jml-beach-portrait.jpg)
Discover more from i L i n d
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
You did your father proud these past few months Ian sharing his remarkable humanity with a larger world than he knew in his life time. We are all the richer for that. As my mother at 95 begins her final journey, I remember your father and mine. Well done John Montgo9mery Lind.
I am so sorry for the loss of your father, Ian. Remember to take care of yourself in the days ahead. Aloha.
A life exceedingly well led.
Condolences, Ian.
Ian thank you for sharing the pictures and story of your father. I will show them to my children so his story will live on through them, too. My thoughts are with you.
My deepest condolences, Ian.
Tim
Ian,
Condolences to you and your family. Thank you for allowing us to celebrate his life over the last years through photographs, stories and letters.
Lance D.
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your father. Thank you for sharing the experience of his last few years. It has helped me understand what is happening with my father as his body and mind are shutting down.
By sharing the photos and your father’s recollections, you have helped us remember a Hawaii that has passed and given us tools to recreate that world in our imagination.
Warm aloha to you, Meda and your mother.
No father through the ages has ever received such a commemoration and celebration of his life as yours did here on your Blog, Ian.
We are better people for having known your Dad through your fantastic documentation and sharing.
My condolences, Ian. As you have honored your father’s life in your blog, I have learned to cherish the relationship I have with my own dad even more deeply. Thank you for that gift.
Now he’s cruising in his boat on that big ocean in the sky with a big smile on his face.
Peace and strength to you and your family. Dianne
My condolences to you and Meda and your family. Thank you, too, for sharing this. Your accounts were moving and I learned much.
Ian, I am very sorry for your loss. Condolences to you, to your mother, and to your sister.
Thank you so much for sharing the stories and photos of your Father. I’ve learned a lot reading about your recent visits with him. May you and your family find peace in this time of transition.
Tanya
Ian my love to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers go to you all in your time of mourning.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with all of us. Condolences to you and your family.