Four canoes from the Waikiki Surf Club, including its legendary Koa racing canoe, Malia, escorted my father’s ashes out of Ala Wai Boat Harbor late yesterday afternoon as we scattered his ashes in the ocean that he loved. It was a very high honor bestowed on the club’s co-founder.
In this photo, Wally Froiseth, co-founder of the Waikiki Surf Club and a friend of my dad’s since 1939, says a simple, “Goodbye, John” as he tossed a final handful of flowers in the water. Wally’s daughter, Luana, did a tremendous job organizing the club and its crews into this final salute. And the Waikiki Yacht Club stepped up to host the event. Our thanks go to both organizations. We were humbled. Really.
It was quite a sendoff. A fine afternoon.
I didn’t expect to be taking many photos. Former Star-Bulletin photographer Dean Sensui was on hand to capture the afternoon in high definition video. I’ll post that whenever its available. In the meantime, these photos will have to do.
And you can also look through the little handout I hurriedly prepared for those who attended.
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Thank you, Ian, for letting us share this poignant ceremony, celebrating your father’s life and reflecting upon his passing.
A beautiful, well-done ceremony.
As I get older, I appreciate the wisdom, the helpful functions, of these protocols we have developed to mark important passages in life.
Thw waters part to accept John’s ashes, the surfaces ripples only a bit as he is welcomed home. The boat rise and fall as waves from across the sea continue on their course to wash up on our shores. The sun is shining. All is good.
Aloha
What a wonderful tribute Ian. Mahalo for sharing with all of us the legend who was your Dad.
A related (and hopefully relevant) observation:
When my dad died, the services were back on the east coast. Everyone in somber clothing, everything very stiff, very formal. He was buried in a fancy wooden casket. When my father-in-law died, friends and family — dressed in aloha shirts, shorts and slippers — piled into a couple of power boats and headed out onto Kaneohe Bay to the sand bar where we had spent so many glorious afternoons. We said some appropriate words, scattered his ashes in the water and floated 30-40 leis out after them. Then, on the way back to the Kaneohe Yacht Club, the coolers were opened and we toasted him with some cold beer. When it comes to saying good-bye, we do it a whole lot better.
Such wonderful Aloha for your dad, Ian. Thank you for sharing all that you have about his life; no father could receive a greater honor than the loving chronicles you have written, including these last moments with us.
Ian, these photos are so lovely and powerful. I couldn’t help but tear up while clicking through them. Thanks so much for sharing.
A very dignified and profound celebration. I very much appreciated Kolea and Jim Loomis’s comments
A fitting aloha and done so nicely. Thank you for being so strong for him at the end.
What a beautiful ceremony! A fitting tribute to your dad, Ian.
Ian, take some time to rest. The rollercoaster ride of emotions will continue for awhile, perhaps reach a plateau this weekend, but when you least expect it… feelings of anger,grief, confusion. Until everything is accepted, a calm, an exhaustive peace. At that time, the celebration of life and of lettting go can really begin. Yesterday’s ceremony was just a start. I bet it took an emotional toll. One day at a time. You may want to stop blogging. If it gives you strength, please continue. I have ridden the rollercoaster, and with all my infinite wisdom, I still don’t know what everything means and from where all the repressed feelings originate. Take care of yourself and juggle your hats of being a son, a brother, a husband and an all around good guy. With Much Aloha, Curtis.
Great tribute to the legacy of a community-oriented man! Just lovely.
Great tribute Ian.
I wish I would have had my blog and a digital camera when we spread the ashes of my wifes uncle Gilbert Kauhi (Zulu) off of Waikiki about 6 years ago.
Familiar with the ceremony. What a fitting tribute, based on his love of the ocean, surfing, family and his contributions to society in the islands. He was blessed by his love of all. May he be at peace forever.
Just beautiful, Ian.
Mahalo, Ian. Beautifully said, beautifully done. I, too, shed a tear for your Dad. And for you.