Samuel Kainoa David Kauhane Sr.

Samuel Kainoa David Kauhane Sr. November 9, 1933 – May 31, 2015 Samuel Kainoa David Kauhane Sr., faithful husband, loving father, caring grandfather, grateful brother, and good friend to so many, entered into his “Sabbath rest” Sunday, May 31, 2015. Sam was born November 9, 1933, the son of the late Eunice Kealohaku'ualohaku'upoki'i Balaz and the late Samuel Lono Kauhane, on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kapoho, Puna district. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Kauhane; children, Marilynn Lokelani Rose Kauhane Howe and Samuel Kainoa David Kauhane Jr.; grandchildren, Jaden Kaleo Howe and Samantha Kahealani Howe; siblings, Valentine, Grace, John, James and Joseph; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces and many cousins. Sam was known by many names: Papa K, Uncle Kainoa, and even Captain Hook. Raised by his hanai grandmother, Eunice "Kuana" Keali'ika'apuni Keahi, he grew up on the Big Island. From the start, Grandmother taught him to work hard, and he never stopped. As a boy he pounded taro and learned to deep-sea dive to help the family. As a man he tackled every opportunity with passion. He was a truck driver, roofer, military man, school principal, preacher, evangelist, property manager, custodian, and receiving clerk. He did it all with excellence. Like so many of us, along the way he lost himself to sin. Consumed with rejection, sadness and so many other big feelings, Sam lived many years as an alcoholic. One day while driving intoxicated on the way to Pahoa, he was in a wreck, which resulted in the loss of his arm. It’s been said that losing his arm saved his life. That sounds right. But the truth is — Jesus saved his life. Sam was determined to make his life count. Having dropped out of school at 12 years old, he was determined to finish. He earned a high school diploma in just one year and continued until he became a college graduate. At age 43, he achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education. Not having taken education seriously early on was his one and only expressed regret. So much so that he threatened to come back and pull his grandchildren’s ears if they tried to make the same mistake! Newly restored, Sam was known for sharing fiery testimonies. Over the years he grew in humility, becoming more like Jesus. Pounding pulpits was never his calling. He fulfilled his true calling in more intimate ways. While fishing on the Kona pier, he ministered to strangers struggling with suicidal feelings. He knew that battle well. He counseled family members, always opening his home to anyone needing refuge. He encouraged so many. Friendship was his true ministry calling. After receiving the friendship of the Lord, Sam became the good friend of everyone he met: fellow fishermen, church members, the broken and rejected — and even a millionaire. Old and young. Rich or poor. Everyone was “my good friend …” Family and friends alike can still hear him say, “Oh boy!” Above all, Sam loved life. He loved to laugh. He had the most mischievous chuckle ever heard. He was always kalohe. He loved telling tall tales, except when he was fishing. Those stories were for real. In his youth he dove to catch ulua on the shores of Pohoiki. In California, he caught catfish and trout from his rowboat on Lake Del Valle. After retiring and returning to the Big Island, Sam taught himself how to catch menpachi in the ocean waters from the Kona pier and his beloved Pohoiki Bay. As long as he was around, there was “plenty food” for everyone to eat. Over the years, hoping to protect Sam from being discouraged about his limitations, well-meaning people would say, “You can’t do it.” But “you can’t do it” wasn’t a language Sam understood. He did more with one arm than most men did with two. When he had two arms he loved to play the ukelele and surf. After losing his arm, he found new passions. He became a landscape oil painter. His yard was perfectly manicured, full of fresh vegetables and multicolored roses that he grafted himself. He even poured his own sidewalks and built his own fences. In his final years, as his body forced him to slow down, Sam transitioned just as he did when he’d lost his arm. Despite being fearful about being dependent, he pushed past his fears and received the love of his family with dignity and grace as befitting a man of God. No longer able to move his body, his shared his voice. By day, lifting up praise and gratitude. Even in his sleep he sang songs to his children. Even now. “The Lord your God in the midst of you is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy; he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17 Visitation: 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at Guerro-Dean Funeral Home. Chapel service: 10 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2015, at Guerro-Dean Funeral Home. Graveside service with military honors: 11:15 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2015, at DFW National Cemetery, Dallas, TX. The family would appreciate your attendance at Sam’s farewell luau and celebration (he always loved a good party): 12:00 noon – 8 p.m. (come and go) Thursday, June 4, 2015, at 305 Lena Lane, Midlothian, TX 76065.

Samuel Kainoa David Kauhane Sr.

November 9, 1933 - May 31, 2015