Waynewright Kapualani Pahukoa
July 30, 1947 - May 17, 2020
Waynewright Kapualani Pahukoa, beloved husband, father and grandpa, walked the rainbow home on May 17th, 2020 in Everett, WA, at the age of 72. He fiercely fought for more time with his family while battling several health conditions. Wayne was born in Paia-Makawao, Maui on July 30th, 1947 to Abraham “Duke” Kanoe Pahukoa and Edith Keonaona Kanekoa, Native Hawaiian (Kanaka).
Being the eldest of five, Wayne spent most of his childhood with his partners in crimes; his brothers, Kealoha and Duke, and sisters, Malaea and Puninani. Wayne and his siblings were all born on the island of Maui. Maui’s main source of employment was working at the Sugar Mill and due to the rise of employment the town was able to build a school, church, and stores. Wayne would “talk story” about the many different cultures working at the Sugar Mill, there were Hawaiians, Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, Puerto Rican’s and Portuguese all living in harmony. Wayne’s father worked at Hana Ranch and the County of Maui. The whole family moved to the island of Oahu when his father took a new job working at a construction company. Wayne’s mother was a school teacher.
Per Wayne, “I remember going up to the mountain and climbing the mango tree’s and picking as much mango’s we can carry and bring them home and make pickle mango with soy sauce, sugar and vinegar - so ono!”
Wayne attended Kaiolani and Laie Elementary Schools, Kahuku High School, and he graduated from Kailua High School. Two weeks after graduation at the age of 18 years old Wayne left his homeland of Hawaii and moved to the mainland; first to California, then eventually Vancouver, Washington. Not long after he met a beautiful 16 year old, Donna Rae Jones. Wayne often told ‘his side’ of the story to his grandkids, sharing the night he first saw their grandmother from across the street and knowing instantly one day she would be his wife.
Wayne and Donna found their way to Marysville, Washington where they have resided for the past 43 years. Wayne had a 40 year career as a car foreman for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and the impact it had on his life. His greatest joy was watching, coaching, and cheering on his sons as they competed in sports from Marysville Little League, University of Washington to the National Football League. Wayne was deservingly promoted to grandpa and spent every day showering his mo’opunas with unconditional love, support, and tales of his childhood on the islands. There isn’t a time where you’d find Wayne without one of his grandbabies sitting beside him, holding his hand. His legacy lives on through them.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna Rae Pahukoa; eldest son, Jeffery Kalani Pahukoa (Debby Akset-Pahukoa) and their three children, Brady Kalani, Brittney Kahili, and Brooke Kamalani; youngest son, Shane Kapualani Pahukoa, and his three children Keala, Kanoe, and Maile; mother, Edith Kanekoa; siblings, Charles Kealoha Pahukoa, Donna Mae Malaea Pahukoa and Edith Puninani Wilcox. He was preceded in death by his father, “Duke” Kanoe Pahukoa and youngest brother, Duke Kuohulani Pahukoa.
Wayne wishes to return to his old stomping grounds; his ashes will be spread among his favorite places on his native homeland. A Hui Hou (until we meet again)!
LOVE LIVES ON
Those we love remain with us, for Love itself lives on.
Cherished memories never fade; because one loved in gone.
Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there’s a memory they live in our heart.
Think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost, and he was loved so much.
Author Unknown