Pastor Tuzon

I have some sad news to share. Pastor Tuzon died suddenly night before last of an apparent heart attack. It was a shock for me. He had just retired a couple of years ago from Hawaiian Tel. I don't know if you remember but Pas and I hung out a lot together in school. He lived in Kalihi, a couple of blocks away. He was one of the only ones brave enough to ride with me in my dad's tank of a '50 Buick. Saturday nights I'd start from my house, pick up George Perry in Kalihi Valley, Vince Rosa at Kalihi Valley housing, and Pas, who lived at the makai end of Gulick Ave., below King Street and we'd go cruising in my black tank with the back seat floor boards rusted
out so you could see the pavement rushing by. Good times!

About a year after I got home from Beloit, Pas got out of the Air Force and we started hanging out together again. My wife, Mary, loved him, as did our children Kalani and Kamaka`i. When he got married to Michelle (Coito), he asked me to be his best man. We spent much time together after that until Mary and I were divorced. I don't think Michelle wanted him to hang around me anymore after that, probably for good reasons. Our paths, as you know, went in very different directions from that point. I went traveling around Hawaiian country, Indian Country, Alaskan Native country, and who knows what other countries to follow my passion and purpose in life.
Pas, on the other hand, became this very stable, hard working, responsible, loving, doting, husband and father (and then grandfather). And, although I missed hanging out with him, I knew it was probably part of Akua's bigger plan that we go down our different paths. Knowing his humble (I don't like to use the term poor, because back then, for crying out loud, we were all poor, but sooooo happy for the simple things)beginnings in life, I really admired him for what he had become, and perhaps, a little envious.

Again, knowing how he grew up in Kalihi, I knew he was pretty tough, but you know, all the time we spent together, I never witnessed a mean bone in his body.

And, brother could he run. Once those short, muscular legs started churning, he could run with the best. It was an honor to block downfield for him.

The past few years when we've run into each other, we always planned a golf outing, but unfortunately, it never occured. Now, how I wish we had that last chance to hang out together. I need to close now, because my emotions are starting to get the best of me as I write this. Can't stop the tears from flowing.

Aloha, Pudgie

Aloha to all.

Pastor’s celebration of life was awesome. The respects line had to be cut off at 6:15 because there were still people standing in line. The line had been steady since 4:00 pm.
Pastor was bedecked with a with a haku lei (flowers donated by Eddie Tseu from his Kaloko home in Kona) and wore an aloha shirt with his Kamehameha School pin on the left pocket. Neva really look like him but that’s how the funeral guys do it. They should have tried to put his smile on his face. Den it would have been him!!

We wish to thank Kobe Berrington, Bob’s wife, for the Haku that she made with love and compassion on behalf of the class. Although her fingers and hand were injured in a fall, she was determined to wi’li the Haku for us. Much aloha and thanks to you Kobe. I hope you did not kill Bob for running off with Dave Davenport for an hour.

Steven Akana, stubby, accompanied Gordon Mattos on the guitar during the visitation. I have not see him in ages!! Leonard Gonzales appeared with Pudgie, prompting inquiries from the female members of the class as to whom he was. That was funny!!

The class sat on one side of the middle isle and spilled over into the middle section next to it. We all, 44 strong, got up to sing our two songs, Pauahi O Kalani and the School Song at about 5:45 pm or so. We sounded good and strong. We made Kalihi ring and sent Pastor off in grand style!!

The service included songs and a presentation of gifts by Pastor’s keiki ohana. His white construction hat, one of his footballs, and others were brought to the front. Very touching part of the service, right before communion.

Our class assisted with the serving of dinner and the clean-up. The responsibilities were made easier by the large number of members that were there.

We would like to thank Gene Celebrado, one of our honorary class members and long time friend of many of the classmates (even tho he wen St. Louis) who rented a large van to assist George and Gary in transporting the kau kau. George is Patti Blake-Silva’s hard working husband that is always assisting our class in the background with little or no desire for recognition.

In speaking to Michele, Pastor’s wife, just before I left, she said she in so many words that she was overwhelmed by what the class had come together to do for her and for Pastor.

Funerals are always bittersweet events. We morn the death and celebrate the passing of a dear friend into heaven and we get to see people that we normally do not see, even at reunions and class events.

The following is a listing of all of the classmates that were there. No, I was not taking attendance, just acknowledging and thanking those that took the time to say farewell to Pastor and to assist his wife, Michele, in her time of need.

Ahuna	William	Haili	Rachel	Pang	Raymond
Aiu	Butchy	Kaahanui	Pat	Recca	Joe
Akana	Stephen	Kaapana	Conklin	Rickard	Gary
Aki	Warren	Kaichi	Patricia	Rickard	Mervyn
Au	Mitchel	Kalani	Merle	Rickard	Sharon
Badoyen	Lorna May	Kamano	Peter	Sharp	Philip
Berrington	Bob	Kaneaiakala	Wayne	Silva	Janice
Blake-Silva	Patti	Kema	Charlene	Silva	Mel
Bloomfield	Barry	Killebrew	Louise	Simao	Walter
Brown	Leialoha	Lovelle	Bennet	Suzuki	Becky
Burgess	Maile	Lovelle	Toni	Tseu	Eddie
Chastain	Mel	Miyamoto	Andy	Vaughn	Poki
Cobb-Adams	Freddy	Morse	Stephen	Wylie	Pete
Davenport	David	Mullen	Patti	Young	Julia
Gonzales	Leonard	Obrien	Nalani

We would also be remiss in not recognizing the assistance of the following spouses and special friends:
Pua Kamano – Peter Kamano
LaDawn Rickard – Gary Rickard
Patti Silva – Mel Silva

George Silva – Patt Blake-Silva

Lydia Kauha – Julia Young’s cousin
Gene Celebrato – honorary classmate, friend of many of the guys, started helping at our 29th
They worked side by side with our classmates, serving and cleaning up.

It was a nice celebration of Pastor’s life.