This includes information that was not covered in the previous blog post regarding Scott and is well worth reading.  It appeared in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on August 1, 2014 and is a family-placed obituary.

SCOTT METCALF POSED FOR THIS PICTURE as he was volunteering (as always!) at the Punahou Summer BBQ 2012 for faculty and staff. Coincidentally, that same summer barbeque is being held today on the Punahou campus.

SCOTT METCALF POSED FOR THIS PICTURE as he was volunteering (as always!) at the Punahou Summer BBQ 2012 for staff members. Coincidentally, that same summer barbeque is being held today on the Punahou campus.

SCOTT PALMER METCALF passed away peacefully on July 27, 2014.

He was born on September 28, 1955 at Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu, and enjoyed a delightful childhood growing up on the Punahou School campus.

Scott graduated from Punahou in 1974, and went on to get his degree in Physical Education at the University of Oregon in 1979.

Scott is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Jeremiah), and Ashley, their mother Nancy, his parents, Tom and Jan, brothers Kyle (Jane) and Craig (Robin), sister Karen, and nieces and nephews.

Scott started his professional life in the retail business in Oregon after college graduation and worked there until his family’s move back to Hawaii in 1985, soon after the birth of his second child. They returned to be closer to grandparents and to raise the children in Hawaii.

After growing up on the campus of Punahou School, Scott had a strong desire to work there. He started as an assistant coach for the Boy’s Varsity Soccer team for many years, also coaching JV and Intermediate Volleyball teams (two sports that he played in high school and college himself). He volunteered at the school whenever he was needed and later was offered a full time position in the Athletics department.

WHILE VOLUNTEERING FOR PUNAHOU74’S 40TH REUNION SCOTT METCALF WAS ON THE TEAM that put together a great selection of Punahou74 logo merchandise. He is pictured here at the February reunion meeting checking out a shirt for purchase. He was the one who schlepped the merchandise to and from the various reunion events in his ever trusty Ford Explorer. He also was in charge of assembling the nametags and put together and displayed site signage that let classmates know that they had arrived at our various sites. Without Scott, we wouldn’t have known who we were or where we had to be!

There Scott blossomed, always keeping the focus of what was best for the students. He worked closely with students, parents, coaches from Punahou and other schools, and was adored by many for his enthusiasm and desire to do whatever was needed at the highest level of professionalism.

Scott also volunteered in the athletic community officiating track meets as a member of the USA Track and Field Association, where he had the opportunity to interact with students and other athletes from around the island. He loved the interaction with people. There were no strangers in his life, just friends he had not yet met.

Scott’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, August 3, 2014 at the Punahou School Gymnasium. Visitation will begin at 2:30 pm with the service following at 4 pm. Aloha attire. Please enter through the Main Gate on Punahou Street and Wilder Avenue. [Please read the following for a traffic advisory and campus road map.]

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Punahou School for the Scott P. Metcalf Scholarship Fund, 1601 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822. [To give online please click here. Click on the "Give Now" button and make sure that you note that your donation is for the Scott P. Metcalf Scholarship Fund. Mahalo!]

A memorial service is about sharing memories about a loved one. Scott Metcalf was loved by many.

In recognition of Scott’s work as a scorer at many athletic events, the scoreboard counted down the time to the start of the celebration. When it went off the service began!

Attended by more than a thousand individuals, Scott Metcalf’s memorial service was celebrated on Sunday, August 3, 2014 in the Hemmeter Field House on the Punahou School campus.

The school gym was an appropriate location for the occasion. Scott had spent thousands of hours in its environs as a volleyball player, the school’s Director of Facilities, and the scorer for various competitions. The latter experience was integrated into the event when the gym scoreboard buzzed to announce the start the service.

Music was appropriately part of the event and featured the musical talents of Punahou74 classmates Charlie Pacarro, Wendell Ho, and Phil Ogata. Other alumni musicians included Barry Choy ’76 and Pal Eldredge ’64.

The first speaker, Matt Martinson ’79, represented the “Campus Brats”: the children of faculty and staff who grew up on campus.  He described Scott as a “rough and tumble kid” with a “glow of happiness surrounding him and a touch of mischief in his eyes.” Martinson concluded that Scott “grew to be one of the most honest, dependable, kind and generous friends that he knew. That is why we love him so much.”

Other speakers included:

• Kevin Velasco ’85 who welcomed everyone and provided the closing remarks.
• Kawika Lucas ’94, a former Punahou soccer player, who thanked Scott for being a great coach.
• Scott’s father Tom “Tiger” Metcalf who recounted when a seventh grade Scott was near tears upon learning that his only “A” would be lost–P.E. was going to be graded on a pass/fail basis.
• Former Punahou Athletic Director Doug Bennett who remembered a young Scott Metcalf who raced to P. E. class and an older Scott Metcalf who was integral to Punahou’s emergence as an athletic power house both in the state of Hawaii and on a national level.
• Scott’s daughters, Ashley ’04 and Michelle ’02, who remembered their father’s idiosyncrasies (including a love of everything Disney) and danced a hula for him.
• Malia Ane ’72 who led the crowd in a rousing “Strawberry Shortcake” and other Punahou cheers.
• Kyle Metcalf ’68, Scott’s brother, who added some comic relief while thanking all who had helped assemble the service.

A yellow-chrysanthemum decorated flying “O” featuring a blue statice “74” stands above Scott’s maile-draped photo and other memorabilia. The alter is the scorer’s table at which Scott would sit to officiate during many many Punahou athletic contests.

Ono Hawaiian and other refreshments were offered afterwards in Dole Cafeteria where Punahou74 classmates joined together to reminisce.  Among those attending from out of town were Ron Nelson, Yuriko Wellington, Jay Higgins, Betsy Abts, and Kathy Macdonald. It was great to see these classmates make the effort given the short notice involved.

But, the big Punahou74 story was written the day before the event when dozens of Punahou74 classmates worked tirelessly to decorate the cafeteria and gym. It was our gift to Scott. Read more about that in a future blog post.

Two Videos

As always, a picture is worth a thousand words. While I haven’t written a thousand of them, take a short cut to learn more about what happened: enjoy Gaye Miyasaki’s tribute to Scott Metcalf below. It includes photos from the memorial as well as video clips of Punahou74 class members sharing their memories of Scott. Thanks, Gaye, for putting this together for everyone to enjoy!

Please also enjoy a video of Heidi Hemming’s comments immediately below Gaye’s video. Gaye could not get the video into her tribute and I do not want to let Heidi’s words go unsaid.

Customize your own photo slideshow

It’s a rare opportunity when a class gets to show its love and aloha for a classmate via a major memorial service. Doing so with five day’s notice is another story.

PUNAHOU74 MEMORIAL FLORAL TEAM ORGANIZERS included (L-R) Babs Miyano Young, Lynne Gartley Meyer, and Renee Ahuna Cabrinha.

Organizing the decoration of Punahou School’s expansive Hemmeter Fieldhouse and Dole Cafeteria is no small task. You have to pull together floral expertise (Babs Miyano-Young and Renee Ahuna Cabrinha), nurture a conduit into the school (Linda Sutton Torres), and develop a communications plan to madly collect all of the monetary contributions, floral donations, and hands-on support that you can. You have to order and pick up flowers, prep and arrange the decorations, and have plenty of food and water on hand to keep the volunteers on task. Done poorly, you are like a thrashing swimmer attracting nothing but the sharks. Done well, it’s smooth sailing right into the sunset.

A TEAM OF CLASSMATES (and Punahou74 friends and family) sits in the courtyard braiding areca fronds for the floral arrangements and ti leaves for cordage.

After learning of Scott Metcalf’s death, the shock with which the news was initially received was gradually replaced with an overwhelming desire to reach out to share memories and express condolences. Much of this was done face-to-face, on the phone, and via social media such as facebook and the class blog. That eased the grief but many felt that more needed to be done.

Because of the role that Scott played in our class, there was a strong wish to have a Punahou74 presence at his memorial service. Given the number of classmates who were available to help, the opinion was formed that we could take on the considerable job of providing the flowers. Securing Renee “wedding planner extraordinare” Ahuna Cabrinha and Babs “the art of flowers” Miyano-Young’s commitment, the offer was made to provide this assistance. Our offer was graciously accepted by the family.

PREPARING THE PLUMERIA FOR THE KAHILI are (L-R) Yuriko Wellington, Tom Farrell, Kelley Nakano, Linda DeSilva Howe, Denise Kersting Hearn, and Cathy Kam Ho.

So we got the job. That was the easy part. But this news was learned on Tuesday afternoon and the service was scheduled for the upcoming Sunday … only five days away. We needed to get moving.

Thank goodness for modern technology  because the fingers were flying and the texting was fast and furious. Basic ideas were developed and impediments identified. Given that this is a low point for Hawaii yards–and the bountiful yards of reunion donors had been picked clean just seven weeks previously for our 40th reunion–we knew that we would have to order some flowers to get the job done. (Hate to say it but the fact that blue is not exactly a common flower color in Hawaii gardens–and this was to be a true blue buff ‘n’ blue affair–also drove the ordering metric.) Supplies such as floral foam, vases, wires, styrofoam, toothpicks as well as refreshments would also be needed to pull this all together.

With time being of the essence, the decision was hotly debated and then made to solicit funds from classmates to support the project. A crowd funding request was programmed and posted on the web. Would people respond? I truly did not know. Asking for help is not something that I take lightly but I knew it was needed. Would others understand and answer this request? Time would tell.

METCALF FAMILY MEMBERS, including our classmate Nancy Dew Metcalf, came by during our labors. Nancy poses here between Yuriko Wellington and Renee Ahuna Cabrinha. Note the Punahou74 t-shirts!

The appeal went live late Tuesday night Hawaii time. Sheree Lum Orsi was the first to respond. Yuriko Wellington and Janet Bertram quickly followed. Good start. But more funding was needed. Would we get it? Too tired to watch any longer I closed down my computer and turned in for the night.

I was seated on the bus the next morning when I turned on my iPhone. I wondered if we had received any more responses and tentatively pressed the email icon. Then I waited and waited for the connection to be made and for the mail to download. Then I gasped. As the mail appeared on the screen I scrolled down. One subject line was repeated over and over: “Donation received from …” “Donation received from … ? Name after name tumbled forth, names that I both recognized and well knew.

There were also many messages of aloha.

• We will miss you Scott, we know you will forever watch over us at Punahou, your home!
• Aloha ʻoe, dear friend. We will never forget you.
• In memory of a life lived demonstrating the spirit of Aloha.
• Reunions won’t be the same without you. Aloha, Scott.
• Honoring a true friend and ambassador of Aloha. Scott, you will be forever in our hearts.
• A Son of Hawaii who will be truly missed! God speed. Mahalo Scott for teaching us how to Live Aloha!
•  … until we meet again.

THE FLYING “O” TAKES FORM as Yuriko Wellington and Cathy Kam Ho apply yellow chrysanthemums to the styrofoam form. Blue statice would be used to form a “74” at the top of the “O”.

I gasped, hand to mouth. Feeling the love that was expressed it was all that I could do to keep from bursting into tears of joy. This was truly humbling. I was overwhelmed.

Faced with an accelerating rate of donations, I took down the appeal mid-morning. $1,660 had been raised … far more than had been requested thanks to the generosity of those mentioned before as well as Fay Inoyue Aitcheson, Bruce Ashford, Mary Madinger Balding, Bryann Bromley, Pauline Chang Chin, Susan Seto Donlon, Virginia Dennis Ewing, Tom Farrell, Teresa Chun Flory, Ann Harakawa, David Jones, Cathy Kam Ho, Lynne Gartley Meyer, Gail Mulholland Ringwalt, Ian Sandison, Catherine Tomkison, and Marcia Barrett Wright. There were also three anonymous donations. Thank you. Your support made all the difference.

But the hard physical work lay ahead.

First step was to get the flowers to Punahou. Flora were donated from the yards of Lynne Gartley Meyer, Fred Gartley ’49, Tom Farrell, Lee Ann Gullickson Nicolay, and Lynette Lo Kanda, and Bruce Ashford. Pickups from both the yards and commercial establishments were made by Kelley Nakano, Fred Hu, and Lee Ann Nicolay. Special thanks go out to Ian Sandison who let Lynne borrow his truck while he was vacationing on the mainland (talk about trusting a woman driver!).

LINDA SUTTON TORRES WITH A CART FULL OF DECORATED ARECA PALMS that were headed for Dole Cafeteria.

Second step was to engineer the winged “O” and kahili that would be on display. Alvin “I can make it” Cabrinha took up this gauntlet and easily showed everyone why he is the prop master to the stars.

The stage was set. The air conditioned athletic office looked and smelled like a floral shop as heaps of delicate blooms were organized in overflowing buckets. Outside, tables and chairs were set for the finer jobs while red ginger, heliconia, fern, and agapanthus were washed and cleaned.

THIS YELLOW ARRANGEMENT featured “store bought” flowers and was made possible by the donations of Punahou74 classmates and others. It was paired with a blue arrangement and sited in front of the entertainers with monstera and coconut flowers. The display included yellow roses, chrysanthemums, protea, and orchids.

Now it was time to put it all together. We had a great team of classmates to make it happen: Leslie Ching Allen, Mary Madinger Balding, Pauline Chang Chin, Susan Seto Donlon, Tom Farrell, Mike Green, Cathy Kam Ho, Linda DeSilva Howe, Fred Hu, Denise Hearn Kersting, Mary Jane Markoskie, Earl Nakaya, Kelley Nakano, Lee Ann Nicolay, Taren Taguchi, Linda Sutton Torres, Yuri Wellington. Punahou74 children and significant others also came to lend a hand. (If I missed a name please let me know.)

Donated funds kept us strengthened for our labors with a cooler of ice cold water and coconut water that Mary Madinger Balding shopped for and assembled as well as an order of pizza. The menu was rounded out with Fred Hu’s manapua, Nancy Dew Metcalf’s bentos and Gaye Miyasaki’s BLT salad. Linda Sutton Torres also donated additional well-iced water and juice.

During the day the Metcalf family stopped by to view the gym and to appraise the preparations for the service. Having taken his oral history, I spoke with Dean Tom Metcalf. He said that the family was “overwhelmed” by the outpouring following Scott’s death and expressed his and the family’s sincere appreciation for what Punahou74 was doing. I thanked him for giving us the opportunity to help. Nothing more needed to be said.

Decorating for Scott was a LOT of work but also a lot of fun. Many of us would be there from 10 a.m. on taking time to talk story while areca fronds were braided, plumeria were placed on toothpicks, and buff ‘n’ blue arrangements took form. Final touches would wait for the next day but, by 7:30 p.m., the job was largely done. Pau.

It’s been the same look since our 35th reunion. Time for a change. Did you notice?

The old look of Punahou Class of 74’s Blog.

When I started this blog in 2009 WordPress was a different animal. While offering a robust blogging platform, the template into which one’s words could be placed came from a limited selection. Just finding something that gave a “buff n blue” look was a challenge!

Oh, how times have changed! And boy did I want to take advantage of one of those now 280 templates that were now out there. With reunion behind me, it was time to strike.

Paying heed to both my thrifty Scottish and Chinese roots, I didn’t go for one of the “premium” a.k.a. “you pay for it” templates so, sorry, no razzle dazzle here. But what you will see is a new look that, as advertised, “provides a tranquil space for [my] readers to relax and enojoy [my] words and photos.” Or, as I care to think about, a look that provides you with information more directly, more intuitively and, with any luck, more pleasantly.

Some of the changes include streamlined information on the right-hand column, night blooming cereus on the left column, and brighter colors. I’ve also included a rotating selection of photos (currently chosen from the reunion collection) on the header. You never who you might see up there so take a look!

Let me know what you think. And here’s to new beginnings!

On Friday, August 22, 2014 the night blooming cereus hedge was loaded with buds.

Night blooming cereus buds abounded on the mauka side of the Wilder Street hedge.

This summer has been wet so the blooms have not been as regular or as intense as last year. But, from what I saw on Friday, there may be a great night blooming cereus show at Punahou School this weekend.

Saturday or Sunday night? That subject was one of great debate between me and my companion. I don’t want to lead you in the wrong direction so I will swing by to see how things look on Saturday afternoon. I’ll let you know what things look like then.

Four buds on the tip of one cereus leaf. There were many leaves that had similar bud groupings.

While in bloom the flowers are usually out by 10-11 p.m. A late night event? Well, yes. As the name says, they are NIGHT bloomers after all. If you can’t make it during the evening, the flowers will start closing at sunrise but will stay beautiful until around 11 a.m.

Here’s to balmy summer nights this weekend!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2014 CHECK: Just a few blooms tonight. Check back for tomorrow’s prediction.

While a high school reunion is all about reconnecting with friends, it’s also about remembering those who can no longer join us to make that connection.

Cathy Kam Ho designed the memorial display (“We Remember”). Babs Miyano Young arranged the white anthuriums and fern. The memorial movie played on the laptop to the right.

Before the Friday night party began, a short service was held to remember our departed classmates.

To introduce them, Heidi Hemmings Hall read the classmate names one-by-one, a roll call for the deceased. Next, electric votive candles were lit, one per classmate, and placed before the memorial display–that was assembled by Cathy Kam Ho–to pay homage to each individual. Throughout the evening the table would serve as a place where party attendees could stop by to reflect, to ponder, and to remember each person pictured.

To further rekindle the memories, Mary Jane Markoskie spent hours assembling photos from our many Na Opio and Oahuan annuals. She did a meticulous job identifying and bringing a wide range of photographs that showed our classmates involved in a wide range of activities. These were pulled together into a movie, “We Will Remember You,” that was played throughout the party.

Shown below is that movie. Note that, while there was music when this was played at the party, YouTube does not include it with this upload. Thanks also to the Kamehameha student who provided the technical know-how to put this piece together.

Do you remember our departed classmates? Listed below are the twenty-five who left Punahou74 all too soon. Individuals with an asterisk passed away since our 35th reunion.

Jean Alexander

Neal Ane*

Skip Berg

Clay Berk

Deborah Bode

Greg Cassidy

Brian Chinn*

Bruce Chinn

Jon Danner*

James Frank

Patricia Frazier*

Fred Frizelle

Gary Gardner

Callie Johnson

Ro Johnson

James Kealoha*

Ted Lau

Rick Martin

Alisa McKinney*

Randy Nishijima

David Parrish*

David Price

Roy Rathburn

Liz Stierman

Mosi Tatupu*

and

Marian de Holczer, Punahou74 class dean

*   *   *   *   *

Autumn turns the leaves to gold

Slowly dies the heart

Sad young men are growing old

that’s the cruelest part.

–Dead Birds as quoted by Roy Rathburn in his senior section, 1974 Oahuan

*   *   *   *   *

Gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace. And rest in peace to Scott Metcalf who joined this list shortly after our 40th reunion was completed.

Friday night of Punahou’s Alumni Week 2014 was the night for parties, reunion class parties that is. Party sites were situated throughout the city of Honolulu: Pier 39, Waialae Country Club, and Punahou74? It was headed for a little house in Nuuanu Valley.

(L-R) Faith Sereno Rex, Robert Aten, and Sheree Lum Orsi

It was the best attended event of the reunion. More than 175 classmates, family, and friends came to reunite at John Morgan’s historic residence. Built in a classic colonial style and surrounded with beautifully manicured gardens, it was a gracious setting. Tents and tables had been set up for the outdoor party and our weather prayers had been answered! Despite it being Friday the 13th we had received some good luck. The temperature was a balmy 84 degrees and the sky cloudless as with soft trades blowing through the grounds.

Scott Metcalf placed signs alongside the road directing the party-goers to the site. Upon arrival Dave Chin (Pauline Chang Chin’s husband) and Stein Rafto (Haven Young Rafto’s husband) got the dozens and dozens of cars properly parked on the big lawn.

(L-R) Shannon Crowell DeMaster, Mike Woodward, Jean Jacobi Longgtreth, and Eleanor Bell

Stephanie Chin (Pauline’s daughter) and Terry Ting ’71 checked in the classmates. Punahou74 logo shirts and other merchandise were available at the table for pick up as well as the all important NAME TAGs. Scott Metcalf, Yuriko Wellington, Mary Jane Markoskie, and Gigi Dennis Ewing had done a wonderful job of putting these together. Thankfully, the names were printed in BIG letters to minimize the embarrassment factor when meeting up.

The event opened with a memorial service recognizing our departed classmates that Mary Jane Markoskie, Heidi Hemmings Hall, and Cathy Kam Ho had assembled. It was a sober reminder of the passage of time. There are too many names on the list; too many added since our 35th reunion.

But the night was meant for the living and it was time for the fun to begin. John Morgan opened the evening by welcoming everyone to his home. All were graciously invited to also enjoy the home’s interior. John’s wife Carri also spoke and said that she and her mother-in-law were wowed by Babs’ Miyano Young’s floral arrangements. No wonder. We all were.

(L-R) Mark Walker, Jon Andersen, Mike Bush, Leighton Lam, and David Parker

After a prayer from Ralph Aona, the food was served. It was time to enjoy catered specialties from Elmer’s Island Cuisine/Poke Stop as well as the culinary creations of Fred Hu, Pauline Chang Chin, and Lynette Lo Kanda. Drinks were poured by The Wine Stop. A big dessert table was filled with donations from Leslie Ching Allen, Lisa Yamaguchi Bowden, Pauline Chang Chin, Lynette Lo Kanda, Gaye Miyasaki, Faith Sereno Rex, Taren Taguchi, and Ann Yoshida. There was also a big Punahou74 sheet cake. It was a party, after all. What’s better than cake to celebrate?

(L-R) Heidi Smyser and Anne Akana

Of course there was a program and this was run by David Parker and our cheerleader mikemen: Charlie Loomis, Ralph Aona, and Jay Higgins. Much of their time was spent passing door prizes that had been donated by Shannon Crowell Atkinson, Lisa Yamaguchi Bowden, Pauline Chang Chin, Fred Hu, Jean Jacobi Longstreth, Warren Loui, Scott Metcalf, Gaye Miyasaki, Sheree Lum Orsi, Debbi Nogami Oyama, David Parker, Haven Young Rafto, Lynn Sultemeier, Babs Miyano Young, and Yuriko Wellington.

It being a party, there was music played throughout. Shoji Ledward kicked it off with his acoustic guitar. He played gentle, sweet, wonderful background music for the conversations that were buzzing throughout the evening. But, as light fell to dark, it was time to kick it up a notch when Fred Randolph and Jud Haskins took to the stage. Play the video below to hear and see them play “Mommie was a Commie.”

At one point Tom Farrell took to standing on a chair to exhort classmates to make their contribution to the reunion class gift. He did a good job because, when the final results came in, Punahou74 exceeded all expectations. Well, don’t we always?

Throughout the evening classmates signed a Doug Young (Babs’ husband) poster for Carrie Chang Talwar. Thanks to Lynette Lo Kanda who added a Punahou74 shirt to the gift and to Yuriko Wellington who agreed to deliver both items to Carrie at her hospital in California.

But all good things must come to an end and so too did the party. The ever important clean up was headed up by Pauline Chang Chin and her family as well as Susan Deto Donlon, Lynette Lo Kanda, Mary Jane Markoskie, Scott Metcalf, Lynne Gartley Meyer, Debbie Nogami Oyama, Haven Young Rafto, and Babs Miyano Young. Were we tired? Heck yes. But the reunion wasn’t over yet. More about that later. The fun was only getting started.

Please click here to enjoy additional photos of the Friday party.

“Old shoes and old friends are best for relaxing.” (Author unknown)

Punahou74 classmates pose after making it to the top of the Makapuu Lighthouse trail.

Following a late night at the Friday cocktail party, twenty-eight classmates arose early, put on some old shoes, and headed to Makapuu to relax with old friends.

Our fearless leader, Bruce Ashford.

At Makapuu they embarked on a hike that was one of four led by Bruce Ashford for the 40th Reunion. This was to be the most “family friendly” trek of the bunch. At two miles for the round trip, the paved trail featured a gain of a mere easy-to-breathe 500 feet on the way to the peak. Certainly many took advantage of this accessibility by inviting spouses, friends, and children along for the excursion.

The Punahou74 hikers and trail-sharing youth groups, couples, and families were blessed with a supremely clear day. Indeed, the weather was hot, the walk sunny and dry so it was with appreciation that everyone was kept cool by a stiff breeze that blew in from the ocean.

After making it to the top all were rewarded with spectacular views of the lighthouse, the Ka Iwi coast, Rabbit Island, and a length of the Windward coast.

A fabulous foursome poses at Makapuu: Sharon Loomis Botkin, Linda Peacock, Jean Jacobi Longstreth, and Shannon Crowell DeMaster.

From the main viewing spot a trek was made to a higher vantage point for another perspective. From there the group diverged, some going down a rugged “less traveled” path and others returning via the original route.

After assembling at the bottom goodbyes were made. Some left Makapuu, choosing to rest and prepare for that afternoon’s class picture and Alumni Luau; others changed to bathing attire and headed seaward to explore the Ka Iwi tide pools.

Too soon in many ways. A big mahalo to Marcia Wright for alerting me to this news.

Alice Rolph as pictured in the senior section of the 1974 Oahuan.

It is with great sadness that I learned today of the passing of our Punahou74 classmate Alice Rolph Walsh.

Alice lived in Mukilteo, Washington, a Seattle suburb located on the shore of Puget Sound. She was a process engineer for the Boeing Company in Everett, Washington.

Alice came to Punahou in the seventh grade. After graduation she studied at both Cornell University and Seattle University.

Alice is survived by her husband, Richard Walsh (Punahou72), a son and a daughter.

As always, please share your memories by commenting below.

Additional information will be shared here when it becomes available.

Thank you Punahou74!

When plans were being made for Punahou74 to provide the floral decorations for Scott Metcalf’s memorial service an appeal was made for donations to purchase badly needed flowers and supplies. At the time of the appeal a promise was made to donate any excess funds received to Scott’s scholarship fund.

After all expenses were paid the excess $63.65 was donated to Punahou. As you can see from the letter above, it was credited to the scholarship fund.

Mahalo again for answering the call to enable us to so beautifully decorate for Scott’s service.

They say that bad news comes in threes. This is the third announcement of a classmate’s passing that I have had to make since our 40th reunion last June. I pray that we have reached the end of this distressing string.

1974 OAHUAN PICTUE: John H. Tyler III.

It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of John “Keoni” Tyler today.

John, who preferred “Keoni,” was a Punahou74 classmate from fifth grade through graduation. While in the academy, he played on both the varsity football and wrestling teams and sang with the Hui Le’a Nani singers, Punahou’s highest choral group.

Following graduation Keoni studied at Eastern Oregon University and worked for the Oregon Department of Corrections. He later moved to Boise, Idaho and there met his wife Kana. Together, they were twice the owners of Kana Girl’s Hawaiian BBQ. The family-run restaurant operates in “Idaho’s ISLAND TIME Zone,” and bills itself as offering “traditional Hawaiian plate lunch served with aloha.” As explained by Kana on the business’ website:

Keoni is our cook, bringing several generations of family recipes to the table, and I manage the marketing and financial aspects of the business. Or, as Keoni likes to joke: “I’m afraid of the cash register, and Kana Girl is afraid of the barbeque smoker—but together we’re a most excellent team!”

In Hawai’ian culture it’s customary for grandparents to select a grandchild to whom the family recipes are passed on, so as a youngster Keoni learned to cook from his Tutu Pa (grandfather), Kamuela Ka’anapu. Tutu Pa was also a musician; he taught Keoni to sing, and to blend those things he’s passionate about–so most days you can hear Keoni singing in the kitchen as he cooks. As for me, all’s well in my world when my husband is singing in a kitchen!

OF COURSE THESE FISH ARE SMART! THEY STAY TOGETHER IN A SCHOOL! 1967 Na Opio picture with (L-R) Mrs. Matthews, Dean Ryan, Mary Jane Markoskie, and John Tyler.

Keoni was also generous with his time as described in an earlier blog post.

For those of you who were friends with Keoni on facebook you know that he was upbeat, forward looking, and proud of his ohana. The condolences that are now streaming in there demonstrate the painful impact that his passing has brought to those who knew him. There’s another angel in God’s choir tonight and his name is Keoni.

But, let’s let Keoni have the last word. I found this gem hidden inside his facebook page. Written on July 26, 2009 it brought a smile to my face as I am sure it also will to yours. (Make sure you pay attention to question #21 Punahou74!)

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:30 am…

2. How do you like your steak? Hold the cow over a 60 watt bulb

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Public Enemies (Johnny Depp is H O T!)

4. What is your favorite TV show? Whatever I can get with Rabbit Ears

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Close to all my ‘Ohana (Except for one in Ontario)

6. What did you have for breakfast? Chotlic Chip Pancakes (Elena Grace’s name for them)

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Hawai’ian Barbeque Of Course!

8. What foods do you dislike? Fast Foods, things out of a box, frozen frickin’ waffles

9. Favorite Place to Eat? Kana Girl’s Hawai’ian BBQ

10. Favorite dressing? One short muumuu. oh, dressing? Cornbread, mushrooms and sour cream. Think Thanksgiving people :).

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? Holo Holo Walk Feet to da Bus Stop!

12. What are your favorite clothes? Whatever Kana Girl stay wearing.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? The island of Ni’ihau with all my ‘Ohana right beside me (except the one in Ontario)

Keoni in recent times.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? half-full is good!

15. Where would you want to retire? Anyplace where our kids, grandkids and us would be happy, joyful and free

16. Favorite time of day? Time to cook for friends and family

17. Where were you born? Da big pink hospital in Aie’a

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Men’s Volleyball or WWE Wrestling

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? That one in Ontario!

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? Kana Girl

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? My classmates from Punahou

22. Bird watcher? That’s why I throw the old rice out the back door?

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Like my underwear…Depends

24. Do you have any pets? Nope, hard enough to take care of myself sometimes

25. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share? Kana Girl is opening her Hawai’ian BBQ restaurant in Meridian, Idaho August 1st and I get to be da Kook, I mean Cook.

26. What did you want to be when you were little? Not an alcoholic and drug addict LOL

27. What is your best childhood memory? eating till I was tired

28. Are you a cat or dog person? If I had to choose it would be a dog

29. Always wear your seat belt? Yes, I need to stay around long time for my ‘Ohana

30. Been in a car accident? Yup, and it upset me that the ambulance crew cut up one of my best Aloha Shirts.

31. Any pet peeves? No, I told you I like dogs…ok, ok maybe people who don’t like my sense of humor :)

32. Favorite Pizza Toppings? I love MEAT. What’s dat one called for people who love Meat?

33. Favorite Flower? Puanani!!!!

34. Favorite ice cream? It’s a scoop-up between peanut butter & chocolate and Rocky Road with extra Rock and Road.

35. Favorite fast food restaurant? If I had to it would be …..nah. Does Rainbow’s Drive-in count?

36. How many times did you fail your driver’s test? There’s a test? I’m so old my driver’s license is carved into one rock.

37. From whom did you get your last email? It’s a write-up between my sistah Renee Ahuna Cabrinha and my bruddah Kimo Howerton.

38. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Cash & Carry or Victoria’s Secret

39. Do anything spontaneous lately? I made the bed this morning does that count?

40. Like your job? I will as of the 1st.

Keoni was visited by Punahou74 classmates Alvin and “sistah” Renee Ahuna Cabrinha shortly after the restaurant opened.

41. Broccoli? Stir-fry or raw

42. What was your favorite vacation? Times at Thousand Trails and Moscow.

43. Last person you went out to dinner with? Kana Girl and Kewonu our tattoo artist

44. What are you listening to right now? The sound of Kana Girl playing (and winning) in on-line poker

45. What is your favorite color? Navajo Turquoise

46. How many tattoos do you have? 14

47. How many are you tagging for this quiz? I don’t know…maybe eleventeen or so.

48. What time did you finish this quiz? 11:20 pm MST

49. Coffee Drinker? If it’s dope fiend coffee!

John was married to

How you can say goodbye–both in body and in spirit–to a well loved Punahou74 classmate.

John “Keoni” Tyler will be remembered by friends and family at 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2014. Services will be held at Kana Girl’s Hawaiian BBQ (3912 W. State Street in Boise, Idaho).

CAN YOU HELP someone who hit the mat with you? (L-R) Bill Thacker, Mike Hopfe, Richard Botkin, Bill Sime, Ken Mayo, Skip Berg, James Kealoha, Heaton Wren, John Tyler, Bob Tam. Punahou Varsity Wrestling, 1974 Oahuan photo

As unexpected as Keoni’s departure was for us, it was

even more unexpected for his family. As with many entrepreneurs, the focus was upon the launch and growth of Kana Girl’s. The long hours, hard work, and Keoni’s excellent cooking were appreciated by legions of fans seeking traditional Hawaiian “plate lunch” served with aloha. Quite the treat in snowy Boise!

CAN YOU HELP someone who helped move our potent offense down the field? (Keoni, #79, stands just to the right of Jack Wright, #78.) Punahou Varsity Football, 1974 Oahuan photo

But, as with many budding tycoons, when all of the resources and attention go towards the business, there is less for the household. Such was the case with Keoni, and his family needs help paying his funeral and other final expenses.

Can they receive your help? They sure do need it.

CAN YOU HELP someone who sang beside you? Keoni, wearing overalls, kneels in the front row. To his right are Angie Jones ’73, and fellow Punahou74 classmates Betsy Abts, Lisa Yamaguchi, and James Kaimikaua. Hui Lea Nani Singers, 1974 Oahuan photo

An online site has been established through which donations may be made via credit card. Click here to make your donation.

Mahalo for giving from the heart as we say aloha to “Keoni the Kook.” Mahalo plenty for any amount you can provide.

P.S. Alvin and Renee Ahuna Cabrinha will be there on Saturday. What about you?

Thank you to Renee Ahuna Cabrinha for this report regarding John “Keoni” Tyler’s memorial service. She and Alvin were both there in person to represent Punahou74. I know that many of you were also there in spirit.

PUNAHOU74 CLASSMATES AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE were Renee Ahuna Cabrinha and Alvin Cabrinha. They pose here with Kana Tyler.

PICTURES OF KEONI were exhibited. Note that his 1974 Oahuan picture was at the center of the display.

The service was short and sweet. Everything went really well and more than 100 friends and customers attended.

The service was standing room only. There was even a bunch of bikers who circled the restaurant. (The gathering was held at Keoni’s Boise restaurant, Kana Girl’s Hawaiian BBQ.)

ORCHID AND KUKUI LEI were sent for the service by Chickie Guillaume ’73.

The kalua pig, beef stew, chicken long rice, mac salad, and rice were a hit! Because I didn’t get into Boise until 11 p.m. the night before, and I had the kalua pig in the oven, I didn’t have time to make caramel cuts but a friend did make guava cake.

Kana was overwhelmed: “I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you who have given from your hearts as a way to show your love for Keoni. Even though you were not here–I felt your love. I am so extremely blessed! Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo!”

On a sad note, the restaurant Keoni and his wife owned and managed has been closed. Keoni was the keeper of the recipes and “Keoni the Kook” the heart of the operation. He was an undendurable loss for Kana Girl’s Hawaiian BBQ. Within the next week the restaurant will be cleaned out and Kana Girl’s will be no more.

KANA GIRL’S IS NOW CLOSED as shown on the restaurant’s roadside sign.

*  *  *  *  *

I would like to echo Kana’s sentiments by offering a heartfelt mahalo to all who responded to my appeal for contributions to help with Keoni’s funeral expenses.

There were 35 donations received–21 from Punahou74 classmates–and $2,555 raised. This money, in addition to a separate campaign that raised $2,160 from another 34 supporters, generated $4,715 for the family. The $3,000 goal was surpassed. THANK YOU! I am in the process of personally thanking all who contributed. You can see the good that happens when many come together to share their aloha.

I will take the fundraising site down this evening to get the money deposited and on its way to Kana. For those of you have been thinking of contributing online to the Punahou74 campaign now’s the time to do so by clicking here.

If you are reading this and the Punahou74 campaign has been taken down, the other site will be up for a while longer and you can check it out here.

It’s found on every class reunion agenda: the class picture. It’s a moment in history, frozen in time, that chronicles the progress of the various class members on their journey through life. It’s a scheduled event that, as we would find out, involves a great deal of smiling, and not all of it for the camera.

Linda Sutton Torres had advised the reunion committee that the “smaller” classes were assigned to Pauahi steps for their photos. Well, with more than 25% of our graduating members in attendance, I’d like to see what a “smaller” reunion class is. As you can see in the photo below, Punahou74 showed up in force!

The great turnout posed some problems for the photographer. He labored long and hard while taking sample snap after snap to ensure that each and every face would be visible in the final photo. Shouts of “step to the left” and “I need you to sit down” were repeated as he arranged us along the full length of steps. Waiting patiently behind him were Punahou74′s family and friends who took their own photos while anxiously waiting for the formal portrait to be taken before heading on out to Middle Field for the Alumni Luau.

For us on the steps the wait was interminable. We were crammed together shoulder-to-shoulder while the photographer fussed and cajoled. At one point Renee Ahuna Cabrinha stepped to the front and led us in a rousing “Strawberry Shortcake.” But the distraction didn’t last long and the wait endured. Small talk hummed while yet more trial pictures were taken. The adjustments continued. There were just so many of us and so little room! As our restlessness grew, Renee again came to the front. She raised her hands and began to conduct us in “Oahu-a.”

We hummed a big “Ohhhhh” then began singing. Most of us must have remembered the parts we sang at graduation because we sounded pretty good! But then something happened that stopped the song, sent cheers to the sky, and caused smiles and laughter to erupt on every face.

What happened? Let me share how Ian Sandison, who had a panoramic view of the surrounding area from atop the Pauahi steps, described what he saw.

We were just standing there waiting for the picture to be taken when we noticed something to the right up by Alexander Hall. There was movement. Then it was like, “There’s someone on a bicycle.” Then, “It’s a woman on a bicycle.” “She’s naked!” “She’s Heidi!!” “It’s Heidi streaking across the campus again!”

He had seen Heidi ride a bicycle downhill from Alexander Hall, across the grass, and along the road leading to Montague Hall. Here’s how the rest of the class reacted to the ride:

Thanks to Carri Morgan, John’s wife, for the video.

Yes, it was Heidi in the buff reenacting her famous senior year streak through the academy quadrangle. When I described the antic to others in the days afterwards they were universally incredulous. “She had some clothes on, right?” “No, she was naked.” “Surely a bikini bottom.” “No, she was naked.” “But she’s older now.” “Yes, and she was naked.”

It’s easy to say that Heidi’s actions had something to do with making Punahou74 the talk of the Reunion 2014.

Punahou74 Reacts to Heidi’s Streak.

Catching up with Heidi at Scott Metcalf’s funeral I asked what caused her to repeat her streak at our 40th reunion. The bottom line was that we aren’t getting any younger and who would ever know if she would ever have the chance to streak again. She was also kind enough to share some thoughts on video about her post-streak thoughts.

Regardless of the “why” Heidi’s streak was the hit of the reunion and something that we will be talking at reunions long into the future. Thanks for the memory … er memories, Heidi.

After the streak … Punahou74 departs down the steps and on to the Alumni Luau. We had plenty to talk about!

A final note:

Signs of the future as seen in our sixth grade (1968) Na Opio: MIGHTY HEIDI!!

HEIDE HEMMINGS STANDS TALL atop classmates in Mr. Spoehr’s class (top to bottom, left to right) Fred Gordon, Peter Gaffney, Al Cabrinha, Bruce Chinn, Brian Chinn, Neal Ane, and Mark Keala.

Before the Alumni Luau the Punavision interviewer asked and asked. “Will you answer a few questions for me?” Nobody from Punahou74 would. Nobody until … well you will just have to find out for yourself.

Thumbs up or thumbs down? You be the judge.

We gotta team that’s on the beam that’s really up to the tide. Come on, Punahou, skin ‘em alive!

Punahou (#1) enters the state tournament this Saturday with a semi-final game against Kahuku High School (#3). The last time we were up against them in the 2012 tournament final this is what we in the stands faced across the field:

Quite amazing, right? As you can see, the Punahou team could use a lot of cheering support. Every voice will be needed!

Game date: Saturday, November 15, 2014

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: Aloha Stadium

GENERAL ADMISSION
$9.00 – Adult
$5.00 – Senior Citizen, 62 yrs. of age and above, youth, grades K to 12
FREE – 4 years of age and under

Attention Punahou74. If you will be at the game this Saturday come join your classmates on the Punahou side of the stands. We’ll be seated at the 50 yard line somewhere between rows 15 and 25.

Be on the lookout for Mike Mikasa who has promised to welcome all classmates. If you will be coming please comment below or on the Punahou74 facebook to help him watch for you.

And come ready to also offer some special cheers for a certain Punahou74 son who is part of the team.

See you there! (Hey we’ll even welcome classmates who have drifted off to the dark red side. Know who I mean, jellybean?)

The game ended 7-7 and was a seesaw affair throughout. Up one minute. Down the next.  Wonder what will happen tomorrow?

Fourteen turnovers–seven by each team–with the win coming down to a 48-yard field goal with thirty seconds left. Game to Punahou, 13-10. Who would have expected a Kahuku-Punahou game to be played like that?

Ian Sandison, Mike Mikasa, and Lynne Gartley Meyer were three Punahou74 classmates spotted at the Kahuku-Punahou game. Will you be at the Mililani game this Friday?

Certainly not the many members of the Punahou School class of 1974 who were in attendance. Seen in the stands that evening were Ian Sandison, Doug and Patty Ross Knowlton, Haven Young Rafto, Charlie Loomis, Jeff Sia, Jeff Zane and Anne Takushi, Keith Kam, Gene Lau, Mike Mikasa, and Lynne Gartley Meyer.

A good game is expected again on Friday, November 21 when No. 1 Punahou plays No. 2 Mililani for the Hawaii state football championship. The contest is scheduled to start at Aloha Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Note: If you can’t come to the stadium the game can come to you. Listen to it on AM 1500, NBC Sports Radio where it will be streamed live wherever you are. For those of you who prefer to watch it, the game is available via OC16.

With fourteen turnovers (seven by each team) the game was a seesaw affair. Up one minute. Down the next. But Punahou

For those of you who pay attention …

The view from where I write. My new dog Penny rounds the corner to check on me.

It’s been some time since I’ve added a new post to the blog. No, it’s not because Punahou lost to Mililani at the state football championship game. I just needed a break.

With 386 posts written and published since January 2009, the work and joys of reunion, and the recent passing of three classmates I was tired. I needed time to refresh, enjoy visiting family, and to recover from the loss of a long-lived dachshund by welcoming a new loyal canine into the home.

So now, two months later, I’m back at the keyboard typing away. Hey, Carnival’s coming and there’s no time like the present to get back online.

I’m b–a–c–k!

But, before we move on to new topics, I’d like to take a look at last year. WordPress kindly prepares an annual report on the blog and I thought that you’d like to know what stories held your interest this last year. After this, it’s on to bigger and better things.

Thanks for reading and here’s to a great 2015!

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 46,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 17 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

The annual plea. Please answer … yes!

Suzanne Case signs in for her 2014 malasada shift. Will you be signing in too?

It’s that time of the year again. Time to volunteer for the great Punahou74 Carnival shift at Ewa Malasadas. As usual, we need many of you to come on out and put your hands to work for a great cause. And, while you’re at it, it’s also a great time for a mini reunion. (Time to rekindle memories of the 40th reunion last summer!)

Yes, I know it’s noisy. Yes, I know it’s oily. Yes, I know it’s fun!

Punahou74 at Ewa Malasadas

4:45 pm – 8:00 pm

Friday, February 6, 2015

This year we will will be working alongside alumni from the Punahou Class of 1970. President Scott’s a member of that class. Will he be there? Come and find out for yourself!

Need I say more? Ready to sign up and get your hands doughy? Let us know. Comment on this blog or email Nancy Dew Metcalf. Spouses, friends, and your adult children are welcome to share in the fun.

Still not convinced? Take a look at the great video below to see the excitement of Punahou74 @ Carnival 2014 for yourself. Sign up this year and you may be starring in next year’s trailer!