| Just a few words about the services for Dennis held today on Maui. After some extremely heavy rains yesterday and last night, the day was perfect in Kahului. Little bit clouds, little bit sun. No rain!! Which is a good thing, cuz we were not inside the funeral home, but mostly outside in the parking lot for the ho'olaule'a in honor of Dennis!! And ho'olaule'a it was. There is no better way to describe it than as a "celebration of life." There was continuous music from around 1pm until 7pm. There were many that you know, like Willie K, Kelly Boy Dilemma from Kapena, Auntie Genoa Keawe, Richard Ho'opi'i, Atta Damasco, also many, many local Maui performers and hula dancers as well. The Puna and "Sons of Hawaii" bikers were well represented in the crowd. One of the brightest moments of the day was inside the mortuary when Auntie Genoa insisted that Willie K come up and sing falsetto with her. Though he hesitated, she never gave up and Willie came up and it was a hoot as she stood right there and "browbeat" him into singing Alika with her. The blessed hall was filled with folks laughing so hard we were in tears. Jerome Koko from the Makaha Sons told some very funny stories during the eulogy. Seems that our brother Dennis was always the jokester and prankster. All in all, it was a day of tears and laughter, family and friends. And it was a day of sweet music. Brother Dennis touched each of us in some way and will continue to do so. Aloha 'oe Dennis. We will miss you. And we thank you for the many gifts you leave with us. Rich 1/27/02 |
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