Ronald Kahele's Obituary
Ronald “Kaihe” Kahele lost his battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on December 22, 2016, at the age of 80.Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Rebecca Kahele, step-father Othario “Vincent” Vicente, siblings Peter, Mokihana and the late State Senator Gilbert (all Big Island Ohana), as well as first wife Glenna Thurman and their daughter, Celeste.He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy, who tirelessly cared for him while he struggled with this terrible disease. Ron is survived by his children, Michelle (Jeff) Buck, Colin Kahele, Sherry (James) Rodrigues, and Robert Montgomery. He is also survived by grandchildren Jessica (Brandon) Fumagalli, Jillian (Dave) Villegas, Nicole and Brandon Kahele, Angelica Montgomery (and her mother Luisa), Trevor Kaihe and Cody Kahele Buck. Ron is also survived by siblings, Leighton (Maria) Kahele, Corrine Vicente and sister-in-law, Linda Kahele, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.Ron was raised in Milolii, a small fishing village on the Big Island of Hawaii. His family moved to Hilo where he graduated from Hilo High School and then joined the Marines at age seventeen.Ron enjoyed a long and successful career in the trucking industry (1963-1995) ending his career as Vice President, Director of Safety from Willig Freight Lines. In his early years, he met John Williams and Marcy Flores and the “3 Amigo’s” were friends up until the end.Ron was an avid golfer and one of the early members of the SF Bay Area Hawaiian golf club, “Puka Da Sky”.After an official diagnosis, Ron & Peggy joined the Alzheimer / Dementia Support Center in Modesto. The group has been an incredible support system for her, was a wonderful place for Ron to get out weekly to play his Ukulele for the other Alzheimer patients, and enjoy activities as a group.There will be two Memorial Services for Ron, as follows;Saturday, January 7th, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Franklin & Downs Funeral Home, 1050 McHenry Ave., Modesto, CASaturday, January 14th, at 1:00 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544At both of the services, we encourage you to wear your favorite Hawaiian print, or other brightly colored clothing. This is a Celebration of Life of an amazing man that we are all going to miss very much.In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer / Dementia Support Center, Inc., 700 McHenry Avenue, Suite B, Modesto, CA 95350. www.adsc-modesto.org
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