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chunky monkey
Ha`aha`a
USA
1022 Posts |
 Posted - 05/01/2008 : 12:04:38 PM
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It is with great sadness that I report that my close friend Don Narup (Ianui) lost his fight against cancer this morning at 11:00 (Vegas time). Don had been quite ill for about a year, but fought valiently to conquer throat cancer. The cancer eventually spread to his brain and he had been in a hospice for the last week or so. I went to Vegas last week to see him and Patrick Landeza was there on Tuesday. Don also got to talk to Uncle Dennis Kamakahi on Tuesday from his hospital bed. Don's wife Linda was with him when he passed.
For those who didn't really know Don, he was dedicated to the music. He started the So Cal Slack Key Society and was responsible for bringing Slack Key shows to San Diego for a few years. I had the honor of helping him and he was instrumental in getting me into Slack Key. When he moved to Las Vegas, he continued to do everything to support Hawaiian music including starting the 50thStateRadio Internet Radio station that is actually run out of his spare bedroom.
When I saw him last week, he asked me to tell everyone how much the music meant to him. He wanted to be remembered for being part of what the So Cal Slack Key Society and the Taropatch represent. He will be cremated today and there will be a service, but I don't know the details.
Mahalo Don
Aloha , A Hui Hou
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 12:25:17 PM
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Thanks Terry. So sorry to hear the news. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
Don was a unique individual who approached things with a dedication and passion that I truly admired. So Cal Slack Key Society, promoting shows, Slack Tracks, 50th State Radio and more.
It feels like just yesterday that Don was picking me up to bring me over to Terry's house. That was more than 3 years ago. The So Cal Slack Key Society really hosted a fantastic party full of music, food and friendships.
The Hawaiian Music/Slack Key community will truly miss losing a great friend. Here is a photo from Terry's get together in 2005.
Don playing some beautiful kī hōʻalu.
Aloha ʻoe, Don. |
Andy |
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hawaiianmusiclover06
`Olu`olu
USA
562 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 1:09:44 PM
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My prayers goes out to you, his family, and friends. Aloha 'oe, Don.
Alana :) |
Aloha Kakou, maluhia a me aloha mau loa (Hello everyone, peace and love forever) |
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Peter Medeiros
`Olu`olu
546 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 1:12:18 PM
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My condolences to Linda and family. This is sad news indeed.
Peter Medeiros |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 1:21:41 PM
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Aloha 'oe, I'a Nui.
Jesse Tinsley |
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wdf
Ha`aha`a
USA
1153 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 1:22:47 PM
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This is a deep sadness for all of us.
Here are some pictures of the last gathering with Don, in early March at Terry's.
Aloha, Don.
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Dusty |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 2:09:45 PM
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Oh my goodness. Don was such a sweet man, so kind and so giving. He is one who truly loved Hawaiian music and devoted so much time and heart and soul to promoting the music and playing the music himself. He was so supportive to me while I was going through my health problems, all while fighting the biggest battle himself. There is a special place in heaven for him.
He worked so hard toward getting Gary Haleamau to once again share his music with us. Don was also so excited about the Lei Day happenings at the California Hotel in Las Vegas. He is the one who introduced us to Patrick, Cyril & Dennis. He extended such aloha to us, strangers from Ohio. Such a special, darling man. I am so very sad. I extend my prayers to his family, prayers for strength to get you through this most difficult time and prayers of thanksgiving that we have been able to be touched by a soul such as Don.
Aloha `oe, Don. You will always be in my memory. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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`Ilio Nui
`Olu`olu
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 3:22:32 PM
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Some people come into you life for a short period, but the effect is glorious and profound. That was Don. The only face time I had with Don was at Patrick Landeza's workshops a few years back. That's where I also met Chunk. Don and I hit it off immediately at Cyril's workshop and then again at Uncle Dennis'. We communicated a number of times about doing a recording class at one of his Vegas workshops. He always treated me with respect and dignity.
Now that the tears have slowed down, I would like to express my sympathy to Don's family and to Chunk. I know you were close. God Bless
Dave |
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HerbJr
Aloha
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 4:07:33 PM
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I am very sad today. Very sad. Not only did we lose a great friend, the world lost a great person. I met Don through Patrick Landeza while Patrick was organized a tour for myself, Keoki Kahumoku, David Kamakahi, and Uncle Dennis. I remember staying at Terry's home and all of us enjoying each other's company. Don was always supportive of Hawaiian Music and also my career. I will forever be grateful! I feel very blessed to have met him! He was like a guardian angel to everyone he came into contact with.
I miss you my friend!
Herb
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Herb Ohta, Jr.
www.herbohtajr.com
www.hojfc.com
www.herbohtajr.net |
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bbenzel
Lokahi
USA
130 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 5:42:36 PM
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I will miss Don a great deal. He is the guy who made the SoCal Slack Key Society thrive. He was always supportive and helped me find my own personal style, as he did himself, composing, inventing tunings and experimenting.
Don was just an all around great guy.
Aloha Don |
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JimC
Lokahi
USA
135 Posts |
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 6:13:17 PM
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I only had a few contacts with Don, but they were very memorable and significant for me. Trully a great man and a wonderful musician.
My prayers to his family and friends. |
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jlsulle
Lokahi
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2008 : 6:38:53 PM
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So glad that I spent one day with Don and the So.Cal group.
Aloha oe Don, Sulle |
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2008 : 02:52:40 AM
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Sarah and I are so sorry to hear that he has passed. I don't often get teary, but I am now. He was a good friend, even from far away, and an indefatigable supporter of the things and people he loved, no matter the financial or personal cost. The days we spent in San Diego with him, and all the others of you in SoCal, are a time we treasure. We were always pleasantly surprised that he remembered us on his broadcasts and we often thought of him and exchanged emails. We knew he was ill, but the end is a jolt. There is a large hole in the Universe today.
...Reid
PS. Terry, my friend, we are with you and Mary. |
Edited by - Reid on 05/02/2008 03:04:57 AM |
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hwnmusiclives
`Olu`olu
USA
580 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2008 : 04:14:56 AM
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I uploaded the radio show last weekend but it never went to air. The last time that happened, Don was hospitalized. So I knew this time that something worse must have happened. I tried every number I had for him but never reached him.
I never got to say goodbye. I never even got to meet him. How do you never meet your boss?
Don gave me an amazing opportunity. I owe him everything and I will never forget the conversations we shared. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
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Join me for the history of Hawaiian music and its musicians at Ho`olohe Hou at www.hoolohehou.org. |
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tafkam1
Lokahi
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2008 : 05:28:43 AM
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| My condolences go out to his family. I had the chance to speak with him on the phone only a few times, but knew right away what a really nice guy he was, just trying to do his part to keep Hawaiian music alive. I am grateful to him for his help and will keep him in my prayers |
Mitch Chang
http://www.kalakoa.com/
http://www.ukulelewebsite.com/ |
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