Eiichi "EK" Kanda

September 22, 1929 – September 25, 2023

Eiichi was born in Hilo, Hawaii and raised in the small subdivision called Waiakea town. He is the youngest son and third youngest of nine children. After graduating from Hilo High School in 1947 he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served on the Iroquois (Honolulu based) which took him to Seattle, Washington. After completing his time of service, he journeyed to Chicago where he worked as a mechanic. While attending a Hawaiian club event he met the love of his life, Sue Ikeda and were married in 1958. Not much longer after the birth of their son Kevin, in 1959 they headed west to Los Angeles, California and thereafter their daughter Kara was born in 1965. Eiichi was employed with Japan Airlines Cargo where he remained for 29 years. Eiichi loved his position at JAL as he was amongst many Hawaii locals so he never had the need to lose his pidgin. In 1972, Eiichi moved his family to Huntington Beach where they remain today and that is where he began his love of golf. He was a member of the Kama'aina Golf Club, Nui Menehune Golf Club and spent countless days putting, chipping and golfing at Costa Mesa Golf Club. In 2009 Eiichi and his friend won the Costa Mesa Men's Senior Member Guest Annual Tournament which was one of his highlights along with claiming to continue playing golf until April of this year. He could tell you everything about any course he had played and what he shot on any random hole to crazy nuances of certain holes. Eiichi will always be known for "more than ready golf". If there was a water hazard, he was ready with his ball retriever, if you were in the weeds, he would be the first to help you find your ball. Needless to say, with his speed, there were some accidents. Eiichi had a beautiful heart of hospitality; on his morning walks with the dogs, he'd make sure everyone's morning paper was in reach on their porch. Until his final days he reminded us to get an A&W Root Beer to the mailman and trash man.

As we prayed over our father, Jesus extended his righteous right hand and guided him to his heavenly home. We are grateful and blessed for the full life he shared with us and sit in anticipation until we meet again "a hui hou".

Eiichi is survived by his loving wife Sue of 65 years, son Kevin, and daughter Kara Nomura, son in-law Tommy, and the light of Eiichi's life, grandsons William and Christopher. Also survived by his brothers Tokuo Kanda, Takayoshi Kanda, sisters Yachio Kaulia, Miriam Buck, and numerous nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers and donations, please extend an act of kindness to someone, as this would have been Eiichi's wish of sharing his Aloha.