2017 Messages from Friends

Here are messages from friends!

Message from Cal & Donna Maeda

Hi gang!

Thank you so much for making me the co-guest of honor at our wonderful YMCA reunion last Friday.  Donna and I had such a good time -- catching up with old friends, meeting new ones and remembering ones who are no longer with us.  It was truly gratifying for me and Donna to hear about the significant ways I have impacted your lives.  Many times, unfortunately, these kinds of precious, life-affirming accolades come too late, at a person’s memorial service, when they can no longer appreciate them.  All of your praises, jibes (thanks Peter!!!), memories and thank yous touched our hearts and will never be forgotten.  And please know, the impact went both ways.  My years at the Y, working with all of you — enthusiastic, energetic, “kolohe,” young people — were some of the most fulfilling and FUN years of my life.

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas and a happy, healthy merry New Year!!! 

Mahalo,

Cal & Donna

Message from Richard Fumi Arakaki

Here is Fumi's video message:

CLICK HERE for video message from Fumi Arakaki (when video appears, click on video to hear/see message)

Message from Grace (Nihei) Kido

Baron, et al:

Sorry to say that Alan and I won’t be able to make it to the reunion.  Hope you all have a wonderful time reminiscing about the past and creating new memories for the future.  Attached is a recent photo of the three of us (husband Alan, son Nick, and me).  I remain envious of all of you in the “retired” category.  Take care and best wishes.

Happy holidays.  Grace




Message from Sandy Fonseca

Dear Friends,

CLICK HERE for Sandy's Video Message (when video appears, click on video to hear/see message)

Posting my most saddest of regrets to RSVP. Cris I and will be celebrating the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year 2018, and my 64th Bday in SOCAL. Sorry to miss this particular reunion.

Hope all of you are well and celebrating what is close to our "sunset" years.

Happy Holidays to all and hope to see you in 2018! Sandy

* Daughter Bonnie celebrated her 2nd Wedding Anniversary in May and daughter Jessica married to nice Kauai boy (James Muraoka) on Oct. 14, 2018. Cris's daughters(Chelsea and Ashley) were bridesmaids.

Message from Bruce Yamashita

This is a picture of me and my son…..NOT.  Only in my dreams.  He’s my friend’s son, Davin.

Greetings from Washington D.C. I am fine. I’ve been here for many years, but Hawaii will always be home.  As I write it’s 33 degrees outside with snow flurries.  Wish I could be there.  A thank you to Baron for keeping us in touch and together for all these years. 

Looking back, I shudder to think that Cal actually let me be responsible for a herd of screaming 12 year olds.  Now that I think of it, I was only a few years older than them.  Glad that they and I survived.  

Way back in the early 90s, Jan graciously sponsored singles parties in a valiant attempt to set me up with her friends. I told them I was unemployed, with lots of free time.  I couldn’t lie.  Needless to say, none of them wanted me.  I am still single.

We had so many wonderful memories at the old Kaimuki Y.  Now that I’m old, I can fully appreciate the magic of a program that gave young people responsibility, self-esteem and confidence.  To be involved in such a program, we all got lucky.   Sending you all loving and grateful energy, especially to Cal (The Boss) and Jan.   Mele Kalikimaka! - Bruce


Message from Dee (Yamanishi) Hamada

Daughters Terianne (Graduate Studies, Penn State), 
Adrienne (MA, Ball State), Katie (Mililani, 2018)

I have experienced the Y in 3 different ways. As a kid in the program, I looked at all of you in awe, thinking that, at the very least, I'd one day like to be a junior leader. As fate would have it, we had the best Counselor come to us at Niu Valley Intermediate. Yes, you, Baron! You asked... “How'd you guys like to Jr Leaders at the Y?” Why not?? The experience thanks to all of you was nothing short of unforgettable. You Sr Leaders were so COOL. Oh my god! Mr. Maeda even had a real first name! As those precious years passed, one day, while at UH, I realized that I really wanted to go back to the Y. My first realization, as a Sr Leader

Francis & Dee

was... the cool people weren't there anymore. I, and my new peers, had to find our own creative ways to make the experience the best summer ever for all of those kids whose parents "made them come." As the experience has made its full circle, the journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Cal, Jan, I'm sorry I can't be there to honor you, but the heartfelt appreciation lives on forever. Thank you, all of you, for making my world a better place.




Message from Luana (Ushijima) Wakabayashi

Thank you for including us in the Kaimuki YMCA "family".  I'm attaching a photo taken 7/27/17 at the "100 Sails" restaurant at the Hawaii Prince Hotel where we celebrated Dad's 93rd birthday!

Kayla & Matthew (Fred's children), Ditas (Fred's wife), 

Ford, Dad (Tets) , Luana, Guy Wakabayashi (Luana’s husband) and Fred

Everyone is doing well.  Dad swims every day at Ala Moana Beach, plays music for various senior homes with his friends and is still driving! His mind remains very sharp and although his memory is slowly declining, he's in better shape than most people his age!  

Can't believe it's been 4 years since we lost mom but I know she's with us all the time in spirit!  She watches over us like an angel and lives on in our hearts forever!   Happy Holidays to everyone!


Message from Terri (Lock) Ing

Hi fellow YMCA leaders. 

Terri, EnBo Li (Bethany’s husband), Bethany (daughter),

Gene Eng (Terri’s husband), Kristin (daughter)

Hope all is well with you.  Sorry I’m not able to join your fun 40^th reunion. 

This photo was taken at Bethany’s wedding in Malibu in May.  I keep active playing tennis, hiking, volunteering and traveling. 

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy healthy 2018! 

Miss you all!  Love, Terri


Message from Roger Fukumoto

Still working right now with no immediate plans to retire from the Friendly Skies.

Here's a pic of the view from my "office".  Was fortunate to be on United's last 747 flight from SFO to HNL on its farewell flight and got to buzz the Golden Gate Bridge.

Good to hear bits and pieces of how everyone is doing. Is anyone else feeling the pains of getting older? Take care all.  RF