Stephen Kepano Gibson

Stephen Kepano Gibson born March 17, 1921 in Kaupo, Maui Hawaii to Henry Kalehuamakanoe Gibson and Elizabeth Kahele Gibson. Stephen was the middle son out of 6 children. He worked as a Paniolo, (Hawaiian Cowboy) on Kaupo ranch in Maui, alongside his father and brothers. Stephen is father to 5 girls, Stephanie, Abigail, Elaine, Celeste, and Marissa and one son, Jonathan. He was also a proud grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather.

Stephen was a decorated WWII veteran and member of the 2nd Armored Division “Hell On Wheels” and was responsible for teaching hand to hand combat to the troops. He bravely fought to defend this great country of ours in campaigns that stretched from Africa to Germany and served with honor and pride.

After the war he returned to Maui and enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Soon after his return to Maui he lost his first wife, Abigail, to tuberculosis and was left to raise his 2 young daughters alone. He began working for the State of Hawaii parks department as a park ranger. Many of the parks and beautiful landmarks on Maui still bare his handiwork after all of these years. In 1966 he met Irene Lopez and the two were married on Dec. 30, 1967. After the birth of his 5th child, Jonathan, Stephen left his beloved island for the Texas gulf shores. He worked for Weingarten’s, as airport security, and retired as a foreman for Mosher Steel Co in 1986 at the age of 65. Stephen continued to work as a landscaper opening up his own trim trimming business. He also spent time his time carving and drawing. He created beautiful works of art in the form of canes, walking sticks, tiki’s, and paintings. He continued working and creating well into his 85th year of life. Stephen and Irene just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in December 2017.

Stephen was a devoted family man, devout Catholic, nature enthusiast, gardener (he could make anything grow), and consummate artist. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and gave over 20yrs of devoted service. Stephen spent his life showing what true Aloha is. Stephen provided outreach services to the homeless, especially homeless veterans. He helped to provide food, housing, found jobs for, and gave friendship to those in need. He was truly a selfless person never turning away anyone who needed help. He was always ready with a helping hand, words of advice, and an open and welcoming heart. Stephen was a true peacemaker, taught his children to explore, be curious, and to never fear the unknown. He was a comedian always wanting to put a smile on everyone’s face. He instilled in his family a sense of appreciation for the things of the past, respect for the teaching of elders, respect for life, and a true deep appreciation for the world and all its beauty. Kepano was his family’s provider, teacher, Kumu, Sensei, and his family’s fiercest protector. He never had a problem fighting for what he believed in and had no hesitation in fighting to defend himself and his family. He ingrained in his children and grandchildren a sense of unconditional love, acceptance, understanding, forgiveness, cultural pride, and undeniable strength. Stephen is and will always remain a light to all those who knew him.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 50 yrs, Irene, oldest daughter Elaine Santos and husband Eddie Santos, daughter Celeste Leilani Kekaulike Hartigan and husband Thomas Hartigan, Jonathan Kepano Gibson and wife Erica J Gibson, daughter Marissa Hokulani Kamamalu Gibson-Rios and husband Hector G Rios Jr., Grandchildren Jeffrey Dutro, Jennifer Dutro, Jackie Dutro, Jamie Dutro, Joel Dutro, Brain Santos, Jaqueline Santos, Elisabeth Smith, Stephany Lokelani Gibson, Makaelah Ehu O’Kalani Gibson, Elizabeth Noelani Gibson, Nathaniel Kalehuamakanoe Gibson, Joshua Matthew Rios, Nicholas Kepano Gibson, Isaac Koa Gibson, Noah Pono Gibson, numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews, numerous beloved cousins, and in holding to his Hawaiian culture, Stephen’s diverse and much loved hanai ohana.