Ralph Hogan Dent Jr

Ralph Hogan Dent, Jr., 75, of Lahaina passed away on October 15th, 2024, surrounded by family at home.

Ralph wrote his own obituary:

“On Tuesday the 15th day of October, 2024 my time on this earth was over. I had a great ride along the way. I was lucky enough to have had a wonderful family who loved me, even with all my faults – and believe me, I had a lot. To my wonderful wife, daughters, sons, grandkids and great grandkids, I really want to thank you guys for making this life I had one that I wouldn’t have changed for anything. My only regret is not having had more time to spend with you. To my brother and sisters, I hope to see you again, but, not too soon.

I was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas on June 10th, 1949, but left there in 1968 to join the Marines, serving for over 9 years.

I moved to Maui in December of 1977. I was owner of Carter and Dent Old Time Photos, C & C Tropical Treasures, and at one time ran several retail shops in Lahaina and Whaler’s Village. I then worked for the Department of Education, was a life member of the PTA, served as a PTSA State Vice President, was a PTSA president of Princess Nahienaena and King Kamehameha III elementary schools, served on the Kihei Charter School Board and a State and County Board. I ended my work career in the Security Department of the Westin Maui where I got to know a great cast of folks.

There will be no viewing (who would want to look at this old dude?) or service. Only a Celebration of Life at Canoe Beach on November 9th starting at 4:00pm. If you can’t make it, don’t be surprised if I come to you one night in a dream and ask you why.”

His family would like to add: During his over 9 years in the Marines, Ralph served in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunner, traveled the world, was a weatherman, handled countless amounts of currency and advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

During his time with the Department of Education, Ralph worked in the special education department at Princess Nahienaena Elementary, was an administrator at King Kamehameha III Elementary, where he was known for running the “morning broadcast” and marching the detention students around campus as a drill squad. Along with Rick Paul, he was pivotal in bringing the EAST lab program/concept to Maui’s high schools and helped to open Kihei Charter School.

Ralph enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, often multiple times a year, for his “second job” as he put it. After retirement, he found joy in his travels and babysitting his granddaughters Makayla and Ariana.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Sandy Dent; his daughter Kimberly (Dean) Davenport, grandson Isaac (Colbi) Gardner, great grandson James Gardner, granddaughter Alyssa (Nick) Bernal, great granddaughters Aubrey and Adalynn Bernal, grandson Levi Davenport; his son Corey Vierra (Erin Lau); his daughter Courtney (Chris) Ingan, granddaughters Makayla and Ariana Ingan; his son Zachary (Stephanie) Dent, granddaughter Kalia Peyj Dent; his brother Gary Dent, and his sisters Mary (Melvin) Henderson, Regina (Lanny) Weston, and Karen Grossman.

Predeceased by parents, Maxine and Ralph Dent Sr.

The Dent Ohana would like to send a special Mahalo to Dr. C. Choi, Chelsea, Neau, and Maui Care Physicians team, Hospice Maui team, especially Erin Kamai, Dr. S. Johnsen and his team.

Celebration of LifeDate: Saturday, November 9th, 2024Location: Canoe BeachTime: 4pm – 8pm

If you would like to send a monetary gift, please send it to the following Venmo account or mail to: P.O. Box 1410 Wailuku, Hawaii 96793 or

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3261449552003072340