Edward W. Ogawa

Legendary singer, musician, entertainer and kumu hula, Edward W. Ogawa... known to many simply as “Uncle” or “Uncle Eddie” passed away peacefully at St. Francis Hospice in Nu‘uanu, Tuesday November 22, 2011. Uncle was surrounded by family, friends, loved ones and the beautiful well wishes from many of his peers.

The "baby" of eight siblings, Uncle was born to Mary Nobriga and Jack Tokichi Ogawa of Kane'ohe, O'ahu on April 1, 1929. His family and the Windward community knew early on that the talent of their native son who performed with his sister, Kanoe Lum and brother, John Keene was something special.

His illustrious music career that spanned well over 60 years brought him on to the music scene in the 1940’s. He provided backup to many headliners, as well as headlining himself, singing to the delight of such personalities as Alfred Apaka, Danny Kaleikini, Aunty Genoa Keawe, Lena Machado, Don Ho, Napua Stevens, George Na‘ope, Doug Mossman, Arthur Hew Len, Peter Mendiola, Auntie Nickie Heines, The Bee Sisters, and Uncle George Holokai, to name just a few. His talent made him a sought after entertainer with numerous bookings throughout Hawai‘i and on the Mainland.

Because of Uncle’s wonderful rapport and love for people, his career also included the management and promotion of many people and night spots on the island of O‘ahu, from Kilohana Gardens, Honey's, the Rice Bowl in Kane ‘ohe, Kealoha's on Kekaulike Street, Shindig on Pauahi and Mauna Kea to Elsie’s Club Polynesia on Hotel Street. In the 1990's, Uncle managed two nightclubs named after him... Uncle’s Place on Beretania Street in Mo'ili'ili and Uncle’s Place II on Kalakaua Ave.

It was his goal to provide a place where people could relax, listen and enjoy beautiful hawaiian music. Uncle's clubs were places of ono food, drink and entertainment the old fashion way. Often times it was standing room only at "Uncle's" with the musical styling's of Frank and Cathy Kawelo, Auntie Genoa Keawe or by the many local music celebrities who just happened by. There were always hula dancers or family and close friends to provide impromptu entertainment for the many guests who came to Uncle's.

When Uncle took a seat at the piano, you knew you were in for a treat. With no formal training, Uncle taught himself to play the piano "by ear." His fingers rolled over those shinny ivory keys and made the music come alive. When he sang, his amazingly smooth falsetto almost soprano voice captured your attention and was inarguably the start of an event that you couldn’t help wanting to be a part of.

Aunty Genoa Keawe use to say of Uncle, “he had the kind of voice that would stop you in your tracks”. And he maintained that beautiful voice right up to a year ago when he first became ill.

Peter Ahia described Uncle Eddie as, “The Japanese Hawaiian boy with a voice from Heaven”.

Uncle George Holokai once said, “There are those musicians who accompany hula dancers beautifully, then there are musicians like Uncle Eddie who make everybody a beautiful hula dancer, even if it’s only in your seat.”

Uncle Eddie learned hula from Aunty Iolani Luahine, Uncle Joe Kahaulelio, and mentorship by Aunty Maiki Aiu~ becoming the choreographer for many headlining floor shows throughout Waikiki and at the Officer's Clubs on military bases during the 1960’s. Uncle taught many accomplished and well known hula dancers over the years, graduating several who today, are Kumu Hula in their own right.

Uncle was one of those monumental people. A true gift from God, a source of brilliant light. Some of us were able, even if for a moment, to have that light shine upon us. At times it exposed beautiful things about us and at times not so beautiful things, but always in a way that provided teachable moments that ended up making us better people than we could have ever dreamt. That is the power of Uncle's kind of talent, in particular his God given talent of voice, music and love for people. "All of us who loved Uncle and who he loved unconditionally, experienced his aloha", said one of his students.

Another star came into being over Hawai‘i with his passing. There are many who have contributed to Hawaiian music and the culture closely associated with it, but Uncle Eddie’s talent, aloha and quiet stewardship of things Hawaiian will be greatly missed. He loved Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i loved him.

Ua pau ua hala lakou, a koe no na pua mae'ole me ko lakou aloha pau'ole... Though they have gone before us, their never-fading blossoms continue to bear their everlasting love.

Uncle is survived by his caregiver Edward “Kauka” Borges, Sons; David, Darryl, and Darvyn Ogawa, Grandchildren and great grandchildren and myriads of nieces and nephews.

Visitation 5-6 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2011, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 130 Ohua Ave., Waikiki. Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a Gathering of Remembrance from 7-8 p.m. Flowers and lei are welcome. Casual attire.

Arrangements under the direction of Borthwick Mortuary, Honolulu, HI.