Donald Kaipo Poepoe Sr.

Donald lived a beautiful and blessed life, using his devout faith as a foundation for all that he accomplished. His joy was his family, and his chosen path was his hard work: Donald began his professional career as a paniolo on Kanonoulu Ranch in Kula, Maui, and then Murphy Ranch on the Island of Molokai. Donald then entered into construction with Fong Construction, Hawaiian Dredging, as owner/operator of Poi’s Excavation and Goodfellow Brothers.

Following many years working as an operator and then retiring from Operating Engineers Union, Local Three, Donald started a new career as a driver for Roberts of Hawaii, which he maintained while serving Kalama Intermediate School and King Kekaulike High School as a school security officer and, much more important, the sunshine of support for students and staff at both schools.

He is survived by his wife, Violet, who he was devoted to, his stepmother Jean Poepoe, brother Robert Makuakane (June), sisters Shirley Kepani (Ray), and Kathleen Lambert (Isaac), children Donald K. Poepoe Junior (Louise Albarano), Dolly L. Poepoe (Joy Medeiros), Denise H. Oguma (Edward Oguma) and Daniel K. McKeague, and five grandchildren.

A celebration in loving memory of Donald will be held at Norman’s Mortuary on Friday, March 18, 2016, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Visitation will also take place on Saturday, March 19, 2016, 8:30 to 10:00 AM, with burial at Maui Memorial Park to follow.