William Gonzales

William "Uncle Billy" Gonzales died on December 29, 2011 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jeanne Gonzales; his son, Hokunaho'oikaika Williama (Lei) Gonzales; daughters, Wendy Gerry and Theresa (Eric Hamp) Gerry; and sister, Gloria Gonzales. William is also survived by his nephew Brandt Gonzales and four loving grandchildren: Arianna Kaho'okaleiula Reinholt, Elias Makana Hamp, Ikaikamana'auikaponokekahi Makaila Gonzales, and Haweohokukomana'olana Gonzales. William was perhaps best known on Maui for his role as a water official for canoe racing. He volunteered with various paddling associations for more than twenty years, managing equipment, setting lanes and officiating races on the water. William had a deep reverence for native Hawaiian culture, which was evident in every aspect of his life. He learned to dance hula from Auntie Emma Sharpe in the 1970"s and continued dancing throughout his life. As a performer and the cliff diver at Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock) for 12 years, he shared Hawaiian culture with visitors from all over the world. His many cultural talents included diving, paddling, chanting, and preparing beautiful haku lei as gifts for special occasions. Born in Lahaina and raised in Honokowai, William graduated from Lahainaluna High School in 1970. He earned an Associates Degree at Maui Community College in 1972 and went on to become a member of the Hawaii Carpenter"s Union. He began paddling with Kahana Canoe Club in the early 1980"s. Prior to raising his own children, William volunteered as a leader with Boy Scouts of Maui. These young scouts, who are now grown men with children of their own, may have been among the first to call him "Uncle Billy." Aloha ,,oe, to a wonderful husband, dad, papa and friend. A hui ho.

Visitation: Visitation will be held at Ballard Family Mortuary this Saturday, January 7, from 3:30pm to 6:30 pm; service will be at 4:30 pm.

Services: A memorial & pa'ina will follow the next day at Hanakao'o Beach Park (Canoe Beach), Sunday, January 8, at 10:00 am.