Edward Y. Chang Jr.

Edward Ying Chang, Jr., known to many as Ed, Eddie, Eddie Boy and Uncle Eddie, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and kupuna whose life reflected a deep love for family, land, and the Makena community he called home.

Ed was born in Wailuku, Maui, on February 29, 1932, the eldest son of Edward Ying Chang, Sr., and Harriet Kulamanu Laumauna. Ed had fond memories of growing up in Makena, Maui. It was there that he developed deep roots for his heritage and a lifelong love for the ocean and land.

Ed attended Ulupalakua School and was a proud graduate of Lahainaluna High School. His interest in agriculture led him to attend college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in California, where he earned a degree in Biological Science. He later continued his studies at the University of Southern California.

In 1953, Ed was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. It was there that he met his future wife, Laureen Tsuruko Sakugawa (“Laurie”), a student at the University of Puget Sound who was also from Maui. In 1956, they were married in Morro Bay, California, and settled in Los Angeles to work and raise a family. Together, they had five children and were married for nearly 67 years.

Ed had a long and successful career with the manufacturing company Lever Brothers. He began as a chemist in Los Angeles and worked his way up to become manufacturing manager in St. Louis, Missouri; Hammond, Indiana; and finally, Los Angeles. Ed was known for his ability to analyze and solve complex problems. He had a sharp memory for facts and an exceptional understanding of how processes and systems work together to achieve results. After nearly 32 years with the company, Ed retired from Lever Brothers.

Makena was always home to Ed, and returning there allowed him to live close to the ocean, the land, and the memories that shaped him. In 1988, Ed returned home to Makena with his wife Laurie, fulfilling a long-held wish to return to Maui. He built a home, grew papayas and palms, fished, and spent time with his Maui family. Over the years, he was often asked by community members and organizations to share his knowledge of Makena’s history and how the area had changed. Ed became a respected kupuna on the subject, hoping that sharing his memories would help preserve what is special about Makena and the place he loved.

Ed had many interests and talents. In college, he played halfback on the football team. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed fishing, and loved building furniture. He appreciated jazz, slack-key, and Hawaiian music. He enjoyed cooking with a wok, sharing a good bottle of wine, and engaging in lively conversation and debate. He especially loved being surrounded by family and friends. But most of all, Ed enjoyed singing, playing his guitar, and cultivating plants in his nursery.

Ed passed away peacefully at home in Makena on February 26, 2026, two days shy of his 94th birthday. He joins his beloved wife Laurie, who passed away in 2023. He is survived by his five children: Keiki (Clem) Kawaiʻaeʻa, Puena (Stan) Keolanui, Lani (Randy) Garcia, Edward III (Rebecca) Chang, and Momi (Dutch) Hunter; his brother Lawrence Chang; his sisters Helaine Chock, Norma Lei Noland, and Luella Crutcher; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 18 in Makena. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.