John Kingson Char

Born on September 10th, 1935 to Bertha Kam Char and Dr. Wai Sinn Char (also a dentist) and growing up in the Wilhelmina Rise neighborhood as the middle son of five children, John showed an early interest and commitment to service of country, and to others. He excelled in sports and academics at Iolani School. Then, at age 18, following the encouragement of the senior Dr. Char, he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve.

While a reservist, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska and enrolled in Creighton University – earning both an undergraduate degree and Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS). Afterwards, Dr. Char was commissioned into the U.S. Navy Dental Corps on active duty service, earning the second highest rating among 67 Navy dentists at the San Diego Training Center; he was also bestowed the award for best physical fitness. He later cared for thousands of Sailors and Marines at Naval Air Station Miramar (of “Top Gun” fame) and then at Naval Administrative Command during the early Vietnam War era.

While in the Navy, Lieutenant John Kingson Char also developed a gift for invention and innovation. During his service, he had invented a unique double ended dental instrument and also designed a mobile dental cabinet for the Navy – and of course, when off hours, enjoyed an active social life where he captained the Navy bowling team that won the Fifth District National Championships.

After retiring from active duty in 1963, Dr. Char returned to his native Hawaii and started a family with his first wife, Emiko, with whom he had two daughters, Corinne and Camille. He later married Johanna Bly in 1974, and they shared 52 years together until his passing, while also having their son, Seth.

Dr. Char always believed in the maxim that learning never stops; he continued to educate, train, and learn throughout his life, eventually earning advanced degrees beyond his dental education. He earned his Doctorate in Holistic Medicine (DHM), a PhD in Natural Science, and his Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) designation: all while lending his vast knowledge to help patients in his private dental practice for over 47 years.

Dr. Char’s dental practice in Pearl City (then later moved to Aiea) was ahead of its time, being the first in the history of Hawaii to follow holistic principles and to eschew the use of mercury and heavy toxic metals in the mouth. He was an early pioneer in the field of holistic dentistry and on the dangers of heavy toxic metals, having authored three books on the subjects and hosting numerous presentations before the American Dental Association and the State of Hawaii’s Board of Health. Later in his career, Dr. Char served as President and Chairman of the Hawaii Acupuncture Board of Examiners, founded a renowned holistic wellness clinic, produced and hosted a weekly talk show on local television, wrote hundreds of articles for various worldwide magazines and publications, invented various holistic wellness techniques, software programs, and devices and tools, and taught courses under his non profit college.

Other life accomplishments include serving as President of the Hawaii Chinese Jaycees, where his father was founder, and where, under his leadership, the Jaycees won national and international awards and recognition. John also was a third degree black belt in Universal Kempo Karate (UKKSA) and won two “best assistant instructor” awards. After retirement, he loved to sing in the local men’s chorus, the Sounds of Aloha, where he was the recipient of multiple awards and citations: including the 2008 President’s Award.

John is survived by his wife, Johanna, and children, Seth and Corinne. He was preceded in death by his daughter Camille, and parents Bertha Kam Char and Wai Sinn Char.

Dr. Char will be interred at Hawaii Memorial Park, at the Ocean View, as per his wishes in life and love for this unique scenery overlooking the bay. A private celebration of his life will take place at a date and place to be announced in the future.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Char’s family requests that donations be made to the American Legion Hawaii Chapter, or the Holistic Dental Association.