Stanton K. Pa

Retired December 25,1994 Honolulu Fire Dept. FF1 Station E22 Manoa. Survived by his wife of 34 years Inger Marie, his daughter Rene’e (Terry) Witherspoon, Carrollton, TX; Twin Brother Stanford; Sister Harriette Nakea; Father in-law Vernon Ray South Sr.; Brother in-laws Norman Chai, Vernon Ray South Jr., James Kamalani South; Sister in-laws Lorraine Pa, Stacey South, RaeAnn Kapukihilani South; Grandchildren Joshua (Brittany) Witherspoon Houston, TX., Jacob Witherspoon, Lubbock, TX., Kristen Witherspoon, Dallas, TX. Great Grandchildren; Jeremiah, Quinn Ruth, Houston, TX., numerous nieces and nephews and Pa, Jones, Bright, Rowan, McCabe, Wong, Leong, Hewitt, and Adams Ohana. Predeceased by; Parents Joseph Ouli and Elizabeth Amu Pa; Brothers; Gaylord (Nani) Kaonohi, Joseph (Verna), David, Chauncey, Sisters; Elizabeth Chai, Annabelle (Tommy) Kam, Mother in-law; Flaviana Reeves South.

Stanton attended St. Theresa, Maryknoll School and graduated from Farrington HS 1959. He always looked forward to his many FHS class reunions in Las Vegas. In 1978 he was chosen as Mo’i Kane to represent the Royal Court on O’ahu for Aloha Week, now known as Aloha Festivals.

Stanton devoted much of his time to the organizations he belonged to, especially the Shriners Hospitals for Children. He was a Noble with Shriners Aloha Temple, loved participating in the parades as a member of the Motor Corps as well as other fundraising activities. His leadership shined as Past President of the Kauai Shrine club where he mentored the younger members and imparted Knowledge, so they themselves could become leaders. Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Pearl Harbor Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. He also served as a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite bodies of Honolulu.

A week after retirement he and Inger moved to Kaua’i where they called home for 29 yrs. Stanton reached out to Aloha Shriners and was informed that there was a Kaua’i Shrine club which he was excited to be a member and joined. It was a small unit, but each member was also committed to serving the children that required Shriners services on the Garden Island. Doctors, Nurses and Therapists would travel from Honolulu to Kauai. Clinic visits were held at Wilcox Hospital, one of the Outreach Clinics located Worldwide. Keiki were treated and monitored, and future appointments were secured. Past Potentate of Aloha Temple Karvel Rose is also a member of Kauai Shrine Club. They participated in parades and several members drove their Tin Lizzie mini cars, the kids and crowd loved it, their Fez is recognized island wide.

Stanton was appointed to the Kauai Police Commission by then Mayor Maryanne Kusaka and served two terms. He was also a Member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha 1, Chapter 3, “Kaumualii”.

Stanton always made time in between his busy schedule during his retirement to pick limu kohu and opihi which he gave most away. Taking the long drive at 5:00am to Auntie Annie’s in Hanapepe to make Paa’kai was an all day affair, came home after the sun went down. The next day, he’d go to the market, which he also enjoyed doing, prep and cook massive meals in his wok. On Thanksgiving day at 4:30am, he and our neighbor Kamalu would start to deep fry the dozen turkeys they had prepared. By noon time they would deliver many as gifts to our neighbors and friends, that became a tradition. The countless backyard Pa’ina’s were always full of Love, Laughter, and Fun. Hawaiian music flowing continuously, picking and strumming guitars, pulling on the bass and plenty KauKau for all. Playing music at the Tahiti Nui in Hanalei with the Happy Hawaiians on Friday evenings was especially entertaining. You never knew who was in the crowd, and often times a celebrity would be invited on stage to grab a guitar, sing, dance hula, or all the above. On Sundays, after Pupus were made at home, we’d take the short drive to the Kauai Polo field at Anini. Stanton and Pops Peter Pi’ilani, bass player of Happy Hawaiians Band, were in charge of security at the field. They’d stroll around mainly to check out the Pupus being offered by the Polo Social Club (the Yaya’s gang). Always great times during polo season, matches were thrilling and intense. High goal players would often fly in from outer islands, like Ronnie Tongg and sons, from the mainland and international players too. Stanton and Toby Searles would grill often on Toby’s infamous, Have Grill Will Travel trailer. They were named the Ali’i Nui of BBQ at Polo.

Stanton’s heavy heart couldn’t keep up the pace, he put the Metal to the Petal, as long as he could hold it. Stanton Lived and Loved Life to the Fullest, and many Loved him to the Max.

Stanton’s Celebration of Life is 10:00am Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 at Maunalua Bay, Hawaii Kai, Canoe Hale. Scattering of ashes to follow. Loose flowers welcomed. Mahalo Nui. A Hui Hou