Ricardo Favorito Briones

Ricardo Favorito Briones was born on July 20, 1937 in Caoayan, Illocos Sur, Philippines and passed away quietly on April 5, 2021 in Wailuku, Maui. Rick's 83 years of life were filled with joy, fun some hardships, and much love.

At the age of eight, Rick moved with his family to Hawaii. He was a 1956 graduate of Maui High, and a proud alumnus who attended Saber football games for decades after.

Soon after high school, Rick served honorably in the US Navy. After returning home to Maui, Rick was blessed with four wonderful children. For many years Rick worked as a welder for Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company.

On Valentine's Day 1983, Rick married the love of his life, his eternal sweetheart, Iwalani Kaaa. Through this union he was blessed with 6 stepchildren and many more grandchildren. Iwalani and Rick lived a full life together; dancing, singing karaoke, traveling, serving in their church, and most dear to them, caring for their grandchildren.

In the twilight years of his life, Rick found much joy in singing karaoke at Kaunoa Senior Center and centerstage at Queen Kaahumanu Center. He enjoyed cooking and eating his favorite dishes with his grandchildren, and was always up to watching the latest action movie playing in theatres. He also loved to watch a good boxing match! Go Pacquiao! Rick could often be found playing cards with “the boys” at the shopping center food court. He cherished spending time with his siblings and their families. Rick was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and loved attending church services and activities. He was a humble, selfless man who was always ready to lend a helping hand.

He is predeceased by his wife Iwalani Kaaa-Briones; parents, Serapio and Cleotilia Quiocho Briones; and brother Rodrigo Briones. He leaves behind sons, Ricky Randall Briones, Curtis (Teri) Briones, Dean Briones; daughter, Cindy Bettencourt; stepchildren, Ross (Sandy) Kaaa, Tommy (Dawna-deceased) Kaaa, Glenn Kaaa, Francis (Nalani) Kaaa, Butch (Marian) Kaaa, Glennette (TJ) Heart; brothers, John Martin Briones, Alfredo (Cecilia) Briones; sisters, Marie Zarrella, Linda Floyd, Beverly Lashley; 30 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.

As his family, we could not have asked for a greater blessing than to have been loved by him. He was a wonderful husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. There is a deep void in our hearts as we bid him a fond a hui hou. We look forward with excitement to the day we will be reunited with him.

Due to Covid-19, a drive-thru viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 28th from 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon at Ballard Family Mortuary with burial to follow at Maui Veteran's Cemetery.