Robert Anthony Bermel

Robert Anthony Bermel, 85, died November 16, 2022, in Wailuku, HI. “Bob” or “Bucks” as he was known to many on Maui, was born in Los Angeles, CA, and was raised on the beach, surfing, abalone diving, spearfishing, and enjoyed camping and surfing trips to Mexico. In 1957, Bob, a renowned surfer, along with several others, was the first to surf Waimea Bay. Back in California, he was a lifeguard in Laguna Beach and San Clemente but always wanted to move back to Hawaii.

He moved to Lahaina in 1960, having worked in the construction industry; in restaurants as a bartender, waiter and owner; as a black coral diver; and as a member of a surveying crew. He ended his career by spending time in his greenhouse turning his Olinda property into a tropical paradise.

Bob met Nancy, his wife of 38 years, on New Year’s Day 1984, on the ski slopes in southwest Colorado where he was co-owner of a restaurant and bar, having left Maui once again to pursue his dream of learning to ski. They married eight months later and spent many weekends skiing, camping, trout fishing and exploring Colorado before moving back to Maui in 1990.

He is survived by his wife Nancy; his daughter Lois of Napili; granddaughter Mary of Redwood Valley, CA; his son Glen, daughter-in-law Martha, and grandson Alex, all of Lahaina; and his brother, John of Grants Pass, OR. He is also survived by nieces Kelly, Lindsay and Caitlin; nephew Andrew; sisters-in law, Karen Nordfelt and Ann Lyman; brothers-in-law, Bob Lyman and Trevor Nordfelt; dear friend Sherry Endresen; and many long time Maui, California, and Colorado friends.

Bob’s wishes were to have his ashes scattered in the ocean off the coast of Dana Point, CA, where he learned to surf as a teenager. His warm smile, great stories, and friendly personality will be deeply missed by all who knew him.