Cecil Nielsen Hunt

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Cecil Nielsen Hunt, 68, passed away surrounded by his loving family at his home in Hawaii. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Zenaida; his daughter, Zhan and her children, Zariah and Zander; his daughter, Christina and son-in-law, Patrick; his brother, David and sister, Sala; his uncle, Eddie; and his vast extended family, including his brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Cecil was a salt-of-the-earth kind of man. Born on March 18, 1957 in Apia, Western Samoa, he was the 5th of seven children and was preceded in death by his parents, Ned and Helen “Elena” Hunt, and his siblings Lucilla Sagapolu, Anny Gogo, Mary Tuimavave, and Ned Hunt Jr.

Cecil worked for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits for 25 years, retiring in 2022 as the State Warehouse Manager. While at Southern, he won the Po’okela Limahana Award for Outstanding Achievement in 1998, 2000, and 2002, and served on the Hawaii Transportation Association Board of Directors for over 20 years. In 2024, he grew bored with retirement and joined Hawaii Foodservice Alliance as a Merchandising Manager.

To say that Cecil was gregarious is an understatement. He was Aloha personified, making friends everywhere he went with his natural charm and boundless generosity. From the golf course to the sidelines, from wine tastings to tailgates, Cecil loved life and loved sharing many of life’s joys and celebrations with his friends and colleagues.

He was a die-hard San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and UH Rainbows fan, and a dedicated backyard gardener who bonded daily with his plants. Christmas was his favorite holiday and he enjoyed covering his home with enough lights that his family swore you could see their little island corner from the International Space Station.

Yet, what Cecil loved most of all was his family. He was Hon and Sole to his partner-in-crime and warden, Zen. He was Daddy to his baby girls, and Papa to his grandbabies. He was their provider and protector. He was their comfort and cheerleader. He was their rock, who always placed their needs before his own, and carried them through life’s storms and triumphs. Now, they will carry him with them. Everywhere. Always.

“We love you, Papa!”

Cecil’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, December 12, 2025 at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Services at 45-425 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744. For directions, please call (808) 233-4400. Public viewing is scheduled from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with his service to follow from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.