Robert Henry Bannister Jr., 77, of Kailua, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026. He was born in Honolulu. In addition to being a beloved husband, father, and papa, Robert dedicated 40 years of service to the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting, where he served as a division chief. He was also a lifelong member of the Kaneohe & Kailua Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Although he described himself as “nothing special,” those who loved him would say otherwise. He was witty, intelligent and caring. Coming from humble beginnings, he became an avid fisherman, low-key throw net expert, talented Hawaiian-scape painter, die-hard L.A. Rams fan and a life-long home renovationist. He will be dearly missed. A hui hou, dad…until we meet again.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene “Evon”; daughter, Jody (Mark) Matsumura; sons, Brad “Kaipu” (Tess) and Bobby (Natasha) Bannister; grandchildren, Maila and Maicah Matsumura, Jaren (Natalie) Feliciano, Jacob (Ipo) Kamaka, Tyson (Kiana) and Emma Bannister; and great-grandchildren, Maluhia and Haunani Kamaka.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Bayview Hall, Bay View Golf Course, 45-285 Kaneohe Bay Drive. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m., with services to follow at 5 p.m. Aloha attire suggested.
