Marc Howard Kelberman

Marc passed away on August 29, 2026. While his absence leaves an enormous space in the lives of those who loved him, his life deserves to be remembered not for how it ended, but for how it was lived.

Marc had a deep and genuine love for animals. Whether they had fur, feathers, scales, or something in between, animals mattered to him. He believed they deserved kindness, patience, protection and respect. Caring for them came naturally to him, and the animals fortunate enough to share his life were never simply pets—they were family.

Hawaii held an equally special place in Marc’s heart. He loved the islands, the ocean, the wildlife and the extraordinary natural beauty of Hawaii. But what made Hawaii truly special to Marc went far beyond the place itself. Over the years, he formed many deep and lasting friendships there, some spanning more than 25 years. Those lifelong friendships became an important part of his connection to Hawaii and of the many treasured memories made there over the years.

Marc appreciated the things that make a life meaningful—the animals he cared for, the places he loved, the friendships he nurtured, experiences shared with those closest to him, and the countless ordinary moments that, looking back, were anything but ordinary.

Those who knew Marc will remember him in different ways: through stories that will continue to be told, memories that unexpectedly bring a smile, places that will always feel connected to him, and the animals whose lives were better because he cared for them.

That is how we choose to remember Marc—not by his illness or by the way his life ended, but by the life he lived and the things he loved.

For those wishing to honor Marc’s memory, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of two organizations chosen because they reflect things that mattered deeply to him:

Capital Caring Health — supporting compassionate hospice and advanced-illness care for patients and families, including those in need and those who may otherwise be unable to afford care.

https://capitalcaring.org/get-involved/donate/

Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center — a nonprofit wildlife hospital on the Big Island dedicated to the care, rehabilitation and conservation of Hawaii’s native wildlife.

https://www.hawaiiwildlifecenter.org/get-involved.html

Marc will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In the spirit of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s music that Marc so loved, and the Hawaiʻi that held such a special place in his heart:

A hui hou, Marc.

Until we meet again.