Christopher Anthony Ankele's Obituary
After a long struggle with health issues, Christopher Anthony Ankele, born December 7, 1962 passed away peacefully on October 20, 2020 in Kahului, Maui, Hawai‘i. Chris was born at St. Luke's Hospital in Pasadena, California. He was born and raised in Southern California, spending years in Nebraska, Colorado, and Arizona, but Maui, Hawai‘i was his home.
As a young child, Chris lived in Melbeta, Nebraska and his grandpa Manual named him "DYNAMITE" because of his rascally character, which he lived up to until the end. It was clear at an early age that Chris had a passion for sports. He loved watching all sports, especially football, baseball, and basketball. His favorite teams were “his LA teams,” the Lakers, the Dodgers, and of course, his RAIDERS! Win or lose, he was a die-hard fan and loyal to his teams over the years. Chris was an avid sports fan and sports were a huge part of his life. When it came to sports, both college and pro, Chris had a photographic memory and was an expert in his field. He had an impeccable ability to recall team and player stats and details of memorable games and moments in sports. He enjoyed watching, talking, and following sports through his final days.
Above all, Chris loved family, which was the most important thing to him. He treasured his mother, Phyllis, and enjoyed going holo holo and spending time with her. He enjoyed gatherings with family and friends and loved to cook for others. His favorite specialty Mexican dish to cook was pozole, which was a huge family favorite, especially amongst his nieces and nephews – they loved Uncle Chris’ pozole. Chris also enjoyed going to the beach and watching his Maui sunsets.
Chris was a proud uncle and had a special love for all his nieces and nephews. Each one was very important to him and he always made time to talk to them and support their endeavors. On Maui, he enjoyed watching his niece, Krista, and nephew, Adam, play sports and was so proud of their athletic and academic accomplishments.
Chris had a heart of gold and was truly one in a million. He loved meeting people, “talking story” and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He touched the lives of many and made friends everywhere he went. He was loved by so many family, friends and extended ohana. His passing has left a void in so many hearts and he will truly be missed. We will hold dear and cherish all the fun and crazy memories. Rest in peace our dear Chris, we love you forever.
Chris is survived by his mother, Phyllis (Felicitas) Hernandez; sisters Vyonne Vasquez and Michelle (Dean) Yamashita; brothers Richard (Catherine) Tapia, Michael Ankele, and Thomas Ankele; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur Ankele, and survived by his Stepmother Gilda Ankele and Stepbrothers Rudy and Daniel (Kerri) Torres.
A Memorial will be held at Nakamura Mortuary on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. Family viewing will be from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Public viewing from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm with a Service from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Family and friends are welcome. Due to the current pandemic, wearing of masks and social distancing practices will be required for all in attendance. Cremation and burial services will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Maui Memorial Park for the immediate family.
The services will be live-streamed for all who would like to attend it virtually, please email – [email protected] for the link. Condolences may be sent to Phyllis Hernandez, P.O. Box 331077, Kahului, HI 96733.
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