Birth date: Dec 21, 1933 Death date: Jan 20, 2022
Henry “Bruno” Mitsuji Ariyoshi, 88, of Wailuku, passed away on January 20, 2022. He was born in Puunene and retired as the Principal from Lahainaluna High School. He is survived by his sons, Reed (Dyan) and Eric; daughter, Faye (D Read Obituary
Coach, your tough love during my 4 years as a Luna, both on the field and in the classroom have help me become the person I am today. Even after my Luna years, you've continued to be a mentor and close friend.
I will miss you and Maureen but I know there will be a day I will be playing for you again.
Aloha Coach...for now, A hui hou kākou.
Dizzy
I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Lahainaluna High School 'ohana since fall 1984. ... I recall my first time meeting Mr. Ariyoshi...I had a scheduled interview for a position at LHS via then VP Larry Joyo. Was told to see him on football field. I had no idea who he was as I searched through the players and other coaches. When I finally connected with him all he said was "Oh, okay, go see Jean in office for the papers!" Then it was 30 years of a wonderful experience at the oldest school west of the Rockies. During his time as my principal I am grateful for his continuous support of me and our student activities program. Without his trust, support, and encouragement I would not have been able to grow into the position as Student Activities Coordinator. HIs rough-sounding voice can be intimidating but you could always feel the love from him and his desire to be of service to the staff and students, especially the Boarders as he lived on campus with them. He was a professional with much compassion and understanding. May you rest in eternal peace and love and aloha. Mr. Ariyoshi you are appreciated, loved, and will be missed but never forgotten. A hui hou, Art Fillazar
Mister, I thought I left a tribute to you here yesterday but it has never posted and so perhaps you will have two tributes from me and that is fine as you are deserving of them.
I remain ever grateful that you hired me in 1991 as a Lahainaluna Boarding Department Counselor. I thank you for giving me scoldings when I needed them and for your constant encouragement which I came to realize were the two sides of the same coin and an essential part of how you looked at life. You remain the best principal I ever worked for and also a friend I have treasured for 30-plus years. You always found a way to get the best out of people and your leadership in doing so was a constant example to me.
I have never forgotten the day that you succinctly provided me with my job description. “Katy,’ you said. “Your job is to get the best out of these kids, not the worst. If you are getting the worst out of them then you’re doing something wrong and you need to rethink how you are dealing with them.” I have always remembered those words and they served me well during my 15 years at the dorm, as they do to this day.
Thank you to you and Maureen for always taking care of me and for the many wonderful conversations and meals we shared. I always considered myself a boarder, too, albeit an older one, and I thank you and Maureen for your enthusiasm toward making Lahainaluna my home for so many years. I am grateful that after I returned to the mainland in 2005 to care for my elderly mother that you and I continued to be faithful letter-writing correspondents (though deciphering your handwriting remained challenging— most who worked with you would agree on that last point!
Your greatest legacy will always be found in the lives you touched through your guidance your direction, and your example. Those lives number in the hundreds and we will miss you so. Aloha Oe, Mister.
Katy Greer
Missouri
Lucky Odoshi says it so well, Mister. I’ve nothing but gratitude that you hired me as a Lahainaluna dorm counselor in 1990.. For 15 years I considered myself as just another Hoapili boarder albeit an older one, and you and Maureen always looked out for me, too. Your impact on my life, as an educator and as a friend, has been great. I thank you for the lectures I needed, and for the scoldings I endured, and for your constant encouragement in the first case and for the many fine meals and conversations we shared in the latter case after you retired. I am thankful that you were a consistent letter-writier as well after my return to the mainland in 2005 although, as many can attest, deciphering your handwriting was always a challenge.
I remember the day you reminded me early on of what my job was about. “Your job,” you said, “is to get the best out of them and not the worst. If you’re getting the worst, something’s wrong in your attitude.” Over the years, those words have stayed with me and I have used them in every area of my life and I thank you for teaching me that truth.
Your greatest legacy is in all the lives you influenced just by being yourself, Mister, and your memory will always be a blessing in those lives you touched merely by your example. Aloha Oe.
Katy Greer
Missouri
Condolences to the family of Mr. Ariyoshi. We will always remember him.
Thank you, Sir Bruno, for always looking out for The Boarders in your care, and showing us pride and love. For some people you were one of the strongest father figures we had. Thank you for helping to shape my life. I dont know what I would be doing without you (and The Lahainaluna program) Your kindness, sternness, honesty and tough love helped to fill what was missing in my life. I promise that I will continue to do my best in life, and I will strive to make a continued positive impact, for my kids and others.
Bruno was a man of wisdom. I got to know him quite well when he ran the Special Motivation Program at Lahaina Intermediate.. he was old school and believed in tough love, but through it all he had a great heart.. When he moved to Waikapu I used to get an occasional call to come and pick up some pickled mango or tsukemono..was so ono!! I was fortunate also to indulge is some of Mrs Ariyoshi’s pies.. that were out of this world. I cherish the cookbook he published in Mrs Ariyoshi’s memory. He would always ask about my boys and became quite a good friend. I will definitely miss his wisdom and friendship. RIP Bruno…
Mr. Ariyoshi, was a kind and thoughtful man. Very fair, always thinking of our welfare. He was a great Principal, he always made time to listen. I am successful because he told me "it doesn't matter where you are from, what matters is where you go, forward is not an option" Thank you Mr. Ariyoshi BNP Electrical Estimating and Consulting is thriving because of those words.
Aloha Bruno - your “pool girls” all miss you ❤️
