Kenneth Tanaka's Obituary
Ken is home
Early Saturday morning, August 24, 2024, our beloved Ken went to be with his Lord Jesus. Though we weren’t prepared for the suddenness of his passing, God was, and he passed surrounded by family.
Kenneth Rikio Tanaka, (Pastor Ken Tanaka), 67, was born on May 9, 1957 to Earl I. and Sayono T. Tanaka. He graduated from Baldwin High School and received a degree in electronics from Honolulu Community College, which led to his career as an audio technician and business partner in Maui Audio Center. Ken later received his theology degree from International Bible College. His tenure as youth leader, associate pastor and co-pastor of Kahului Union Church extended several decades. Ken also served on the Board of Doris Todd Christian Academy for many years.
His skill and talent as an audio technician led him to associations with many renowned local and mainland artists. He was a “MacGyver” who could fix or fashion whatever was needed, a behind the scenes go-to guy for the unending tasks that kept things running. On his days off, you would find him at the church, laboring on something that just had to get done. Most of all, he was a faithful servant of God and lived his life in service to others. He taught, encouraged, comforted, and walked side by side with all who he encountered, without judgment, but always with love and compassion. He was Uncle Pastor Ken to the KUC Preschool where his weekly chapel sessions were eagerly anticipated for many years, and to the Youth Ministry groups he helped shepherd through their difficult formative years. He was always on call working for the congregation and the local community. His ministry outreach was wherever he was at, including Roselani Place, Southern Baptist conventions, mission trips to Mexico, New Mexico & Japan, and even Fremont Street in Las Vegas!
Ken married his cherished wife, Annette, in 1997. Hand in hand, they served the Lord together and enjoyed travelling domestically and abroad. Ken retired from Kahului Union Church on August 1, 2024.
Ken is survived by Annette, brother Roy (Mary), sister Charlene (Dennis) Doi, and nieces & nephews.
Our family has been blessed by all who surrounded us with love and support through prayers, fellowship, and sustenance. We are grateful to the Maui Memorial Medical Center ER and ICU teams, and Hospice Maui for their kindness and compassion in caring for Ken and our families.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Kahului Union Church.
Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by service at 10:00 a.m.
The family requests no flowers. In lieu of koden, contributions may be made to Hospice Maui.
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