Ralph Katsuji Sakamura's Obituary
Ralph Katsuji Sakamura of Lanai City passed away peacefully on Maui, April 6, 2024 with his niece, Lynette by his side. Ralph was born on Oct. 12, 1941, in Lanai to the late Masaru and Hatsuko Sakamura. He attended and graduated from Lanai High School in 1959. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army as a vehicle mechanic and completed his years of service. One of his past times while enlisted was playing baseball. Upon his discharge, he returned home to Lanai and went to work for Dole Company and subsequently for Lanai Oil where he eventually retired.
He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He looked forward to hunting season each year as that is when friends he made over the years came over. He loved playing his ukulele and loved singing. He always said that he was the “Elvis of Lanai.”
Ralph is predeceased by his parents Masaru and Hatsuko Sakamura, brother Ray Sakamura, sisters Jane Nakamura, Dora Sakamura, Phyllis Rabang, nephews Glen and Miles Sakamura and his longtime partner Hilde Schmid. He is survived by brother Gerald (Nancy) Sakamura, nieces and nephews Aileen (Jim) Playter, Faith (Ron Hofrichter) Nagata, Neal Nakamura, Elissa (Ron) Richardson, Alan (Janet Kroger) Sakamura, Lynette (Mike Kamada) Sakamura, Ted (Ruth) Nakamura, Karina Beauchan, Valerie Sakamura, Jeanelle Rabang-Chai, Miki (Trevor) Low, Sean (Nalani) Rabang and Corynn Sakamura. He is also survived by numerous cousins, grand nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services on Maui will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Nakamura Mortuary. Visitation 10:00 am to 11:00 am, service from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Lunch to follow. A funeral service on Lanai will be held on Thursday May 23, 2024, at Lanai Hongwanji from 8:30 am to 9:40 am, inurnment to follow at Lanai Veterans Cemetery. Lunch will be provided after inurnment back at the church. The family would like to thank Hospice Maui, Dr. Dane Kurohara and Malia and all family members and friends.
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