A collection of memories, photographs, anecdotes and videos of a life well lived. Henry Elia Kamae Jr, known to many as Uncle Henry, passed away in January 2014. We are using this platform to honor his memory and share the joy and laughter that he brought us with each other.
For Me, your father was a great and positive friend and even though he and I only had moments together, he will always be one of my best friends. Aloha.
-David May
Robert, Jack, Liz, Nohea, Kimberly and Henry
Sea World 2011 Robert, Kryssie, Jack, Melva Robbins, Liz, Nohea, Kimberly and David May, Henry
Canada 2010
Liz, Barbara (Ma) Wahl, Henry
Liz, Kimberly May, Henry, Barbara (Ma) and Ray Wahl
“Uncle” Henry Elia “Kalana” Kamae Jr, 72 of Long Beach, California passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2014 in Lakewood, CA. He was born July 27, 1941 in Honolulu, HI to Maraea and Henry Kamae Sr. one of 7 siblings. He graduated from Kahuku High School in 1959. Henry served several missions for the LDS church, building missions that included building the Polynesian Cultural Center and LDS Hawaiian Temple; proselyting missions to Hong Kong and the Philippines. He was multilingual. He attended Church College of Hawaii, now known as BYU Hawaii. Henry spent many years as a carpenter and drafter, and a lifelong musician He has been a resident of California for the last 40 years. Henry played and taught ukulele with a passion. His life was filled with music and he shared that joy with many. He sang and played for countless weddings, birthdays, luaus, parties, funerals, and other activities. For many years he could be found weekly playing at Bob's Hawaiian Restaurant in Gardena, CA. He also taught lessons for many years in La Palma and played with the Kolohe Ukulele Club. He was deeply rooted in Hawaiian Culture and spread the spirit of Aloha where ever he went. He found great joy participating in many Hawaiian Groups, Polynesian Associations and Ukulele Clubs. He played for several Halaus (Hula Groups) including Halau Kau Ike 'O Lani and Kamalu Productions and loved a good Kanikapila Jam session.
Henry loved and served his church his whole life and called the LDS Long Beach 7th ward of the Long Beach Stake in Southern California his home. He is survived by his dear sweetheart and wife of 31 years, Liz Kamae, 8 children: Darryn Kamae (and wife Ami), Jerrina Imbach (and husband Craig), Nathan Kamae, Jason Kamae, Alina Kamae, Kryssie Booth (and husband Robert), Keola Kamae (and wife Amanda) and Brina Kamae. 17 grandchildren: Mara, Buster, Devan, and Kurt Imbach; Darien, Alex, Jonah and Maddy Kamae; Dakota Kamae and Tranquil Kamae; Kawai Kamae and Jiiani Perez-Kamae; Amaris and Annicka; Jack and Nohea Booth; Anthony Kamae. Brothers Kenneth (and wife Lei) and Kane (and wife Kai) Kamae. Sisters in Law Chia Kamae and Harriet Kamae, Brother in Law Craig Brandow and each of their Ohanas. He joins parents, Maraea (Lua) and Henry Kamae Sr., Sisters Lulu Kamae, Kay-Vola Shannon and Nani Brandow, and brother Keawe Kamae in heaven along with many others in our Big Eternal Ohana. A memorial service will be held Sat. Jan 18, 2014 at 10am. 6979 Orange Ave. Long Beach, CA
Sing loud and sing strong. Families are Forever, Ohana Mau Loa. Mahalo Nui Loa
- Following your dad through a job-site in the Oakland area, back in the early 80s (before you were born). He was working as a carpenter on a home remodel. I just remember him striking a large nail into a wood frame with a single blow of the hammer and being in awe of his strength & skill. He was not cocky about it, though. He came off as just a humble worker doing his part to give someone a better home.
- Driving with your mom & dad (again, around 1982) to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on a rainy winter night. He took a $5 bill out of his wallet, and put it put it in the change machine at the arcade. They watched me with smiles on their faces as I spent every last quarter playing skee ball and arcade games. I grew up on very modest means, so that meant a great deal to me at the time.
- At Patty & Darren's home in California City, in the mid 90s. He led a private performance of a Kamae family hula show, in which you, Keola & Brina were dancers. He sang a number of traditional & popular Hawaiian songs, accompanied by his ukulele. I remember being mesmerized by his voice. I've since been to several professional luaus, but his voice stands out among them all. Perhaps I am a bit biased, but I don't ever recall another singer that ever matched up with his perfect voice.
- In general, I am struck by his gentle, calm demeanor in every interaction that I ever had with him. Yes, I have heard him raise his voice. But it was never mean-spirited - ever. He oozed the true spirit of aloha.
Three years ago, my brother was getting married across the country. We couldn't be there but I was trying to find a way that my dad could sing the Hawaiian Wedding Song for them. I ended up deciding YouTube might be the best and quickest option. I didn't realize that it would be something that people (other than the wedding party) would watch so I didn't even give poor dad a heads up. I just went out there with my little recorder and asked him to play.
This is how beautiful he sounded on the spot. At the drop of a hat. He could definitely bring it. In any key that was good for you. His voice is magic and I am beyond grateful that I have these on the spot, no fuss, quick videos.
