At age 57, George Ferreira of Makena, Maui, left this earthly realm on March 19, 2009 for the heavenly home of his Lord, Jesus Christ. George was born on July 14, 1951, in Honolulu, Hawaii to parents Eleanor Burns Ferreira and the late George Peters Ferreira Jr. An Alumnus of the Kamehameha Schools, Kapalama campus, Class of 1969, George also served in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division and is a veteran of the Vietnam War serving time there in the early 1970's.

Growing up, he learned the "Paniolo" way of life from family members of Ulupalakua and Kaupo, most of who have already passed on. He also had a deep love for studying the Bible and would do a lot of research in obtaining an understanding of its teachings. If there is one thing that he enjoyed talking about; it was this subject. He lived a very simple life and enjoyed it.

George is survived, and will be lovingly missed by his mother Eleanor Burns Ferreira, two brothers; Everett (Carol), Kieven: three sisters: Gretchen Dafun, Heidi Au (Dexter), Georgina Nihipali, Godson; Kenwell Alika Dafun, nieces and nephews, other family members from Hawaii, South Carolina, California, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, New Zealand and his friends that he held dearly to his heart.

A Memorial Service was held on Good Friday, April 10, 2009 at Keawala'i Church in Makena, Maui. Ashes to be scattered at a later date unless the "Rapture" happens first.

Mahalo to Rosalind Kaplan (Solomon) for reporting on the service:------------
On Friday, my husband and I attended the services for George Ferreira. Keawala`i Congregational Church in Makena is a beautiful place, right on the shoreline of Makena beach. The church is very old, founded in 1832.

There were quite a lot of people there and we saw many friends. As I entered the church, I spotted Hoalani Moikeha seated inside talking with some people. I saw George's brother, Kieven, and went up to give him my aloha. I gave him a blue and white satin lei I had made on behalf of the Class of '69 which he laid on the table next to the urn. Then I went to say hi to Hoalani. Later, outside, I was talking with my cousin when in walks Leon Ayat. I run into Leon from time to time. Back in the 70's he worked as a valet at the old Halekulani Hotel. While we were talking I saw who I thought was Eric Sodetani. Sure enough, it was, so I walked over and said hello. He introduced me to his wife and when I asked if he was going to the reunion he said probably not as he will be retiring at that time and will have lots going on.

The service began around 11. Simple yet beautiful. When it was pau, we said our goodbyes to the family and headed home.

I had not seen George since school. My husband knew him though. He said they used to paddle with Malama`ula Canoe Club years ago. George was known as Waipuna. They were members of the senior mens' team. My husband said that Waipuna didn't like having to wait their turn to use the canoe, so he bought another canoe for them. George sat in seat 2 but since he bought the canoe he wanted to take the stroker position, but my husband told him "no, you numba 2. Biggie is stoker." So, he stayed in second position. Others we spoke to told us how George loved horses, riding and spending time on his ranch in Makena and that in the past he frequently rode in parades. It sounds like he had a simple life, yet a life that suited him and allowed him to do the things he loved.

Aloha,
Roz