Beloved brother, adoring uncle and loyal friend to many. He is survived by his sister Nellie (Emilio) Canencia Jr.; brothers Leroy J., William M., Harold C., and Leonard M., preceded in death by his sister Laurel P. Tavares.
Born in Honolulu and spent most of his younger days in Lanakila until 1958 when the family moved to Pearl City. With thriving cane fields and an active cane haul road Pearl City was a beautiful new neighborhood with many new friends to be made. And that he did.
Donald was a handsome child, friendly, funny and very likeable. He had no problem making new friends. It was fun days of friends playing football and baseball on the streets from sunrise to sunset. It was a great neighborhood to live in.
He attended school in Pearl City and later graduated from Waipahu High School, Class of 1966. He loved Rock and Roll music, hot rods and dancing. He was an exceptionally excellent dancer and was voted best dancer at Waipahu High School back in the day. He was quite humorous and enjoyed listening to and telling great jokes. Laughter is food for the soul. Don loved to laugh and make people laugh! He would say “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight” And that he did.
Don led a good, passionate life. His hobbies were after work beer time, ono pupus, Hawaiian music, conversations about all kinds of cars and hotrods and tennis. Yes, Donald was an excellent tennis player. He frequented the Ala Moana Courts, and Leeward Community College Courts with brothers Harold, Leroy, sister Laurel, sometimes sister Nellie and the tennis gang. He didn’t look like a tennis player so his opponent would be shocked when he whooped um. Countless happy memories were made with his brothers, sisters, and tennis family. And that he did.
Don’s journey to becoming a passionate car enthusiast began at Nishi’s Auto Service in Pearl City, to Mutt’s Body & Fender in Kakaako, then Wong's Auto Body also in Kakaako, and then Peerless Automotive. His desire to have his own shop to do custom work flourished with sister Nellie and brother-in-law Emilio’s encouragement. Together they started D&N Auto Body & Painting Inc. in 1979. Brother Leroy, best friend Kenneth Yonemura, and nephew Billy Dias were the original crew. 41 years later Don’s crew is still best friend Kenneth Yonemura, nephews Billy Dias, Rusty Canencia, and Steve Aguon. Donald’s creativity and skill made him an exceptional craftsman. He was a master in automotive painting and a visionary for automotive custom design and painting. He was truly blessed with meeting numerous talented people who had the same passion for cars, car shows, races, restorations and cars in general. Don was always generous, never boastful and willing to share his skill and his humble heart with others. And that he did.
Don continued making new friends in his latter life. Friends with his doctors, nurses, and other patients at hospitals, care centers, rehab and dialysis facilities. His earthly body may have been failing him but his shining spirit was strong. He was determined to share his passion for living with the new friends in his life. His positive spirit inspired others to “keep being strong too!” He had a nick name at Kuakini Hospital; they called him the Miracle Man. With GOD all things are possible and from whom all blessings flow. Donald was a devoted Christian and always had a relationship with Our Father in Heaven. As time passed he held HIM closer to his humble heart. Believe and you shall receive. Yes, that he did.
Don prayed for a peaceful passing when the time came. He wanted to leave this world softly, for his heart could not bear the tears to fall. Not one more hour. Not one more day. His prayer was answered and he left us softly. And that he did.
The God of Peace is with you Donald Herbert Tavares. Your legacy will live on.
And that we’ll do.
Donald was a member of KA MAKUA MAU LOA CHURCH on Mokauea St. In Kalihi.
Donald will be cremated and his Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
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