Dear Waxman Family,
I was out walking my dogs this evening when for some reason I thought about Dr. Waxman. He was certainly one of the more memorable teachers I had as  a pediatric resident at Kapi’olani Hospital from ‘87-‘90. 
He would expect us to always do our best for his patients - with his deep voice and intimidating bushy eyebrows, he’d give us a few recommendations for their care then expect us to figure out the rest. I remember one night admitting one of his young patients, a two-year old with new onset insulin dependant diabetes. The child’s mom wanted to give him a soda, so I figured a diet soda would be best because of no sugar. Dr. Waxman’s incredulity the next morning with my stupidity was legendary. I’ll never forget that lesson!
But, I’ll  always remember how supportive he later became of my career.

My very belated condolences on his passing,

Chris Derauf
Rochester, Minnesota

From Malcom and Audrey Ing:
 
MAY, 2023
DEAR DOROTIA,
 
IT WAS WITH GREAT SADNESS, I READ ABOUT SAM'S PASSING.
 
AS EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR HUSBAND WAS THE ‘DOCTOR’S
DOCTOR’: HE PROVIDED GREAT PEDIATRIC SERVICE TO MY DAUGHTERS AND ALSO ONE GRANDDAUGHTER.
 
SAM COMBINED BRILLIANCE AND COMPASSION IN ALL HIS SERVICE TO US.
 
HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL HE TOUCHED IN DAILY AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE.
 
I CHOOSE ONE OF THE CARDS MADE FROM ONE
OF MY PAINTINGS BECAUSE
TIE WATER OF LIFE CONTINUES
TO FLOW DESPITE OUR LOSSES.
 
OUR LOVE AND BLESSINGS
GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,
 
MAL AND AUDREY ING

From Janet Nakagawa:
 
I worked for Dr Waxman from l971 until his retirement in September of 2014. I planned to "give this job at least one year" as a new medical assistant but found that I would continue to support working for him because he was a generous and kind boss.    As the years went by, including moving from the group practice with Children's Medical Clinic next to the old Civic Auditorium to solo practice at the Kapiolani Maternity Hospital in ? 1974, including moving three times while the Kapiolani Medical Center's physician tower was constructed and his permanent office finally completed.
 
His pediatric and pediatric endocrinology specialty kept the practice busy, working Monday through Saturdays.  He saw patients from Guam, Samoa, as well as outer islands and here on Oahu for consultations. Dr Waxman always hand wrote his consult letters by hand until staff could decipher and type the letters. He advanced to the dictaphone on microtapes, then to hand held tape recorders.   
As a parent, he and Tia gook good care of his children. I remember when Kawika was a newborn in the hospital nursery - he called Tia to get ready for a new baby coming home to join the Waxman ohana.  They scrambled to get diapers and formula set up. I watched Kaleo, Teppi, Keoni and Kawika grow from keikihood to adulthood. Dr Waxman was so proud of their accomplishments. As the grandkids came along, he would make sure he took time from his schedule to go watch their sporting activities.
 
Occasionally when I see parents or former patients who recognize me, they would ask about Dr Waxman and mention that they remembered him for his signature eyebrows.  
 
My condolences to the Waxman ohana.
 
Janet Nakagawa

Dear Tia, Kaleo, Teppi, Keoni and KK,
 
Lea informed Sandy and me of Sam passing away yesterday. We were very sad to hear of his death, but acknowledged , with happy reminiscences, that he had always lived the way he wanted to live, and had lived a good life complete with a long time loving wife and dear children.

We were blessed to have had him in our life from the time we gave birth to our first child, who will celebrate her 48th birthday this year. Sam was there to guide me (a young and inexperienced mother) through the challenges of breast feeding, teething, potty training of the first few years; then and steadfastly took care of our next child, a son,  who arrived 9 and 1/2 years later, assuring me through his "briss"(sp) , helping us stop his thumbsucking, he was "Uncle Sam" their trusted pediatrician. We had met Sam and Tia before our children arrived, when we were babysitting their neighbour's child. The Helbers had Douglas age three , who was Keoni's playmate. We, the baby sitters, became firm friends of Sam and Tia from that time. Tia kindly invited us over for dinner while we stayed at the Helbers over the week they were away. From then on, we were invited to visit them often at their Punalu'u holiday home, when you three were little children. I remember such happy times there , playing with you on the sandy beach (I wasn't a swimmer) and helping Tia cook the dinner , large hearty pots of stews and soup and all manner of side dishes.

Yes we will miss not being able to see Sam in person again , but  we have lots of pictures and memories in our minds and hearts. God bless Sam, we were so blessed to have known him.
 
We love you all, and send you our biggest hugs, 
 
Jill , xxxxxx
on behalf of the whole Friedman family

From Barbara Kelley:
 
Your dad was one of the nicest people I ever met. He treated me as his family member from the first time I met him!

From Teri Hall:
 
Oh Tep!! Tears roll down my face as I process this news. I can’t imagine the huge loss you feel! What a great man, your father was and always will be! It makes my heart full that he was on this earth for 94 years. The last picture you sent of him and your mom, I will keep close to my heart! I remember those great sleepovers at your house, pool parties and just listening to your Dad talk with us. We all respected him and looked up to him! He took such good care of all of us! He was my first doctor and even as I grew up, he was Dr. Waxman. I will always remember how he cared for Tamara all through her life in Hawaii.  A funny memory- when we told him I got into Punahou, he said “stay away from my daughter, she’s trouble” Not me. After over 40 years she’s one of my best forever friends!  I love you Tep and I’m sending hugs from afar! Hug your mom for me too! 

From Karin Kwock:
 
Oh Teppi, I’m so sorry to hear this. I am so sad for your loss and for the loss of your dad in so many people’s lives.  I have such fond memories of your dad. From growing up as your friend and being accepted into your family and their home. To the many times I sat on their carpet and listened to your dad talk about anything and everything in his lounger. It was such a routine after being at their house all day swimming with the kids! He was just always the wise one and I enjoyed all the talks and his chuckles over life. I also have thankful memories of him being able to check my girls when they were sick.  He was such a calm and loving soul.  He and your mom were always the constant family that I could rely on all the time. What an incredible life he lived. What an incredible legacy he left. I’m really so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. You were blessed with an amazing dad. Just know that he’s still with you. His energy, his love, it’s in all of you and will live on forever.  I hope your mom is doing okay. Sending love and light to you and the family during this time.
Love you.

From Tom Kelley:
 
I will always remember your dad as on Of the kindest Most generous people I ever met. Ifirst met him in Honolulu  he and my dad became very good friends. And he became a good friend to me and some of my brothers and sisters! When he came back to Seattle he lived in a boat on lake Washington.  He had me over to swim with him there. Later when I came to Hawaii with several of my friends. He adopted us and treated us to meals and time on the beach,   As college juniors we were blown away.  There was just goodness in the way he treated us!  And Tia and his children became good friends of ours ! There are several great stories others will tell. BUT there is no doubt that the will be funny and kind in their stories.  Kaleo is one of our great friends and we were lucky to know him and Tia and you too  
 
Love. Tom Kelley 

From Lisa Ladd:
 
My dear Hawaiian Ohana,
 
I will never forget how worried I was as a child moving from the mainland to Hawaii, leaving my family behind. What I didn’t know moving into the Halekoa house was how much your family would mean to me, and become my Hawaii family. Often I explain the importance of becoming “Auntie” and “Uncle” and what it means to me. We were with Family.
 
I have memories of hearing Doc Sam’s Targa roaring top the hill, the sound of his voice, his Hawaiian shirts, his cannon-balls into the pool! I recall washing dishes for their parties (who knew how they could party!), that serious voice and look Doc Sam had. Cherished memories and gratitude for your family taking us in as family, showing us the Hawaiian way.
 
I so deeply miss my Uncle Doc Sam.

From Theresa Doyle Kelley:
 
Dear Tia, Kaleo, Teppi, Keoni and families,
 
I was so sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved Sam. Dick thought so very highly of him. I cherish the memories of dinning with him and you, Tia, in San Francisco with Dorothy and Jim in the 1980s, when Dick and I lived there. One trip, I recall, was to a Spanish restaurant at the ward. Sam was such a lovely man. 
 
My thoughts are with your wonderful family.
 
Warmest regards,

Theresa, Michael and Conor

From Auntie Shirley:

﻿Although we have not been next door neighbors in fact we have remained close next door neighbors in spirit.  We have shared by telephone those little things that you share only with those dearest to you be it a concern  or a joy….or when you just need to sound off and get another opinion.  Dr. Sam was with whom we shared our lives and we miss him terribly.  We hold him dear in our hearts and I never pluck my eyebrows without thinking of him!

From Arnie Arai:

Hello Tia and All ! March 1, 2023

I am very sorry to hear the sad News about my Closest Friend from the Honour Science Course and Medical School Days ! I am finding it difficult to believe what has happened to Sam !

I am not sure who I was talking to when i received the phone call this morning but i believe it was Kalaia ??? Spelling ?

I have very bad hearing and the Aids are not perfect. Which one of you lives on the North Shore ??One of you is Teppi but sadly I am terrible trying to remember names. Now when I am nearly at my 95th Birth Day it is even more difficult than ever !! I used to know who lived in the three Mainland Cities as well !

Tell Tia that my thoughts will continue as they did- I thought about all of you frequently - even during my sleep,!! 

I am glad that I made many visits to "Paradise" , some with my Children. A group of them keep returning to the land we adopted and 4 are going to Maui in May. I have given up travelling as it is very tiring !

We have wonderful Memories !! Take care !!!

An old Family Friend,
Arnie Arai

Sending love to your ohana, Dr. Waxman♥️ you were our family’s pediatrician from ‘77 until we moved away in ‘90. and we remember you and your staff so fondly. You even had me believing I’d be at least 5’7 if I ate all my veges! I stand at 5’2 with my shoes on but I’m sure you and mom had a good laugh at the time!
 As a mother now, I’ve looked for a pediatrician for my kiddos who reminded me of you or gave me the same sense of love and acceptance… although those doctors are great, they weren’t you.  
Aloha always♥️
Juliet 

OBITUARY

Sorrell Harold Waxman

1 February, 1929 – 26 February, 2023

Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Services

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