George Kahekili Awa

George Kahekili Awa returned home to Heavenly Father on April 25, 2018. He was born on December 16, 1931 in Honolulu, Hawai’i and passed away in Tucson, Arizona. He is the son of Alexander Kamakauwila Smith and Rose Hamuna de la Cruz Smith. His biological father was John Kulani Awa. George is survived by his wife, Jesuina Victoria Andrade Awa. Although unable to have children, he and Vicki “adopted” their many nephews and nieces, and countless “children” and “grandchildren” were loved by them and honor him as their uncle, father, and grandfather.

George was a proud alumnus of Kamehameha School and graduated in the class of 1950. He served in the Marine Corps from 1950-1952. He also served a three-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Japan from May 1954 to May 1957. On November 15, 1957, he married his “Darling” Victoria in the Laie, Hawai’i Temple. She fondly referred to him as “King George” and he called her his “Queen Victoria.” George pursued a career in law-enforcement and served as a corrections officer for the State of Hawai’i and later as a security officer for BYU-Hawai’i. After retirement, he and Vicki traveled the world visiting and serving their extended family. As a couple, they served a two-year church mission in Port Harcourt, Nigeria from September 2000 to September 2002.

George will be remembered for his devotion to God and the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, his adoration of his wife Victoria, his gentle and quiet strength, his love for Hawaiian music and food, and his embodiment of the Aloha Spirit. “Aloha is the essence of the Creator’s love, and when that love is expressed through our voices, our minds, our hearts, and our hands, the world becomes a better place.” –Robert James.

Please join the family for a viewing on Saturday; May 5, 2018 at 9:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -9555 E. Snyder Road; Tucson, AZ 85749 Services begin at 10:00 am with the dedication of the gravesite immediately following at East Lawn Palms Cemetery -5801 E. Grant Road; Tucson, AZ 85712. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kamehameha School at www.pauahi.org/giving/