When Louie 1st met Gerald he thought, “who is this BIG white bear w/that BIG super charger engine?  The definition of Bear, specifically, Papa Bear: Papa Bear is a term used to refer to somebody of great authority or of a greater social rank than you. It can also be a nickname for a growly, bossy bear that will make you behave, but is also kind & compassionate. Papa Bear is a balance of tough & cuddly & can be a leader or a protector of a family or a group.	That’s Gerald, A BIG WHITE PAPA BEAR. As treasurer & a leader of our Koa Puna Family, he could be “growly & bossy”! We fondly remember when prospects finally made it as full-blown members. He would sit, as always, w/his treasury books open in front of him. As soon as the new member was given his patch, Gerald would raise up his hand & growl above the chatter, “Eh, come see me now. You owe dues & the patch is an additional amount. Yet, he was also very kind & compassionate, keeping a watchful eye out for those needing a hand. There are many who could testify to his actions in helping them catch up w/dues. The endless hours he spent w/his lovely Donna, preparing & finalizing event records & monies did not go unnoticed.	He took Louie under his wings, or should we say big bear paws & provided a perfect example of trustworthiness. His treasury records were always clean & accurate. It was a true pleasure to be by his side at meetings, poker runs, hoolaulea, outer island travel & other events. Outside of the club, Gerald loved dining out. His jokes & loud laughs were often more enjoyable than the meal itself. There was never a lack of good conversation which most often led to “The Fab Four” being the last to exit the establishment. Gerald truly was a Papa Bear, as the definition describes, he was a balance of tough & cuddly; a leader & protector of our family. We can see him now, shining the chrome on his bike with wings while waiting for us to join him for a ride on the Streets of Gold. Until we meet again dear friend.

I will truly miss Gerald.  He was a very close and dear friend of mine.  

We met 25 years ago while finishing carpentry work at Bruce Matson Company.  Gerald shared that he previously worked for a company called Kakaako Sash and Door where he learned how to cut and fab doors and cabinets.  Gerald always wanted to get out of doing shop work and do finish carpentry on the outside.  I asked him to help me work on a job that I was overseeing to do the finishing on a lobby which required paneling and trims around the elevators.  It was very meticulous work but I knew that Gerald was very talented and good with his hands.  He did an awesome job!

While working together at Bruce Matson, Gerald and I became very close friends.  Being in the finishing carpentry field, we would often need to move to other companies.  Due to the lack of work at that time, we parted ways and Gerald moved to S&S Sakamoto while I moved to another smaller company.

We always stayed in touch and I could always rely on Gerald to help me with other finishing jobs that came up, including some carpentry work on Molokai, finishing work at the Hemmeter Twin Towers in Waikiki and the Iolani Court Plaza.  Gerald   always made himself available and did a great job.  We always worked really well together.

In 1989, while I was working for Summit Construction, Inc., I contacted Gerald to see if he was willing to move and work with me again.  He joined Summit and after I retired in 1994, Gerald continued to work there.

When I think of my friend Gerald, the words friendship, loyalty, respect, accountability and talent come to mind.  I can share many memorable and funny moments we experienced together, but I choose to keep these in my heart forever between me and Gerald.  I hope to see my good friend again one day to talk story and enjoy each other’s company but for now…Aloha my good friend and see you again.  Love, Walter

A wonderful son just graduated to heaven to reunite with his dad.  My heart goes out to you Donna and Ronnette, Sheryl, Jennifer,Gerald jr and the rest of the family.  May GOD give to peace and comfort at this time..Love you all      Connie   (Mom and Grandma)

OBITUARY

Gerald Gene Arevalo

March 4, 1952 – May 13, 2023

Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Services

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