Wayne Yoshino's Obituary
Huntersville-- Wayne Yoshino, larger than life, island son, teacher, coach, athlete, waterman, preacher, jokester, singer, musician, friend, father, grandfather, brother, and most importantly, husband to Mom, went to be with his Savior early morning, November 27, 2020.
Born in Lahaina, Maui, on June 29, 1949, Wayne was a star athlete, scholar, martial artist, and proud Lahainaluna graduate. After dedicating his life to Christ, he attended college on the mainland, met and fell in love with Nancy Tangonan, then returned to Hawai’i to become a beloved teacher, coach, and principal at Hanalani Schools where he would spend a total of 30 years.
Wayne also served as youth leader, deacon, song leader (with Nancy as his accompanist), Sunday School teacher, and hard-hitting softball player for Calvary Independent Church in Wahiawa, Oahu. A gifted speaker, Wayne was sought after by many schools and churches across the Hawaiian islands to speak. No matter where he spoke, he was known for being frank, humble, funny, knowledgeable, and extremely personable.
Always connected to sports, Wayne spent much of his spare time as a referee for youth, military, and semi-pro sports. This “other” life led to Wayne becoming head of the Leeward Officials Association on Oahu.
At age 51, Wayne became a student again and successfully earned a master’s degree in education—a capstone to his long career as a teacher and administrator. Upon finishing his master’s, Wayne started a second career working with youth, but this time as a United States Army School Liaison Officer helping the children of incoming military families transitioning into island schools.
Wayne was devoted to his wife, always made time for family and friends, loved cooking, loved his San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Braves, loved playing the ukulele, loved “talking story,” and especially loved being a grandpa. So much so that in 2019 he left his beloved Hawai’i to be closer to his son’s family in North Carolina. There, he and Nancy enjoyed fellowshipping at Cornerstone Baptist Church, going to restaurants, exploring the South, and reuniting with friends.
We will miss his laughter, his quick wit, his jokes, his encyclopedic knowledge about sports, his ready smile, and most of all, his unwavering love for his family and for Christ.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 47 years Nancy (Tangonan); children Scott, Renée (Schorno), and Randall; grandson Jude Kealohi; and brother Glenn.
A celebration of his life will be held Friday, January 8, 2020 at 3 PM James Funeral Home in Huntersville, North Carolina.
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