In Loving Memory of Don Ho

SERVICE Waikiki entertainer Don Ho was remembered with a memorial service at 5 p.m. followed by a "memorial celebration" much like his Waikiki show, with dozens of other entertainers volunteering to get up on stage and perform, kanikapila style.

The memorial service took place on the beach fronting the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Ho's ashes were then taken out to sea and scattered. The production of artists followed at sundown at the stage where Sunset at the Beach movies take place. The musical tribute event, began at 7 p.m.

Hey Lea, -->
How've Ya been?
Going to Uncle Don's send off... Should be crazy... Aloha for now
Bill Hale

after the tribute to Don Ho, sent to us by our friend and Renown Rock Photographer, © Bill Hale.

I grew up listening to Don Ho. Now I didn't grow up in Hawaii, it was Denver, Colorado far from blue water and sandy beaches. But every Sunday evening my mother finished her dinner duties early and went in, turned on the TV and watched "Don". Every once in a while it was Lucy, and Don. She lived vicariously in paradise while listening to "her favorite singer". Although she never had a chance to meet Don Ho personally, or even make it to the islands for that matter, her daughter has made up for that. And I find myself saying "she would have loved to see this, over and over". That dream of palm trees, gentle breezes, steel guitars and a handsome Hawaiian singer named Don, always lingered in her mind.

In 2002, he embarked on a "coast-to-coast tour" that attracted sold-out crowds in California, Washington, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota and I was one of those in the audience in Tacoma WA. The following week I was introduced to my mother's favorite singer, by MY favorite singer. (who also happens to be a handsome Hawaiian Crooner, and also happened to be Don's lead backup singer and drummer with the Ali'is.
The day Danny Couch introduced me to Don Ho was a step back in time for me, I became that child again imagining I was watching my mother in front of the TV, memorized with it's exotic sound while watching "Don" dreaming of the tropical islands. Only difference was I was physically there, and pinching myself. Once again my mother was smiling, and right alongside me in spirit, as I met the most influential performer I had ever met, he who touched souls who had never experienced the tropical isle, and standing with us yet another one of Hawaii's pillars of entertainment, who knew nothing about how this had touched me. AND who I wasn't quite able to tell without feeling silly.

Thank you Danny, for that moment when my mother got to meet "Don" through my eyes.

And thank you Don Ho for traveling all those miles via the TV airwaves from your exotic land to the outskirts of Denver Colorado, to croon to my mothers dreams. MahaloI would like to share a few of my memories with you. My collection of Don Ho Vinyl, several were from my mother's collection, which I haven't listened to since I lost her. I will add more as the week progresses to Don's final farewell. Just my little personal tribute to this special man!

The following songs are featured from my mother's well worn, original LP's, the condition is minimal but still enjoyable

These clips were produced/transcribed for your enjoyment and as a Tribute with Original Music clips from My Private Collection

Please have the descentscy/courtesy of not copying or reposting elsewhere without my permission. ~ Mahalo

	Don Ho: Hawaii's Greatest Hits 1970 Blue Hawaii To You Sweetheart Aloha Isa Lei Sweet Leilani Akaka Falls Now Is The Hour Beyond The Rainbow Forevermore My Isle Of Golden Dreams Beyond The Reef Aloha Oe
	Don Ho Creates Instant Happy Instant Happy Sands Of Gold Time Tu Tu Kane Mahi Puni White Silver Sands What A Wonderful World Tomorrow I'm Home Kamehameha- Home Sweet Home At Dukes they down Mai Tai's from grapefruit size tumblers urging "Suck Em Up" Outside is a block wide courtyard called The International Settlement, there is a Polynesian Disneyland filled with booths. At his most formal, in sweat shirt and white ducks, (you ask what's Don got?) Don Ho Mounts the stage, he does it with as much show biz flair as you exhibit, No cymbals, no flashing spots, no booming "AND NOW"... what announces him is the tell-tail hush. A unique attitude. An individual Man, the stuff of idols.. That's what Don's got! This one demonstrates the more sensitive, laid back side of Don. No major hits of his own here, but some nice subdued versions
	Hawaii-Ho Don Ho and the Aliis Next Door to Paradise Ain't No Big Thing (Don and The Aliis) One Paddle, Two Paddle (Don, The Aliis, King Kamehameha Choir) All I Want to Do and March (Don and The Aliis) The Days of My Youth (Don and The Aliis) Rain, Rain Go Away (The Aliis) Doxology, Pupu o Ewa, Sweet Leilani, Lovely Hula Hands, Down By the Shack By The Sea, Pearly Shells (Don, The Aliis, Mormon Tabernacacle Choir) I'll Remember You and She's Gone Again (Don, Robin Wilson) I Am Hawaii, Aloha Oe, Next Door to Paradise (Don and The Aliis) Don Ho and The Aliis Greatest Hits Lover's Prayer Night Life Pearly Shells Sweet Someone E Lei a lei lei-Beach Party Song A non stop never ending trip to the groovy side of Hawaii, with Don Ho himself as your captain and the sing-low-swing hard Aliis as you admirable crew. Also on deck, the King Kamehameha School Chorus, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Alex McAngus, Benny Kalama and the Hawaiian Village Serenaders, Robin Wilson and the Dick Williams singers.
	Suck 'Em Up Don Ho and the Aliis Recorded Live For Every Grain of Sand on Waikiki (Don & The Aliis)Welcome Pretty Lady (Don & The Aliis) Down By The Shack (Don & The Aliis) Remembering (Don & The Aliis) Beyond The Reef (The Aliis) Didn't We (Don & The Aliis) Here's To the Girls of Summer (Don & The Aliis) The More I Know About You (Don & The Aliis) Kanaka Pete (The Aliis) Sunny Days, Starry Nights (Don & The Aliis) You're Gonna Hear From Me (Vicki Burton & The Aliis) Molokai (Don & The Aliis) Aloha Means (Don & The Aliis) Don Ho the foremost exponent of Hawaiian Music today, and Duke's was his nocturnal kingdom, an ever-ever land where the password is "Suck Em Up" and the moon kissed harvest is a never-ending supply of music and camaraderie. Before Dukes there was Honeys, where he first working his special brand of sorcery crowning him with the title of Hawaiian Ambassador to the world at large!
	Don Ho Tiny Bubbles Please Wait For Me One Paddle, Two Paddle Beautiful Kauai Young Land Happy Me You'll Never Go Home She's Gone Again (I'll Remember You) Geev'Um The Lights of Home Tiny Bubbles I Love The Simple Folk Hawaii
	A Night In Hawaii With Don Ho Ain't No Big Thing Days of My Youth Suck 'Em Up Lahaina Luna Hawaiian Wedding Song My Man For Once In My Life What Now My Love Tiny Bubbles The Following Sea If I Had To Do It All Over Again I'll Remember You Night Life You May Go Hang On Sloopy Hawaii Aloha

Don Ho leaves behind a musical legacy of some of the most mesmerizing and soothing music ever to be cut to vinyl. He will be truly missed by music lovers around the world.

Our humble pages on Don Ho are honored to be listed with a link at "Island Life" Information About Ho's life, Career by the Advertiser Staff on The Honolulu Advertiser Newspaper coverage of Don Ho's Life. In memory of Mr. Ho's outstanding Life-long contribution to the Land of Hawaii and Hawaiian music, and due to the overwhelming numbers of fans and friends visiting our pages on Don, sending in tokens/memories in writing and in photos, I am adding this page as a special Tribute to Don Ho. If you would like to send a message/photo or just a short comment it will be featured here and then sent to the Ho Ohana, both in Hawaii and his Aunt Aneta Ho, a personal acquaintance of mine "Na Mele `O Hawai`i here in Port Orchard, Washington.

There's one less Hoku (star) in the sky as Waikiki's night is a little bit darker. Hawai'i music legend Don Ho died Saturday April 14th of heart failure at age 76 after Forty +years in Waikiki and he was still packing them in.

I was attending the HAPA concert the afternoon and evening of April 14 when Nathan Aweau took the microphone and announced to us that "Hawai'is music legend Don Ho passed this morning", Saturday April 14th 2007 of heart failure at age 76 after a long illness and remarkable recovery from stem cell surgery. Nathan had been Mr. Ho's bass player for 16 years, Barry Flanagan and Charles Kapu'u both had composed music with Don including HAPA's song "Waikiki Beachboy Song" which featured Don Ho. Don was instrumental in the foundation of Barry's musical success in Hawaii, and in the forming of the group HAPA, he had frequented the early performances of the original group and encouraged them and their job well done. It was a somber concert with tears, some special chants and several songs and special hula by his Grandson's wife, done in Don's memory.

From your fans and friends who frequent Danny Couch Fanaddicts our deepest Condolences to Don's Ohana and all of his worldwide friends and fans. Personally I will never forget the times I was able to attend his performances both here in Seattle and in Hawaii with friends. Always will be a part of my fond memories. God's peace be with you.

Aloha oe, Mr. Don Ho

LOCAL NEWS Posted on: Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Don Ho Show to keep on playin'
Don Ho: 1930-2007
Don Ho may or may not have been Hawai'i's greatest entertainer. But there was no doubt that he was one of its most beloved.
By Wayne Harada MEMORIAL SET FOR MAY 5 ON BEACH

A time has been set for the Don Ho funeral and memorial in Waikiki: 9 a.m. to noon May 5 at Queen's Surf Beach, the site of Sunset on the Beach. The memorial ceremony at the beach site will be open to the public.

John DeFries, Big Island developer of the Hokuli'a project and a longtime Ho friend, will coemcee the ceremonies with Cha Thompson, who is co-owner of Tihati Productions (the company who owns the showroom that Danny's show is currently being done at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel) with husband Jack Thompson. Entertainers will be selected in the days ahead.

Immediately following the program, Ho's ashes will be scattered in the ocean off Waikiki, with canoes provided by New Hope Chapel departing from the shores near the Duke Kahanamoku statue at Kuhio Beach. A large contingent of beach boys will participate; Tony Guerrero, vice chairman of 'Ahahui Koa Anuenue and vice chairman of Retail Banking Group at First Hawaiian Bank, is assembling a crew.

Notes of condolences or monetary donations may be sent to Don Ho, 3569 Harding Ave., Suite A, PMB No. 3901, Honolulu, HI 96816.

Also: Hawai'i Public Radio will pay tribute to Ho on its "Music of Hawai'i" program, at 3 p.m. Sunday on KIPO 89.3 FM, with hosts Keith and Carmen Haugen devoting the entire program to Ho's hits over his four-decades-plus career. "To those of us who have shared his Waikiki for so many years, he is and always will be 'the chairman of the board,' " Keith Haugen said.

DON HO SHOW 8 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays
Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber, Hoku Hale showroom
Reservations: 923-3981

In the show-must-go-on tradition, the Don Ho Show will reopen tomorrow night at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber's Hoku Hale showroom — continuing without Ho, who died Saturday of heart failure at age 76.
It was Ho's wish to keep the flame burning, to continue to showcase the young talent of Hawai'i, according to Cha Thompson, who is serving as spokeswoman for the Ho 'ohana.
Haumea Hebenstreit Ho, Ho's wife, indicated it was Ho's desire to keep the show running so his family of performers could share the gift of aloha with visitors as long as interest continues. Haumea Ho is expected to continue her backstage role as executive producer, overseeing the production's technical cues.

Thompson said tickets have been reserved to continue filling the showroom for at least two weeks. "I talked to Haumea ... she supports the show going on according to Don's wishes," said Donna Jung, Ho's publicist. "And visitors continue to make reservations, even knowing the news (of Ho's death)."

Jackie "Tiny Bubbles" Bay, a longtime Ho supporter and cast member who had previously filled in for Ho during illnesses, will serve as emcee and a featured singer. Ho underwent a stem cell procedure in Bangkok in 2005, in an attempt to rejuvenate his weakening heart. The legendary entertainer envisioned a show that could continue on without him, Bay said.

"In the year and a half since his surgery, we've done his show with and without him," Bay said. "I think he was trying to explain to us to carry on his wish, as if he's still there. He wasn't playing a big role in his show; he felt it could go on without him. In a sense, he was bowing out the past year, saying his goodbyes."

The cast will include singing fiddler Tokyo Joe; veteran musicians Dennis Graue and Benny Chong; and singers Taimane Gardner, Taran Erickson, Christina Youngs, Matthew Pablo and Angel Pablo. Comedian Andy Bumatai has agreed to be part of the show tomorrow and whenever he can, Bay said; singer Danny Couch also is eager to participate. Asked if Hoku Ho, Ho's singing daughter, will be joining the cast, Bay said no.

Briana Pratt, who won a karaoke contest at Ho's namesake restaurant/club, Don Ho's Island Grill, also has joined the show. Last week, before his death, Ho told Jung, "It's been a long time since I've been this excited about a new talent."
The show will continue to feature vintage video footage of Ho from TV appearances, and also footage of Ho with his young son.

For the immediate future, Ho's organ — located stage center in the Hoku Hale showroom — will remain in its place, as a tribute to Ho. "We thought of moving it to the back of the stage, as if it were looking down at us, but for now, it will be where it is," Bay said.

A name change is under consideration, according to Bay; one possibility is "Don Ho Presents Hawai'i 'Ohana Ho."
Sales for tomorrow's performance guarantee a nearly a full house, Thompson said. And the shows Thursdays and Sundays will be maintained as long as the business is there.

In the future, however, the producers may need to evaluate whether fans continue to express interest in a Don Ho Show without the famous performer. "We would love it to go on forever and forever, but there can never be a Don Ho Show without Don," said Thompson.

~`A`ohe lokomaika`i i nele i ke pâna`i~

No kind deed has ever lacked its reward. Hawaiians are known for their generosity, hospitality and warm sharing.

This giving nature is grounded in the principle of reciprocity. When given, the Hawaiian will give back in equal

measure or more, be it a gift or a smile. The true Aloha spirit will abound.~

Sent to us by Manny K. Fernandez a personal friend for many years.
King of Waikiki entertainment dies - The Honolulu Advertiser -
Hawaii's Newspaper

THE MAN FROM HAWAII WHO PUT WAIKIKI ON THE MAP AROUND THE WORLD, WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY WHO LOVED HIM DEARLY AND MY HEART ACHES FOR NOT ONLY A LEGEND, BUT MY DEAR FRIEND AND FELLOW SINGING STAR!! I HAD THE PRIVELEGE OF SINGING ''PIKAKE'' WITH HIM ON STAGE AND A NICE VISIT, JUST 4 WEEKS AGO IN HONOLULU.
BLESSINGS ON THE FAMILY AND ALL HIS DEAR FANS----HE LOVED THEM ALL!!!!

[Posted on April 14, 2007 at 9:13 pm HST]
It is a shock that a very dear friend is gone from the Waikiki scene. My last visit with Don was the 18th of March when I was called on stage to perform with Don and of course he asked "wheres your ukulele and I said its at the table. Go on go get em and come back and do one song for us. I gave it my best for Don, Pikake was the selection. I did visit with him for a little while and asked him to sign my picture for all times sake and he did. Little did I know that would be the last time I would see him. His encouragement to make a CD while I still had the voice was an inspirational kick and I did it. There's a saying that goes "HOW QUIET THE WOODS WOULD BE IF THE BIRDS DIDN'T SING". Waikiki is going to be real quiet. That Bird is not going to sing anymore. GOD BLESS YOU QUACK!
Manny K Fernandez

(photos below sent in to us from Manny K and Bettyjean Fernandez. Mahalo nui for sending)

Sent to us by Manny K. Fernandez DON HO TRIBUTE FROM kehau

thx Aloha.......................sharing with others...small stuff about Don..and his fans Sent: 4/15/2007 9:09:28 AM
Don Ho may or may not have been Hawai'i's greatest entertainer. But there was no doubt that he was one of its most beloved. When he died yesterday of heart failure at age 76, those who knew him best
remembered his genuine warmth the most. Whether a lifelong friend, a fledgling singer looking for a break, or a grandmother from Peoria with an exotic Island dream and an Instamatic camera, you mattered to Ho.

"I don't think he ever realized how important he was to Hawai'i ... how big he was," said one old friend. "I mean, he knew he had talent. But the other stuff ... he didn't care about all the other stuff. "With Don, it's 'Ain't no big thing.' But he was big time." He was often called Mr. Waikiki because he was the most popular draw there for
decades. But Ho told Advertiser columnist Bob Krauss that the secret of his survival was to do what he believed in, despite pressures to do something different.

"Everybody has to have an identity, your own original thing," he explained. "Our thing was the way you sit around the garage on a weekend; play music, joke around. We just took it to the showroom."

Sent to us by Manny K. Fernandez Dear Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez,

I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy on the lost of your friend, Don Ho. I spoke with you briefly Mr. Fernandez and introduced you to my Mother (Rena Hitchcock) at the Royal Hawaiian (3/19/07) at the end of your set with their band, the night before your music award at the Royal Hawaiian. We had been at the Don Ho the show the night before and had heard you perform. You stated to us that night you and Mr. Ho were high school pals. It was lovely to meet you. My Mother was so excited to meet you, we stopped at the Borders before we left for Albuquerque and she bought most, if not all, of your Cd's. My husband and I have enjoyed both your music and the cd of Mr. Ho's music since we returned home. If I close my eyes, we are back at the Mai Tai bar enjoying a lovely evening.

I just wanted to let you know how sorry we were for your loss and are thinking and praying for your family as well as Mr. Ho's. Not only has Hawaii lost one of their own, but the rest of us, will miss him as well.

Again, thank you for taking the time to speak with us and treating my Mother with so much kindness and respect. She was so touched by your kindness. My Mother had decided not to go and get a photo with Mr. Ho or meet him that night (it would have been difficult for her to get up from the table and return), and when people from our table came back with disparaging remarks about Mr. Ho and his apparent decline, we were glad we didn't go with them. So since she did not meet Mr. Ho in person, she was very, very happy to have met you. Thank you. Our stay at the Royal Hawaiian was one of the highlights of our two week stay on the Hawaiian islands, meeting you was another one.

Warm Regards, Ms. Lynn Boldt Albuquerque, NM

P.S. Our daughter's 6 & 8 and our son also 6 (twins) have been hula-ing ever since I returned home the 23rd of March. They are definitely "island keikes". They love the music as much as we do.

Donated To Fanaddicts

Why a complete stranger cares to feature my personal and donated photos of memories of Don is beyond me but many of my photos have been lifted and used in a video. Go Figure!

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Knight [mailto:dknight2@triad.rr.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2007 5:02 AM
Photos with Don Ho

Hi Lea: Very sorry to hear the sad news of Don Ho. It has been only a couple of month's since I sent you the pictures of Don and I from l970. He was such a good person. Please give his family our thought's to such a wonderful person.

Don & Dorothy Knight Belews Creek, N.C

Wednesday, April 18, 2007 I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER
I'd like to reflect if you don't mind on someone that means the World to me and I didn't realize it until I took the time to look back. I Will Always Remember, the days of my youth. Back in the day when music in Hawaii was flowing like a hot lava stream all along Kalakaua Avenue. Just like Bourbon Street in Louisiana. You could go anywhere and see great bands. It was really a renaissance a time when Hawaii's musicians were taken serious and rightfully so because there were some great musicians like for instance: Kui Lee, Steve Logan, Jimmy Borges, The International Set, The Three of Us, Dick Jensen, Gabby, The Sons of Hawaii, Auntie Genoa Keawe, The Surfers, Iva Kinimaka to name a few.

Hawaii was exploding with talent and places to play. Great groups from the States would come and play the clubs and it just made it even more exciting. I was just a kid in a candy store taking all this in anyway I could. I'd have friends sneak me into clubs and eventually got my own fake I.D. But I remember sitting outside of clubs and listening to this music that would just blow me away. What a time and what an inspiration. Celebrities from all over the World would come to Hawaii and really bring their appreciation and enthusiasm. All of this was an incredible time and you know all of this was synergized and made possible because of one man... Don Ho.

I remember sitting outside at Duke Kahanamoku's at the International Marketplace and watching the greatest show on earth. I remember The Ali'i's they were World class musicians from Hawaii and they could back up anybody like Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis all the stars that would come and take the stage, but when they accompanied Don Ho it took everything to the next level and the house went crazy. People always walked out like they've seen it all. I remember all the beautiful women that would fight to get in and he'd kissed them all. He was the man and yes he was and is Mr. Waikiki.

I just want to say thank you Don for being a big inspiration to me. For being a big part of my life. And for all those you have helped through the years. You always gave from your heart and you always made me feel like a dear friend. You are a good man and you will be missed , but never forgotten.

I will always remember you... God bless!
Henry Kapono

Aloha,

IT is with great sadness that we send this e-mail message out to all of Henry's Friends and Fans. On Saturday, April 14th, 2007, Don Ho passed away at age 76. Don HO was an amazing man, a friend to all and was truely the epitome of Aloha. Hawaii will miss him greatly as will the rest of the world. Our heart felt condolences go out to his family. Below are Henry's reflections, taken from his website blog, on a man he respected and admired so much.

I Will Always Remember, the days of my youth.

Back in the day when music in Hawaii was flowing like a hot lava stream all along Kalakaua Avenue. Just like Bourbon Street in Louisiana. You could go anywhere and see great bands. It was really a renaissance a time when Hawaii's musicians were taken serious and rightfully so because there were some great musicians like for instance: Kui Lee, Steve Logan, Jimmy Borges, The International Set, The Three of Us, Dick Jensen, Gabby, The Sons of Hawaii, Auntie Genoa Keawe, The Surfers, Iva Kinimaka to name a few. Hawaii was exploding with talent and places to play. Great groups from the States would come and play the clubs and it just made it even more exciting. I was just a kid in a candy store taking all this in anyway I could. I'd have friends sneak me into clubs and eventually got my own fake I.D. But I remember sitting outside of clubs and listening to this music that would just blow me away. What a time and what an inspiration. Celebrities from all over the World would come to Hawaii and really bring their appreciation and enthusiasm. All of this was an incredible time and you know all of this was synergized and made possible because of one man... Don Ho. I remember sitting outside at Duke Kahanamoku's at the International Marketplace and watching the greatest show on earth. I remember The Ali'i's they were World class musicians from Hawaii and they could back up anybody like Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis all the stars that would come and take the stage, but when they accompanied Don Ho it took everything to the next level and the house went crazy. People always walked out like they've seen it all. I remember all the beautiful women that would fight to get in and he'd kissed them all. He was the man and yes he was and is Mr. Waikiki. I just want to say thank you Don for being a big inspiration to me. For being a big part of my life And for all those you have helped through the years. You always gave from your heart and you always made me feel like a dear friend. You are a good man and you will be missed , but never forgotten. I will always remember you... God bless!

Henry Kapono This note was sent to: fanaddicts@dannycouchfanaddicts.com.

April 14th 2007 10:04:06 PM

What is your name? Jennifer Hauoli-Johnson( I am Danny's Cousin)
Where are you from? Anchorage, Alaska, But my heart is home in Waianae
Have you been acquainted with Danny's music? I grew up around his music...He sang with my Dad all the time
How did you find our Website? looking for info on Don Ho
Have you seen Danny Couch perform? Yes
Where have you seen Danny perform/when? Home and at the hotel
Do you own Danny's CD's? Yes of course
Have you visited Danny's Home Site? Yes
Do you listen to Online Hawaiian Music Sites? No
What is your favorite album? AND single? All
Anything you would like to ask Danny? I just wanted to say Hi and I love you cuzzin...And I am sorry to hear about Uncle Don Ho. Well I will cut it short....Love you.
Aloha, Your cuzzin Jenny
Can you please share any comments? He is one of the best singers I know and its not because he is my cousin its because its true....And he is right my Aunty Margret did have a beautiful voice and she is singing with her brother David (my dad) and all, but one of her sisters right now. I love you Cuz.

-----Original Message-----
From: MONDA SPENCE Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2007 12:51 PM
Subject: Photos with Don Ho
Hi My name Is Monda Spence.Iam a Special Olyimpan and, I have been since 1982 and, ever been since.
But I am really sorry about your father that has passed away. I have been a fan of his ever since I was a little girl. But when I saw that he has passed away on my cox internet my heart tore into pieces. I know what it is like to loose a father cause I lost mine too. Here Is a Indian prayer from me okey????????? Hi great sprit bless these people has lost a father and, a husbend grant peace and, your marcy and, give them strenth to get throuh this amen. Sincerly Monda Spence.

April 15th 2007

What is your name? Janay Texas
I wanted to tell Danny how sorry I was to hear about Don Ho dying. It seems that Danny was very good friends with him and I'm sure he must feel bad. I hope he feels better soon. I never saw Don Ho but my mom has his records.

-----Original Message-----
From: On Behalf Of Bill and Ruth Welch Sunday, April 15, 2007 3:44 PM
Uncle Don Ho-MY REPLY
Dear Lea, My wife and I will miss Don Ho.We had the privilege to be present many times at his wonderful show, and to talk with him on a personal basis. He will be sorely missed. He was the face of Hawaii to many people around the world.
May God be with Him. May God Bless his Family.
ALOHA, Bill and Ruth Welch Sarasota, FL.

----Original Message-----From: Loretta Compton Sunday, April 15, 2007 6:15 PM

Photos with Don Ho Am sending a couple of pictures I had taken with Don Ho. My name is Loretta Compton and I am from the far away State of Virginia. But I always loved Hawaii because it made me so happy. Don Ho was on the reason for this. I'll never forget him. I hope I can return someday.

Will attach pictures and hope you can use. One I just kissed him after his show and invited him to come to Virginia !! Think it surprised him! What wonderful memories. Let me know if you post them and where. Thank you and God Bless Don's family, friends and the beautiful State of Hawaii which we all love. Don Ho deeply touched my life and will forever. God Bless. Loretta D. Compton State of Virginia

Beautiful.

Why don't you send your two scripts through that guest book & the family will get it? They'd love them. You might even hear from them....That would be so neat....

From: Sherry 04/15/07 19:37:20

Angels Call

Heavens Angels have been busy calling Hawaii`s songster to their choir,

The world has let go another musical artist leaving behind `sorrows fire.

The islander with talent and wit who charmed those `with his simplicity,

Ahhhhh, those dark eyes beguiling and his laughter's inspired glee.

Still when one strolls Hawaii's sea side and feels its kissing spray,

They`ll feel his spirit in the walk of sun warmed sand and hear his tunes in the gentle lapping of sea waves.

Yes, Heavens Angels have called for his presenceto join with the singing legends of time,

Our little warbling Hawaiian darling of the islands "They `now call mine!

Sherry Kersey

Picture: MSNBC Music: I`m Forever Blowing Bubbles April 2007

April 15th 2007 07:41:10 PM Janay Texas
I wanted to tell Danny how sorry I was to hear about Don Ho dying. It seems that Danny was very good friends with him and I'm sure he must feel bad. I hope he feels better soon. I never saw Don Ho but my mom has his records.

April 17th 2007 12:43:52 AM Keali'i
Where are you from?
Honolulu
Have you been acquainted with Danny's music?
yes
How did you find our Website?
Star Bulletin
Can you please share any comments?
I've been cruising the websites from the Star Bulletin and came cross yours. Very nice. It seems like everyone is talking story bout Don Ho, so sad woudl like to send my kaumaha or heavy rain to Uncles family and to Danny Couch mahalo

Bob Toledo Aloha Telephone Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2007 1:22 PM
I met Don back in the early Seventies when he was performing at the Polynesian Palace. We hit it off Immediately, Probably because I looked so much like him.(I'm Polynesian, Irish, German.) I kept in touch with him for the past thirty years or so. When I was in Hawaii, I would make sure I saw him at least a couple of times to talk story. I always considered Him a friend. He had a Kind and Gentle Spirit. Just knowing him was a Life changing Experience. I am always reminded by everyone I meet, How much we look alike. Although He is no longer with us Physically, Those of us who Love and Cherish him, Know that he is never far away. The Brillance of his soul will always Shine on Waikiki and our World. He is the Essance of ALOHA.

My Love and my Prayers are with His Ohana. Mahalo Don, For your Compassion and your Love that you Shared with everyone you met. Mahalo for the Honor of knowing You. Me Ke Aloha my Friend, Until We Meet Again. Your Light will Shine in Our Hearts Forever. I,LL REMEMBER YOU----------ALWAYS

Bob Toledo Melbourne, Fl.

Keith & Don about 30 years ago in Waikiki. Yes,

Don & Carmen sing "The Hawaiian Wedding Song"

Carmen dancing while Don sings at the Dome about 20 years ago

Aloha:

Here's what you'll hear on "The "Music of Hawai`i" KIPO 89.3 FM, or on the internet at www.hawaiipublicradio.org, as Keith & Carmen salute Don Ho. We're sending it to about 600 friends here and abroad. We lost a friend; the world lost a superstar.

1. Pupu A`O `Ewa/`Ainahau/Maika`i Ka Makani O Kohala Medley
2. (I Left My Heart In) San Francisco
3. Tiny Bubbles
4. Hanalei Moon
5. Nanakuli Blues
6. Moonlight Lady
7. Hawaiian Wedding Song
8. Hawai`i Aloha
9. Woman of the World
10. I Think About You
11. Time After Time
12. Sing Me A Song
13. Today I Started Loving You Again
14. Take A Walk In The Country
15. I Miss You
16. I'll Remember You

Mahalo. K&C
Our fondest aloha and sympathy to Haumea and the `ohana Ho.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am in your heart; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond's gift on the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night
I am every where -- I did not die
Do not stand at my grave and cry.

* * *

Keith & Carmen Haugen

hakumele@aol.com (keith) / meahula@aol.com (carmen)
Producer/hosts, The Music of Hawai`i
3 p.m., Sundays, KIPO 89.3 FM Honolulu / www.hawaiipublicradio.org
Columnists -- Ke Mele Hawai`i
Oceanic-Time Warner - April Column
Yes, There Is More to the "Music of Hawai`i" Than Traditional Hawaiian Music :
www.hawaiiansong.com / www.cordellcountry.com www.tropicalmusichawaii.com

Sent to Us to Feature

The last picture of Don, following his final performance on Thursday, April 12, 2007. That's publisher George Engebretson, author Jerry Hopkins, and promoter Tom Moffat in the front row; Haumea and Don Ho in the back. Jerry interviewed Don for about an hour that night for the biography he is writing about the King of Waikiki.

About two weeks earlier, Keith Haugen was among the 50-plus persons interviewed by Jerry, who was on a flight back home to
Bangkok when Don died. Mahalo to Tom, who also writes "Uncle Tom's Gabbin" column for MidWeek, for this picture.

-- Don Ho Showroom Photo

Though dismissed by some as a novelty act (his moustache, funny hats, and outsized sunglasses don't help matters), Leon Redbone is in fact an excellent entertainer with a penchant for early-20th-century blues, ragtime, and vaudeville-flavored tunes. As usual with Redbone, the fare is lighthearted and tinged with nostalgia, and sweetened by antique arrangements and Redbone's ragged vocals. Each performance is loaded with charm, and charmed he was this week as he opened his performance with some nostalgia about the King of Waikiki, Don Ho who he had performed with on several occasions. While browsing a photograph of himself alongside Mr Don Ho in his quiet and reserved demeanor he said, "Ah Don Ho, the most relaxed performer I've ever known .... besides myself" Don Ho's passing as touched the lives of many a performer, from all walks of life.

Rest in peace. ~Leon Redbone at the Triple Door, Seattle WA.

Mahalo for sending Piko

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