Albert Kuulei Shidaki Sr.'s Obituary
Albert Kuʻulei Shidaki Sr. was born May 30th, 1929 to parents David Bunichi Shidaki Sr. and Emmaline Mokulewa. He was the 2nd of 8 kids. His brothers were David Shidaki, Wallace Shidaki, Rudolph Madesky and Randy Madesky. His sisters were Mirriam Shidaki, June Madesky & Emmaline Madesky. He later was raised by his step father Rudolph Madesky.
He was raised in Kakaako and attended K-3rd grade at Kakaako Elementary School, 4th grade at Ben Parker and completed his elementary at Manoa. He later attended 7th-9th grade at Washington Intermediate School and finished in the 10th grade at McKinley High School.
He lived off the land in Manoa and enjoyed many tropical fruits like mango, papaya, mountain apples, lilikoi and guava. He enjoyed his favorite snacks sweet li-hing mui seeds, boiled peanuts from Aliciaʻs market, and loved to say Aloha. When anyone would ask him to share he would always say, “$5”. Of course he loved his inu, Whisky, Lucky Lager, Primo, Oly & Coors was among his favorites, to the drinkers he would say, “Take a deep breath and blow it out your A$$.” At 11 years old he started smoking Lucky Strikes. Some of the foods he enjoyed were sashimi, pig feet, oxtail soup, pork harm ha, tripe stew, pork tofu, chinese chicken, poi, chazuke, and hot tea. You could always see him wearing a pink and white mamo collar shirt with blue dress pant and white canvas shoes, complete with lauhala hat and feather band. He even was a black belt in Judo, lightweight champion boxer and filled his free time with bowling and coaching. Other hobbies included building model battleships and cars. Of course cleaning was his favorite hobby. His favorite flower was the orchid. In his young years he would sew leis with his mother at McInerny Store.
He worked to help his family at Dairymens Ice Cream. At 17 years old he joined the Army and returned home in April 1949. He then worked for Rover Co. building sidewalks then worked 6 months at Shafter golf course. He was transferred to Tripler for 26 ½ years where he retired as a federal employee. His final career was at Waiau Elementary school where he worked for 10 plus years and retired at age 57. He was also a Hope Kahu at a small church in Kahaluʻu, called Church of Everlasting Peace.
He married his life long partner Claudette Mailenani Dement and after 66 years of marriage passed on Thursday January 25th, 2018. He had 8 children, Ginger Pagan, Adeline & James Malloe, Albert Shidaki Jr., Conrad & Pamela Shidaki, Ronald & Karen Shidaki, Charlene Shidaki, Claudette & Duke Reis-Moniz and Alberta & Raymond Yuen.
He was a spitfire of a man and had lots of spunk and attitude. Albert also affectionately known as Abu, Daki, Shorty, Papa Daki, Gramps, Pops and Grandpa & Daddio was 88 years of age when he passed. He was blessed with 32 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. He leaves a long legacy of prayer warriors, athletes, hard workers and educated individuals that are proud to
have called him father, papa and husband. He was fortunate to see his kids graduate from college and become kahus and leaders in their professions. His grandchildren have started businesses, become avid professionals, graduated with their bachelors, masters and their doctorate to become, business managers, Stevador workers, Construction laborers and foremans, Sales representatives, counselors, nurse practitioners, business owners, collegiate coaches, business accountants, teachers, directors, hula dancers and Hawaiian practitioners.
We will truly miss him and his laughter. His presence here on earth will continue to live through each and everyone of his descendants through his teaching of love God first and love one another.
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