Ernest "Niki" Duterte Libarios Jr.'s Obituary
Dr. Ernest Duterte Libarios Jr., known to family and friends as "Niki," passed away at The Queen's Medical Center on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at the age of 47.
Niki was born to Shirley (Ramirez) and Ernest Duterte Libarios Sr. on September 22, 1969; he was the eldest of two children.
He attended Haha'ione and Pearlridge Elementary Schools and 'Aiea Intermediate School before attending St. Louis School, from which he graduated. He earned an A. A. from Leeward Community College, a B. Ed. in elementary education from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, an M. S. in counseling psychology from Chaminade University, and a Ph. D. in educational administration from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.
Niki began his career as an elementary school teacher at Kai'ulani, Salt Lake, and Pearlridge Elementary Schools. He transitioned to higher education and worked as an academic advisor at Honolulu Community College and later at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. He eventually became the director of the Office of Student Academic Services at the College of Education for the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.
Niki was the recipient of numerous local and national awards and was also an active member with various professional and non-profit organizations:
the National Academic Advising Association (ACADA), the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), Waipahu High School Academy of Teacher Education Advisory Board, Kukuluao and Ka Lama Education Academy, Sacred Hearts Academic Parent Organization Board, Kalihi YMCA, Board of Managers, Sariling Gawa Youth Inc. and the Tinalak Filipino Advisor Counsel.
Most importantly, Niki was a family man. He married his college sweetheart, Laurie, on December 27, 1998; both eventually were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Joy (15) and Faith (10).
Family time was a priority for Niki, whether it was exploring and traveling to a new national park every year or just sitting down outside and talking ). Niki was very engaged with his daughters' lives and activities. He was a gym dad, and both girls loved going shopping with him. He also loved to cook (and eat) and so he would teach the girls how to cook. He enjoyed spending time with his family and planning family trips.
He was an active member of New Hope O'ahu, where he and his family volunteered with the church's Children's Ark Sunday School every month for years. Niki's favorite scriptures was: ["For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to five you hope and a future.] (Jeremiah 29:11)
Niki is remembered by many as a fun-loving, energetic, optimistic, and generous, joking, charismatic, kind and most especially, family man.
Niki enjoyed Christian music, especially "Learning To Be The Light" & "Today" by NewWorldson.
Niki's favorite catch phrase was #bekindtoastudent and favorite motto: Kaizen "Continuous Improvement."
Special people who have influenced Niki's life were his parents, grandparents and many mentors in higher education (too many to mention.)
Niki is survived by his loving wife, Laurie Toma Libarios; daughters, Joy Libarios and Faith Libarios; father, Ernest Duterte Libarios Sr.; brother, Jason (Jackie) Libarios; nieces, Alexis Libarios and Alaina Libarios. He is also survived by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and long-time friends.
Niki's celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at New Hope - Oahu (290 Sand Island Access Road Honolulu, HI 96819); visitation from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.; service to begin at 9:30 a.m., with burial to follow 1:30 p.m. at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.
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