George "Big George" James Keliikuli's Obituary
George 'Big George' Keliikuli was born on June 30, 1938 in Kohala on the Big Island. The youngest boy of 10-children, George grew up on the rolling green pastures of Kahua Ranch with his parents, Clement and Hannah Keliikuli.
George attended school in Kohala, but most of his time was spent working hard as a paniolo. Life as a paniolo had him branding cattle, cutting kiawe trees and tending the ranch on which he lived with his family. With his horse under his saddle and spurs on his boots, George would drive cattle from the cool, dewy pastures of Kahua Ranch, to the awaiting barge in Kawaihae Harbor.
In his early 20's, George followed his cousins to the hustle and bustle of Honolulu where he landed a job as a laborer and then a boilermaker. It was while working on the island of Kaua'i, that he met the love of his life, Susann. After an exciting and speedy courtship, George and Susann were married in Lihue, Kaua`i on July 31st, 1964, a marriage that kept them as one for 50-years.
The newlyweds eventually settled on the island of Oahu with their beautiful daughters Lisa and Cindy. Keokilani was born in June of 1968 and their family was finally complete.
George joined the Iron Workers Union in 1968 and worked as an iron worker for 33-years before retiring in 2001. Some of his accomplishments include building the Amfac Building, Aloha Stadium and the Canada/France Observatory on Maunakea. George was a master welder and could weld anything but the crack of dawn. He spent his spare time welding special projects for friends and you could often find him working in his garage.
Friends and family would describe 'Big George' as a gentle giant. Standing over 6-feet tall, his infectious smile and aloha spirit would feel like a warm hug. He was a hard working and humble man. His work boots would go on before dawn and often did not come off until dinner. His strong work ethic allowed him to be a great provider for his family. George was so kind and generous, it was a blessing to all that had a chance to cross paths with him at some point of his beautiful lifetime.
George was 76 when he passed away peacefully in his home in Hilo, HI, on Wednesday, December 31, 2014. He is survived by spouse, Susann Keli’ikuli of Hilo, HI; 3 daugthers, Lisa (Moana) Heimuli of Kahalu’u, HI, Cindy (Henry) Keli’ikuli-Grace of Kaneohe, HI, and Keokilani Keli’ikuli-Teixeira of Kurtistown, HI; son, Roy (Christina) Taylor of Mountain View, HI; 2 sisters, Shirley Shin of Keaau, HI and Delilah (Gavin) Keli’ikuli-Kaimana of Kawaihae, HI; brother, Archie Keli’ikuli of Kawaihae, HI; 4 sister-in-laws, Edna Keli’ikuli of Pearl City, HI, Gladys Keli’ikuli of Laie, HI, Grace Keli’ikuli of Makaha, HI, and Joyce Carvalho of Kapaa, Kauai; 16 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
The Keliikuli Ohana would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support and sincere condolences. Our lives have been touched by the outpouring of love and aloha you have shown our family and we are truly grateful.
Please join us for George "Big George" James Keliikuli's Celebration of Life to commence on Saturday, February 7th at Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kaneohe. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and Services will begin at 11:00 AM.
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