Submissions About Dad
I don't have a story to share, but I can share what pops into my mind whenever I think about Melvin. First of all I can see him smiling his warm happy smile, then its followed by a nice chuckle and often more laughter. It always seemed Melvin was laughing no matter what the circumstances. In that sense I only have happy memories of cousin Melvin. I even recall when I was really young and visiting Aunty Masako, Melvin would talk to me and often pat my head and give it an affectionate rub to tousle my hair. It was always fun to go there. Melvin was always nice to us and interested in what was going on, especially as our family grew with Risa and Evan. I'm glad they both had a chance to know Melvin. Thank you Melvin, we love you and miss you! In a room full of people, Mel would likely be the one easiest to talk to; the one you felt most comfortable with…the one who would make you smile and laugh. Mel had a way about him; an easy smile, wit and humor, a comforting manner and soothing tone. He was never pretentious and one could sense that he was always genuine in heart, soul and spirit. We will miss you Mel, but we know that you must be so very proud of the legacy that lives on in Karen, Tiffany, Kelsey and Kevin. The Mukais are a special family who will always have a very special place in our hearts. We are truly blessed to have come to know you all. Mel was always so caring and interested in how my family was doing. He always asked what each of them were up to. He was very easy to talk to and made you feel at home. My family always looked forward to going over for Christmas and seeing everyone and spending time together. I missed this past year but I am glad I got to see Mel. We will always remember Mel as he will forever be part of our family. Dearest Karen, Tiffany, Kelsey and Kevin, we all miss Mel. We miss his quiet gentle presence, we miss his kindness, and his easy , ready laughter. We miss his generosity of spirit, and his unwavering dedication , to family, to friends. We miss the exceptional human being that he was, in the most humble way. We miss an unbelievably good man, who when we think of him , leaves us with a smile, and sweet happy thoughts. He touched us all, remarkably without even trying, he did so, just by being MEL. Every New Years Day we looked forward to gathering and spending the start of the year with the Mukai Family. Can anyone outdo Mel's "Pork and Beans"? It was one of our favorites! Best of all it was the fellowship, seeing family and friends and catching up with the news that was so special. Thanks for including us over the past 20 years. Mel, we will miss seeing you in and around Hawaii Kai, at Costco in the wine section with Karen, at L&L during dinnertime and at Long's. Although I've only met uncle Mel twice, once at the Mukai's Christmas party and once at their New Year's Eve party, I will always remember him as a warm, kind, and friendly gentlemen. Dear Uncle Mel, It has definitely been a pleasure to know you. I always appreciated the dry humor you could bring to any situation. You are a truly great role model not only to your own children, but the children of the extended Hoops family. Your unwavering support of your family is something that I will always remember about you. I can't recall a game that you weren't in the stands cheering Kev on and supporting the team, no matter how meaningless the game. I'm sure that same support extended to Tiffany and Kelsey as well. I will always cherish the support that you have also extended to my family over the years. Both Aunty Karen and yourself have gone out of your way to help my family in any way possible. I will be forever grateful for that. I guess its true what they say: only the good die young. You definitely had much more to offer here, but I'm sure Heaven could use another great man such as yourself. I'm going to miss you Uncle Mel. I cannot know the pain you feel. I cannot share your memories or your loss. My words of sympathy are beneath measure, yet know that my heart reaches out with love to your heart. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie Mel was very generous, and like many local people he shared his love for others through food. He was always bringing trays of noodles, chicken, burger, pizza, etc. for the boys on Kevin's basketball teams. And he was rarely absent from a game. He was devoted to his family and always smiling. I looked forward to each conversation with him. When we were young kids I remember going over to Gary's house in Kaimuki on New Years Eve and launching rockets in coke bottles. It was some of the best memories of my youth. When I think of Mel, I remember the sweetest, calmest, and nicest guy I ever knew. He was never down, always cheerful and always making everyone around him feel good. His proudest achievement were his children, sending them to good schools and the awesome results from it. Whenever he spoke about any of the, he just beamed. The three of you are certainly his legacy. I still see his gentle, smiling face every day and know he is watching over all of us. We miss him but he will remain forever in our hearts and memories God Bless You, Mukai Family. May God comfort you and give you strength to endure the ordeal you're going through. Since we live in California we didn't get to see Mel much but when I came back for my grandmother's funeral I stayed with Auntie for awhile. Mel was talking Auntie to her chemo treatments regularly and I thought what a great devoted son to care for his Mom like that. He also always offered to give me a ride anywhere. I'll always remember him as a kind loving person who was a pleasure to be around. The world has lost a good person that left behind a good footprint for other's to follow. Our hearts have sympathy for the family and take solace in thought to know that he is secure with other good people that have gone before us. We will meet again someday. Happy forever Mel. Being friends with Karen, I was eventually introduced to Mel when I visited their home one day. Not long after that, my brother and I had an opportunity to take Mel and Karen around in SF. It was during that trip that we spent much more time together and by the end of that trip, there was a special bond that my brother and I had with the two of them that has continued to this day. As a close friend of Karen's, I had the honor of meeting Mel and "talking story" with him - usually at one of Karen's events. Now those occasions seemed too few and short, but in those brief times, I came to know what a truly wonderful man he was. You couldn't help but like and admire Mel - easy to talk to, humble, a man of quiet integrity, and funny, too! Observing him being Karen's loving husband, confidante, cheerleader, chauffeur, and ever-faithful support system was truly inspiring and always made me smile. Those of you who know Karen know that she is a constant ball of energy, always juggling a million balls in the air or working on her next exciting project. I knew she was always in good hands with Mel at her side, always supporting her. When I last spoke with him, we spoke of Karen - of course! - and his love for her came across in every word, every look. I know he is deeply missed beyond words by Karen and his family, but they can smile as they realize how extremely lucky they were to have had Mel as a husband, father and friend. They are all richer for it...and I am richer for having known him, too. Rest in peace, Mel...and much love and blessings to Karen, Tiffany, Kelsey and Kevin. Dear Mel and family, I didn't have the privilege to know Uncle Mel as much as many of you knew him. But I know he was a great husband and father who created an incredible family. As someone who's getting married in just a few months, I hope I can make my future wife as happy as Uncle Mel made Karen. As someone who may have kids soon after marriage, I hope I can raise my children to be quality individuals like Kelsey, Tiff, and Kevin. I always picture Uncle Mel with a smile. This past New Year's Eve, I spent the last hours of 2014 and first hour of 2015 with the Mukai family. Aunty Karen and Uncle Mel are always such welcoming and gracious hosts. The Mukai family always prepares lots of food. After midnight, everyone enjoyed Uncle Mel's famous Portuguese bean soup (maybe tied for the best Poetuguese bean soup to Punahou carnival). I have fond memories of spending time at the Mukai house, usually around the winter holidays. He will be greatly missed. Mel's smile was contagious, which is why every single memory I have of him was a happy one. His loving attitude and positive outlook on life touched each person who was lucky enough to have known him. Growing up with Kevin was a blessing, not only because of who he is a person and what he has taught me, but because our family was given the amazing opportunity to get close to Mel and the entire Mukai family. After every basketball game that we competed in together, win or lose, the mere sight of Mel and his caring smile gave us something to be happy about. If I can pass along a fraction of the pure happiness and joy he gave every one of us growing up, I will be able to call my life a success. My childhood simply would have not been the same if I didn't become close with Kevin, and as a result of that I'm forever grateful for the time I was able to spend with Mel. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that I am truly lucky to have known such a great man that we could always rely on to brighten our days. I look forward to seeing his cheerful smile in our next life. One of my best memories of Mel was at a PCA-Hawaii event called Breakfast With Champions. Karen was of course working extremely hard to help make the event a success (which it was!). In speaking with Mel you could sense the long devotion and constant companionship of his soulmate, Karen. When he looked at Karen you could see his eyes sparkle with wonder that he could ever have had the complete blessing of being with someone so rich, so kind, so amazing. I'll never forget how in awe he was of his wife and how proud he felt to be associated with everything she did. The taut and firm bond of marriage, clear in just watching Mel gaze at Karen, was so inspirational that I will never forget this moment. Karen and Mel are both do-ers and givers, where one can recognize the truth of Saint-Exupery's line: "Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction." For, in fact, Karen and Mel not only looked outward in the same direction, they worked outward, with a steady, constant support and unified love in knowing that they make a positive difference in the world in the most humble way possible. Karen, your bond of love with Mel just leaps across space or time or life itself, like a rainbow hinged to the earth. Thank you for showing me true love and beauty through all of your relationships, with dearest Mel, and especially your sweet children and family. I love you very much. |
I have many fond memories of Mel. One of my favorite is running into Mel @ the Hawaii Kai Costco. Our chats included updates of our families, our health, news headlines and sports. Our longest "chat" was 40 mins! We shared recipes in the meat department. He suggested wines from the liquor section and we even ate samples together. We would kid each other about meeting again the following week. I remember Kevin's first ever sleepover @ our house. Karen had warned me that Kevin might want to go home in the middle of the night. Sure enough, about 2 am, Kevin was ready to go home. Within 10 mins, Mel was picking up Kevin! Papa Bear was waiting! In all my years of attending KAC, NJB & Punahou games, Mel rarely missed Kev's games. And since Kelsey and my daughter were classmates, we also would run into Mel & Karen @ ALL the dance recitals as well. It was Mel's support and TLC that nursed Karen through her medical issues. Mel was her rock. He made sure she got her rest and was always there to take care of her. Mel, my friend, I will miss you. We look forward to Christmas at the Mukais every year where we are greeted by Mel with his warm smile and a hug. Mel's thoughtfulness and generosity embodies the Christmas spirit all year long. Mel, we are so blessed that you have touched our lives and made it so much richer. Love you Mel! I never figured out how to address Mr. Mukai. "Mr. Mukai" seemed formal and detached. "Uncle Mel" seemed weird since I am engaged to his daughter. "Mel" seemed too casual to address the family patriarch. Since he gave me his blessing to marry Kelsey, I hope it's okay to call him "Dad." There are many words people commonly use to describe their beloved. Sometimes, I feel these adjectives are given too freely. But, when I say that Dad was selfless, thoughtful, endearing, ethical and warmhearted, I genuinely mean it. Everyone can be these things with some effort but, he exemplified these characteristics, among others, so naturally that they were just a core part of his personality. I've only known him for a short five years but he will leave an impact on me that will last my lifetime and will carry on to my future children. I was so saddened to hear of Mel's passing. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your daughters. We haven't been in touch for a very long time, but I've often wondered how you are and what life has brought you. You and Mel have always been one of my favorite memories of good times and good friends at Hawaiian Tel and I still remember all of our Consumer Affairs staff having a grand time at your wedding. I pray that God has been good to you and that although perhaps there is no understanding "why", He has given you strength and peace and comfort in knowing Mel will always be with you in spirit. Mel, We love you for who you are... caring, compassionate, thoughtful, sincere... We love your quiet laugh and our blessed by your friendship. Dinner time we think of you when we have our salad, shrimp scampi and red wine. Paula, Chris, Trevor , Taylor, Max & Mia Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day… unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. I used to talked to Mel over the telephone while he was at the Report Center. He would page me and than by cell phone. He was always very careful in analyzing the trouble before dispatching us out.I was stationed out in the Wahiawa area and later to the Mililani area.I never met Mel till after retiring and attending our breakfast meetings.The first time I met Mel I knew it was him by the sound of his voice.Over the years we met at varios places and ended up at Ranch 99. At our May get together,as we were looking to select our lunch we both shared a laugh about so many places to eat and how we kept changing our minds.at the end of the day we always say good bye before leaving. I'm going to miss him but I know he's in a better place! I will always remember Uncle Mel for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. Since the age of 9, I spent much time in the Mukai family’s home and have always felt so welcome there. When Tiff and I were young, their house was where many sleepovers took place and school projects were worked on. Uncle Mel was always so patient and supportive of it all and despite his busy schedule, found time to help us and take us where we needed to go. He affectionately nicknamed me “The Chatterbox” and would always ask how school was going and how my family was. Dearest Tiffany, Kelsey, and Kevin, We thank God for your dad (and your mom, too) that we have been blessed with cousins and those cousins are you. He’s always been the uncle of proverbial acclaim to one niece, to one nephew, but who would have known that others would call him “Uncle” Mel just the same. We will miss his heart-to-hearts, we will miss his words so wise; we will miss his loving heart, and that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. We have many memories so warm, many memories so dear; in our hearts these memories we will always hold near. As we have found comfort in his love may we find comfort in his peace. We love you, Report Center, at the phone company, was a special place to work ... we had a great group of employees who worked well together, had a lot of fun at work and also away from work. We got together often for dinners (usually at the Mukai's), went hiking, camping and torching, and even going to see strip shows at the bars ... oh such good times and good memories. Mel was not only my cousin but he was a special person. I always admired him for sense of Humor, calm manner, and family values. Living in California we were not able to visit the family as much as we would have liked however, Mel was kind enough to provide us with updates on Auntie EM, his family, and family matters in general. I looked forward to the updates because they were informative and funny. I remember when I sent him a picture of our second grandson he responded....Wow...you have two grandsons ....we better tell our kids to get going so we can catch up.....always funny and about family. In one of his last E-Mails he said he was looking forward to see our son Keith on our May visit to Oahu. The last time he saw Keith was when Mel took him to a fair when he was a kid. Umm, I'm not sure whether it's appropriate to share this here or not, but it's ahhh heck, it's the truth: Mel always laughed at my jokes. Or maybe it was me he was laughing at. I have known little bits of my dad's side of the family. I remember very little of my grandma, Anne, and Aunty Jeanie passed away when I was still growing up. I'm so glad I've got to spend as much time as I have with Great Grandma and with Aunty Jackie - but out of this side of my family, I think I have spent the most quality time with Uncle Mel. And I am so glad I had, because Uncle Mel exemplifies the sweet uncle, the soft-spoken, yet humourous uncle - the uncle I was glad I got to spend time with and know. Uncle Mel let me know that my family is kind and caring. I'm so glad I got to see him last year and I know he's watching down on us with a gentle smile and a warm heart. Unfortunately most of my memories of Uncle Mel are more than a decade old - and many of them are blended in with the countless hours I spent playing video games with Kevin in his living room. As such, the individualstories I have of Uncle Mel are fuzzy at best. But what is clear as day to me still, is Uncle Mel's selflessness and overall disposition toward life. He was always willing to put others before himself, whether it be the countless times he went out of his way to give me a ride, inviting me to be a part of the Mukai "family" dinners, or even putting a roof over my head when my parents weren't trusting enough to leave me on my own yet. And he did all of this with a smile on his face, and a token laugh that I can only aptly describe as a "dad laugh". I can't remember exactly when I met Uncle Mel but I know it was in the early stages of college either moving Kelsey in or during Parents weekend. My dad wasn't there and I was having a hard time being in a new environment. Kelsey's family was kind enough to let me tag along to dinners and errands. By the end of it I was calling him papa Mukai Iol. I'm so grateful that UncleMel and the family let me be part of their little group for those few days and it definitely made me feel better for being far away from mine. |