Terri Robinson Ashford
I still cannot stop crying over the loss of such a wonderful person, my friend Clarence Darryl Lontayao.
Our friendship began in 2018 after his HPD stepfather passed away. From the very beginning, Darryl brought nothing but laughter, kindness, and genuine friendship into my life.
One memory I will always cherish was his birthday on February 23, 2019. Darryl disappeared from his own birthday party because he could not wait to come hang out with me. He was so excited about our friendship. We stayed up all night laughing and talking, while he knew his family was probably looking for him.
Later, Darryl told me he was going to Nevada. I tried calling him several times after that, but the phone was disconnected. I never imagined that would be the last time I would ever see him.
The memories keep replaying in my mind, and I’m grateful I can share them with all of you. I truly wanted to be at the funeral to tell stories in Darryl’s voice that would make everyone laugh. Unfortunately, I had an emergency on the mainland because my mother is now transitioning in life. I still plan to visit his mom and auntie after I finish taking care of things with my mother, because for years Darryl always told me, “Just come by anytime. My mom and auntie would love you.”
One of my favorite memories was walking with Darryl past IHOP and Wailana Coffee House on the way to the beach by the Hale Koa to watch the fireworks. As tourists and delivery trucks passed by, I walked ahead of him and heard him laughing behind me. With his chest puffed out proudly, he told every guy checking me out, “Yeah, she’s with me.”
Another memory that still makes me smile was when Darryl would ride Biki bikes along the Ala Wai, doing tricks and jumping curbs like little kids. He kept saying he could not wait to take his nieces and nephews bike riding too.
Then there was the day we sat relaxing on his quilt by the Ala Wai, drinking beer and laughing for hours. When we finally got up, I heard a splash. My brand-new iPhone had fallen into the water. Without hesitation, Darryl jumped right into the Ala Wai to save my phone.
That was Darryl — always funny, fearless, caring, and full of life.
He always made my birthdays feel special, no matter how simple the moment was. Sometimes it was just groceries from Safeway. Other times it was unforgettable nights together.
On June 4, 2024, we watched the fireworks in Waikiki near the Hale Koa and the Barefoot Bar, then went for beer and pizza at Harbor Pub. After the fireworks, Darryl asked where I wanted to eat and joked, “As long as it’s not those vegetables and stuff you eat at home — I want some meat!” When the waitress walked by and I asked for a fork and knife, he laughed and said, “When you come to my house, pick that stuff up with your hands. Don’t ask my mom for no fork or chopsticks.”
That was Darryl — always making me laugh.
On December 17, Darryl told me he was going to Nevada, but he never mentioned being sick. It wasn’t planned, but somehow we never went a month without talking. When too much time passed and I still had not heard from him, I felt deep in my heart that something was wrong. When I finally searched his name online and saw the message from his sister, my heart broke.
All we ever shared was positive energy, laughter, and peace. Darryl was one of the few men I could truly relax around without feeling like I needed a protective shield up. He made life feel easy and genuine.
His love for cars, surfing, weed, family, and the people he cared about will always stay with me.
Looking back now, I realize our friendship was even stronger than I understood at the time.
Life is short. Do not take it for granted.
Thank you for allowing me to share these memories. I finally have some closure now.
Rest in peace, my friend. You will always be remembered with love.
