There are so many memories I have of Big D that it would fill a book. A book of a man who, to many was a great athlete. A man who enjoyed living life & making people laugh and smile. A man who went out of his way to help others & to be a blessing. A man who took pride in his work ethic and a mentor to those under his leadership. I can go on & on for days of who Derek was to so many different people. I want to tell you how much he loved his family!
His wife Darnell, Derek jr. & Keala (he’s not derek boy anymore 😁) Amy & Eddie Maldo, Eric, Malachi. His grandchildren, & the rest of His entire family. How hard he worked for them all.
I want to tell you about my Big Bro….. for me growing up football was everything to me & in Waianae Derek was larger than life. His accomplishments, not just in football but track & field, Paddling Canoe, Bowling too. I looked up to him and all he excelled at. Later in life I got to know him up close & personally As we both married 2 Beautiful Souza girls lol, his wife Darnell & my wife Doreen….. Man we had fun!… too much fun some times but thats for another page lol. He taught me a lot…. I have to say I need to put into practice even more some of those things he did pass on to me.
I want to end this by saying the very last thing he taught me, cause he showed me this… His strength…..not just an outward physical strength but a mental & spiritual strength cause For me I believe the two are connected. It is something that even now brings me to watery eyes (crybaby) I LOVE YOU Derek ‘Big D’ Mahaulu… Thank you for loving me.
Not a goodbye… but an, A hui hou!