Gilbert Mau's Obituary
Gilbert Mau Obituary
Gilbert (Choc) Mau of Pearl City passed away peacefully at Pali Momi Hospital on November 23, 2020, he was 90. Gilbert was born in Honolulu on October 2, 1930 to Henry Kui & Esther Lau Mau and was raised in Liliha throughout most of his childhood. He graduated in 1948 from Farrington High School where he starred in Baseball.
As a veteran of the U.S. Army he served his country during the Korean Conflict. While he was stationed in Germany it was there that he excelled in the 16th Army band playing the French horn.
Upon returning home he entered the Honolulu Symphony and then the Royal Hawaiian Band where he would play for 30 years up until his retirement.
During his career he would perform with such stars as Johnny Mathis, Jack Benny, Rosemary Clooney, Henry Mancini, and Arthur Fiedler of The Boston Pops.
Gilbert was an avid golfer and a big fan of UH athletics and local athletes in the field of professional sports. He loved going to Las Vegas and he would always sing a song to us. He had a good voice.
Brenna remembers dad in the Aloha Week Parade. He was in the first band and she was in the last band.
Kevin remembers the breakfast dad would cook at 5 o’clock in the morning and his singing of songs that he would make his own lyrics to.
Dawna remembers dad as owning the junkiest car and Kevin was so ashamed to ride in it. Dad would try to sell his car to his relatives for $1 and called his car a “Jalopy”.
Gordon remembers dad watching any show that had a combat theme. Hogan’s Heroes was one of his favorite show.
Gilbert is survived by his wife Elsie of 68 years, sons Gordon (Penny Yanagisawa) of Hilo, Kevin, daughters Dawna (Eric Enjada) Ota, Brenna (Jay) Walters, grandchildren Darren (Amber Davis) Ota, Travis Ota , Crystal (Eric) Lee, Collin Walters, Connor Walters, Jessi (Bryson) Martin, Erin Mau Phromsiri (Sarah Phromsiri) 4 great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his four brothers Ernest, Albert, William and Wilfred.
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