Raynard Kanoho Suganuma's Obituary
Raynard Suganuma Obituary
Raynard Kanoho Suganuma was born in Nanakuli, Oahu, to Melvin and Kuualoha Suganuma and grew up in Aiea alongside his sister, Raynette, and brother, Raymond.
In 1969, Ray graduated from Damien Memorial High School, where he excelled as a star football player, served as senior class president, and was baptized as a Catholic. He continued his education at St. Martin’s College, earning his political science degree in 1973.
Ray met the love of his life, Vicki Langeliers, in Hawaii in the 1970s, though the couple wouldn’t marry until 1990. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Pono, in 1996.
Over the course of his lifetime, Ray pursued various careers. He worked as a campaign manager for the late Senator Daniel Akaka, owned a car cleaning business called Tidy Cars, and served as a safety director for McCabe, Hamilton, and Renny. Ultimately, his true passion was teaching. Known to his haumana as Kumu Kai, he shaped thousands of young minds at Damien Memorial School and, for one year, at St. Louis School. He taught from 2007 until his retirement in 2020.
Ray put his heart and soul into everything he pursued and was deeply committed to fitness. Canoe paddling was his favorite sport in his younger years and pickleball in retirement. He paddled for several local canoe clubs, was a long-time member of the Outrigger Canoe Club and completed the Molokai Hoe multiple times. In his first pickleball tournament, he won a bronze medal—the first of many. His love for the sport led him to form countless friendships, and he encouraged his ohana to join him on the courts.
Ray is survived by his soulmate, Vicki Suganuma; his daughter, Pono Suganuma; his mother, Kuualoha “Nancy” Suganuma; his sister, Raynette “Sugi” Suganuma-Carlson (Paul); his brother, Raymond “Nobu” Suganuma (Lisa). He is also survived by one aunt, four nephews, one niece, and a loving ohana across Hawaii and the continent.
A private memorial sailing was held on July 13 near Nanakuli Beach. A celebration of life will be held at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel on Friday, September 12. Visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., with services from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a Hawaiian lunch. Flowers and lei are welcome.
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