Ikua Kauhi "Jonathan" Purdy

IKUA KAUHI "JONATHAN" PURDY, age 89, of Waipahu/Kapolei, Hawaii, left this earth on April 28th, 2020, and went to his heavenly home with Jesus, after succumbing to ailing health. He peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side.

Ikua was born on Ulupalakua, Maui, July 8, 1930. He is the son of the late Kauhi Purdy Sr, and Joy Louisa Kapaku. He was also the the grandson of the famous Paniolo Ikua Purdy of Waimea, Hawaii Island, who won the world championship in the steer roping competition at the 1908 Frontier Days Wild West Rodeo, held in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Handed down by family  tradition , it was told that when Ikua was born, Ikua the grandfather, said to his parents, Kauhi and Joy, "This baby will be named after me because I know he will not spoil my name." He is predeceased by his brothers Kauhi Jr, Kane, Parker and sister Joy. Surviving by one remaining Solomon Purdy (Las Vegas). He is also survived by his precious wife Margaret of 62 years, sons Eric (Gail), Thomas (Jamilyn), Nathan(Nora), and daughter Colleen. Ikua was the proud grandfather and great grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Ikua was a graduate of Kamehameha School Class of 1950. He was an avid athlete at  Kamehameha and played competitive sports: football, baseball and basketball. He humbly treasured a grand moment of being the running back who made the touchdown that won his school team the year's championship game! He was also a member of the Army ROTC, which prepared him to enlist as an Army Corpsman/Medic and proudly served his country in the Korean War conflict during 1951-1953. After the war ended , Ikua returned home to Maui and went to work at Ulupalakua Ranch, like his father and grandfather did. After a couple of years as a ranchman, Ikua decided it was time to find himself a wife, so he relocated to Oahu to start his new adventure.    

On Oahu, Ikua worked at various jobs. For many years he was with Meadow Gold, Co., previously known as Dairyman back in 50's. While working in dairy industry, he would also do part- time cowboy work for horse owners. He put in many years at Holsum Bakery Inc (now Oroweat). His work buddies would tell of how Ikua would carry two 100-lb bags of flour on his shoulders. (It must be that his hard cowboy life and years of carrying bags of horse feed built his strength and trained him well. Dad was always a strong and efficient worker) He retired in 1995 as a foreman from Fresh Start Bakery Corp. During his time in the 50's  is when Ikua met the girl of his dreams, Margaret, at a Christmas party put on by the Chinese Society. After two courtship, they were married in 1957 and started their family and made Waipahu their hometown for 56 years. In 2017 Ikua and Margaret moved to Hawaiian Homes subdivision in Kapolei. Where they truly enjoyed a peaceful life together, participated in various social clubs, while reminiscing many overseas traveled adventures in their lifetime.

The family of Ikua K. Purdy is very grateful for all the dear family and friends that been a part of his life and have extended their condolences. Services for celebration of life will be announced in the near future. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.