An Obituary From the Church of Mokulau, Kaupo, Maui
("He Hoalohaloha Na Ka Ekalesia O Mokulau Kaupo Maui", Nupepa Kuokoa, September 30, 1921)
On August 29, 1921, the angel of death silently entered the thresholds of the bodily home of the Iron Duke1 D. W. Napihaa, our fellow laborer in the activities of the church, the Sunday schools and the C. E.2 here in East Maui, and took away the pure life breath of the Iron Duke D. W. Napihaa.
Many came to visit him, since even though he was weak from his illness3 he went to take part in the activities of the exhibition for East Maui in Kipahulu on August 2, 1921. Our last in-person meeting was on the 22nd. On the day referenced above4, we heard of the death, the passing on to the road of no return5, of our fellow laborer, Iron Duke Napihaa.
He was a welcoming and kindly father. The door of his home was open to all.
He served as Sunday school superintendent for East Maui for many years.
He left behind a wife6, grandchildren, relatives and friends who are now mourning him in this life. His burden has been released. His work is done. He is returning to the everlasting place prepared for all who do His will. What great sorrow!
Therefore, be it resolved, we the pastor, elders, members, Sunday school students, and members of the C. E., through our committees, share the sorrow and pain placed upon you, Mrs. D. W., and your grandchildren.
Therefore, we pray to the Almighty Father to ease the sorrow and pain of grief for our beloved one who has departed this life. He gave, and He hath taken away7.
Be it further resolved, one copy shall go to Nupepa Kuokoa and one copy to The Friend8.
J. W. KAWAAKOA,
M. K. REUTER,
E. R. KEIKI,
The committee
Kaupo, Maui, Sept. 14, 1921.
Eulogy for D. W. Napihaa From the Sunday School Association of the Islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai, Session of Sept. 1921
("Hoalohaloha No D. W. Napihaa A Ka Ahahui Kula Sabati O Na Mokupuni O Maui Molokai Ame Lanai Kau O Sept. A. D. 1921", Nupepa Kuokoa, November 25, 1921)
Mr. President and members of this association:—The words that have been delivered have come to pass: The silver cord is severed into fragments; the golden vessel is ground into powder; the pitcher of generosity is shattered at the fountain. No more words will come from you to assist with the activities of this association, since the turning wheel of life has met its end at the cistern. The dust shall return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto the One who gave it9. Praise be His name!
What sorrow! David William Napihaa, has passed away, vanished, our great fellow laborer. How great is the work of his beloved Lord. Regretfully, his features have disappeared from the cheeks of the earth’s skin and from the walls of this association.
On August 29, the angel of death called at the sacred threshold of our friend’s body, the one who steadfastly carried out the work of his beloved Lord, who tirelessly carried out his tasks without complaining, going here and there, all about, in the sun and rain, night and day, in the calm and in the storm, in sickness and health. He was unfaltering and now he is gone!
He was a fearless warrior for Jesus, taking on the spiritual battle for the side of the kingdom of heaven, paying no regard to the earthly sins surrounding him. Even though weakness settled on his body, the voice of the Lord stirred him to complete his final undertaking, at the Sunday school exhibition at Kipahulu10. What devotion!
And when he finished the work that his soul compelled him to complete, the inviting words of the beloved Lord came to pass: In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, then I shall summon you to stay with me11.
His body was laid to rest in his birthplace to sleep the slumber of all seasons12 together with his parents and family, waiting for the sound of the trumpet heralding the Resurrection13.
For many years, the position of Sunday school superintendent for East Maui rested on his shoulders. This association placed this title on him with the utmost confidence, and he served in this position with great honor. Now he has been released of his burden and is resting in eternal repose, to our ceaseless sorrow.
D. W. Napihaa was born in Haou, Hana, in the rain of the low-lying heavens14. Later, he made his home in the high waters of Keanae15. Because of his cleverness and wise way with words to move pebbles16 out of his path, his initials D. W. came to stand for the illustrious title of Iron Duke17 of Wellington Napihaa, supported by his way of being completely open-hearted, generous without bounds, and welcoming to those of the highest and humblest stature. His was a home for strangers who did not even need to ask.
He leaves behind his beloved companion, his wife, grieving with tears raining down. Not just a wife, but a matron who tended to the needs of their beloved Lord wherever they were called to serve. You were a great asset to your husband. What sorrow for you, Akowai, the right hand of your dear husband in all matters. He has passed on, vanished. There will be no return. The bodily home has been broken. Friend, you will visit in dreams, always the same: You are soaring like an eagle on the celestial wings of eternal hope.
Thus, it falls on you, Mr. President and members of this Sunday School Association of the Islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai, to shoulder the important work and serious thoughts of this steadfast fellow laborer and to bear on with the arduous tasks of this earthly realm.
Therefore, be it resolved that we undersigned, the appointed memorial committee of this session, join together with you, the widow who has lost a parenting partner, as well as the entire family and all others in praying for the Heavenly Father’s benevolence in comforting the hearts heavy with sorrow through the reassuring words of our beloved Lord. You who are weary and burdened, come to Him and He will give us rest18. Let not your hearts be troubled. Let us believe in God and believe in Him. Our Father’s house has many places for us to dwell19.
Be it further resolved: This eulogy will be sent to the Nupepa Kuokoa and The Friend20 along with a copy to the widow.
We undersigned being the committee,
ISAAC D. IAEA,
MRS. ANNIE MAKAHIO,
MRS. M. P. WAIWAIOLE,
MRS. ANNIE MITCHELL,
WILLIAM E. SAFFERY
Note: The age at death of 75 years is an estimate. In January 1920, Napihaa was 73 years old, according to census data.
- This nickname is explained further on.
- Christian Endeavor Society.
- Stomach cancer, according to his death certificate.
- August 29.
- A common poetic saying for death. See entry No. 420 in the book “ʻŌlelo Noʻeau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings“.
- Akowai Napihaa.
- Job 1:21.
- It appears that that The Friend did not publish this obituary.
- Much of this paragraph is a variation on Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 with poetic embellishments.
- On August 2, 1921 (see preceding obituary).
- John 14:2.
- A common poetic saying for death and a variation of entry No. 2168 in “ʻŌlelo Noʻeau”.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16]
- A poetic name for Hana. See entry No. 1578 in “ʻŌlelo Noʻeau”.
- A poetic name for Keanae. See entry No. 2447 in “ʻŌlelo Noʻeau”.
- Likely a metaphor for obstacles.
- This makes more sense in Hawaiian since the word for iron comes after duke and is written as one word (dukehao).
- Matthew 11:28.
- John 14:1-2.
- It appears that that The Friend did not publish this obituary as well.