Myron Ray Blazek, 78, of Hilo died May 16 at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in Yankton, S.D., he originated and developed the harmonic color code system, a process of synchronization of sound, color and mathematics, was a docent and driver for Roberts Hawaii, DOE school bus driver and lifetime member of Golden Knights of the Greater Czech Diaspora. Celebration of life at a later date. Online condolences: www.homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by daughter, Sojza (Jeff) Wadkins of Concord, Calif.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Fumiko “Pat” Hakoda, 92, of Hilo died April 27 at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in Hilo, she was a retired teacher from Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School, mahjong player, golfer and member of clubs including Kula Wahines, Golden Girls, Women’s AJA and Anuenue Golf Club, plus Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, Church of the Holy Cross, Project Dana, Fukuoka Kenjinkai, East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjinkai and Panaewa Kumiai. Visitation 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Casual attire. Survived by sons, Gaine (Diane) Hakoda and Donn (Ruby) Hakoda of Hilo; daughter, Wynne (Raynard) Peralta of Hilo; sisters-in-law, Yaeko Hakoda of Kona and Jessie Hakoda of Honolulu; four grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Thomas Charles Hoffman, 82, of Hilo died May 18 at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in Allegheny County, Pa., he was a former owner of Boat House Hawaii. No services. Survived by wife, Barbara Hoffman of Hilo; sons, Mark (Lani) Hoffman and Jeffrey Hoffman of Baytown, Texas; three grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Hazel Catherine Reece, 63, of Kailua-Kona died April 1 in Kailua-Kona. Born in Washington, D.C., she was a nurse educator and U.S. Air Force captain. Visitation 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday, June 7, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kailua-Kona. Memorial mass at 9:30 a.m. Inurnment at noon at West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Celebration of life 2 p.m. at Kona by the Sea clubhouse. Online condolences: ballardfamilymortuaries.com. Survived by husband, William T. Reece Jr.; son, Matthew (Ellie) Reece of Detroit; daughters, Elizabeth (Luis) Mendez of San Antonio and Margaret (Bryan) Rathgeber of San Francisco; brother, John (Donna) Ramos III of Washington, D.C.; sisters, Frances (Jan) Verbruggen of Portland, Ore., and Mary Anne (Dr. Robert Bowden) Ramos of Baltimore; three grandsons. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Colin D. Souza, 41, of Las Vegas died March 8 at home. Born in Hilo, he was owner and CEO of LV Photo Co., worked at Hard Rock Casino and for Norwegian Cruise Lines, New Star and at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Celebration of life 4:30-10 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Casual attire; no flowers or wreaths. It is an alcohol-free event. Survived by parents, Clifford and Shirley Souza of Hilo; brothers, Chad Souza and Chris Souza of Hilo; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.