I first met Ken Yamase when he moved to the Big Island to continue his teaching career and coach baseball at Waiakea High School. I was in high school and remember him for assisting Warren Miyasaki on our team's baseball coaching staff. As a senior, I was a teacher's aide for one of my classes and clearly remember always sneaking away to go and hang out in his senior English class. This is where I first thought that this guy was alright. He had a dynamic and non-conventional way of delivering his course content as any of his former students will attest to this day. I wandered how an individual with a slight local pidgin accent could be teaching English? You had to be in his class to experience what all the students learned first hand. He knew how to get your attention and was always keeping everyone loose by his sense of humor and intriguing course content.I'd always keep in touch with him throughout college and my years working at UH Manoa. I'd always bring him UH sports schedule posters, media guides, and whatever apparel I could get my hands on. He was always appreciative and proud to be sporting this around town. He'd always be there for me whenever I needed consultation about sports, teaching, and even coaching. His expertise and willingness to share were insurmountable as he was always a giving person which I learned.
It wasn't until I moved back to Hilo and was a neighbor of his that I really got to know the true character of this person. See, he'd frequently stop by my house on his way home from work and we'd share a cold beverage (or two, three, etc...) and just sit and talk about stuff, whether it be about work, family, fishing, diving, poking tako, softball, or just life, in general. I'd always invite him to get-togethers at my house on the weekends and he'd always come, especially after a football game he worked hard at all day. He'd pull up in his white Harper's van he rented for the day and buss' out da pupus which were left overs from the concessions, and anyone who knows Waiakea concessions, they had the ono ono grinds........from roast pork to the mac salad (and whatever else he could get his two hands on).
We were also teammates on a local softball team where we'd marvel at his somewhat unorthodox swing and throwing motions, but he always seemed to be successful at these skills. Even during high school baseball practice, he'd throw us batting practice with his unique and unorthodox pitching style. He was always able to throw mostly strikes.
While he was the athletic director at my alma mater, he had already established himself as being a strong vocal leader, showed dedication, and gave new meaning to commitment to excellence. He had a vision of how Big Island athletics could be in order to service the student-athletes in developing well rounded individuals and contributing community members. He was well respected by all and everyone worked hard for him as well. I'd always be fascinated by his insights and his communication and delivery of his thoughts and feelings as he was all for the betterment of everyone involved. He never wanted to be in the spotlight, although everyone knew and respected the effort he put into his profession.
When I had the chance, I'd talk to him about life in general. He loved talking about his family as was evident by his priority with them. His experiences and knowledge and openness to sharing with me were priceless. I will never forget his wittiness and sense of humor, as it was a way for him to metaphorically express his ideas in ways we could relate to. I'd always crack up hysterically at things he'd say and convey to me. I learned a lot of life lessons from him. We also remember his infamous look he had, head tilted down, his eyes looking, staring at you from above the lenses of his glasses......the memories.
In closing, please join me in remembering all the fond memories that he impacted us with during his lifetime. For me, the memories are endless. He'll leave behind a legacy that I hope will continue through new leadership. We should rejoice and thank him for the full and prosperous life he's lived and left behind. We will all truly and dearly miss him. I'm just fortunate to have been able to call him "friend."
May he rest in peace and may his aumakua bring all of us plenty of fish from the waters he truly passioned for!
