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A Fond Farewell... Benny's "Moving Day" - Oct. 4, 1999Benny Kalama's funeral service at Nu`uanu Memorial Park church actually began long before the 10 a.m. service. Aaron Mahi and the Royal Hawaiian Band Singers began, shortly after 7:30 a.m., followed by Leina`ala Simerson and her ladies. Iwilani Kahalewai sang with them. The program, picturing Benny in full color, and obviously singing his incredible falsetto in full voice, was entitled "A Celebration of Life". Indeed it was. Gary Aiko sang, as did Danny Kaleikini, Joe Stevens one of the original "Surfers", Boyse Rodrigues, Jeff Apaka, and even Mel Abe. Danny Akaka Jr. was over from the Big Island to join in. Kanoe Miller danced, too. But the most beautiful and tear-producing dedication to Benny was Nina Keali`iwahamana singing "My Sweet Sweeting", with Jerry Byrd and Bobby Ingano on duo steel guitars, Gary Aiko on bass and Hiram Olsen on guitar. Manu Bentley danced. The steel guitarists were out in full force to celebrate Benny's life: Alan Akaka, Jerry Byrd, Bobby Ingano, Paul Kim, Casey Olsen, Scott Furushima, all taking turns with many of the songs Benny sang and, or arranged. George Naope attended. So did Martin Denny with Milton Carter. Harry B. Soria was there, too, and Vic and Nancy Rittenband. The church was filled with old friends. Frank Hewitt opened the service with a chant in both English and Hawaiian. Sonny Kamahele gave the eulogy for his best friend, describing the kindness that dwelled behind Benny's kalohe ways. Eddie Bush's musical offering of Ave Maria, in his incredible `ukulele styling was sweeter than any harp or pipe organ could have played it. Both Alan Akaka and Jerry Byrd spoke of their personal remembrances of Benny, his humbleness and his dislike of being singled out for his achievements. Only when Jerry pleaded with him to make a solo recording "for your family", did Benny agree. Jerry says he is working on getting the album re-released as a CD. Frank K. Kalama, Benny's nephew told about what a family man Benny really was. He said Benny was Hawaiian and Portuguese "but you'd never know it, except for how much he loved to talk!" Pastor Furushima, a family member, called this "Benny's Moving Day". It was moving for us, too. The only remembrance of Benny Kalama's life missing today was the "be-ah". I think he took it all to heaven with him. George Lake wrote: "as I peck away at this keyboard, my eyes are misty with tears upon the realization we will no longer see or hear our beloved Benny Kalama. Hawai`i has lost a true treasure, not only his fine talent and voice, but his immense knowledge of Hawai`i's musical history and heritage. On many occasions, I asked him about certain events or performers of many years past, and he would say 'sure, I knew (him/her) ....' and would go on to talk story, which was always so interesting." Alf and Carol Barrie e-mailed from Australia: "we were very saddened to hear of the death of Benny Kalama. I will arrange to have a notice placed in the local steel guitar magazines, as many older Hawaiian enthusiasts over here will remember Benny and will be deeply moved as well." 
HSGA * HAWAIIAN
STEEL GUITAR ASSOCIATION Homepage URL: www.hsga.org (hsga@lava.net) Last updated: 07/23/02 by Gerald Ross (gbross@umich.edu) |