FREDERICK KAMAKA Obituary

FREDERICK KU KAMAKA, SR. Be strong and ally ye, O Sons of Hawaii, And nobly stand together hand in hand. Lt. Col. Frederick Ku Kamaka, Sr. (USA Ret.), 98, a revered member of the Ukulele Hall of Fame and ukulele master, passed away peacefully at his home in Kaneohe on July 23, 2023. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 16, 1924. Fred was the brother and business partner of legendary ukulele maker Samuel Kamaka, Jr. and the son of the founder of Kamaka Ukulele, Samuel Kamaka, Sr. Through their father, the brothers learned the craft of Hawaiian ukulele-making and together they propelled Kamaka to prominence as the world's premiere ukulele maker. Fred's favorite childhood memories included playing with his brother and cousins on Elizabeth Street in Kaimuki where he grew up. A steadfast member of the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1944, he attended Washington State University on the GI Bill. Proud to be both a Hawaiian and an American, Fred was a tough and courageous veteran of three warsWorld War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was living proof that a Hawaiian could serve as bravely and loyally as his American counterparts. During the Korean War, Fred served as the executive officer of Company C, 17th Infantry. On July 9, 1953, after his company commander was killed, Fred came forward with his men to lead in a fierce, aggressive assault that surged to the top of Pork Chop Hill. Fred's bravery won him the Silver Star, the third-highest decoration for valor in combat. Fred never saw himself as a hero and rarely spoke about his military contributions. He considered those who gave their lives as the real heroes and remained lifelong friends with his military comrades. No matter their skin color or where they were from, it was Fred's belief that the men to his left and right were worthy of his trust. In 1971, Fred realized his dream when he returned to Hawaii with his young family. It was also the beginning of a new life: retirement from the Army and a partnership with his brother Sam Jr., in moving the family's ukulele business, Kamaka Hawaii, forward. Before long, Kamaka was a global phenomenon, the pinnacle of the ukulele world. Fred served as the Business Manager in the front office of their Kakaako shop from 1971 to 1995. He was also the VP/Director; in March 2022, after his brother Sam passed away, Fred became president of the company. With his deep knowledge, sense of humor and generous well of anecdotes and stories, Fred regaled countless visitors during daily tours of the factory. He delighted them with childhood memories: the original Kamaka Ukulele shop on South King Street, the history of Hawaiian ukulele craftsmanship, and his father's sage advice, "Don't make junk." Today, Kamaka's musical instruments are known across the globe for their lasting beauty, exquisite tone and flawless craftsmanship. Kamaka Hawaii celebrated its 107th anniversary in 2023. Fred was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Elisabeth. They were devoted parishioners of St. Ann's Church. Fred is survived by his son Frederick Kamaka, Jr. (Kitty); daughters Dr. Martina Kamaka (Donald Froning, Jr.) and Heidi Kamana (Carter); ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at St. Ann's Church, Kaneohe. Visitation: 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; Program: 11:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.; Mass: 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the service at Kakoo Oiwi, 46-406 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe from 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Private Burial. Donations may be made in Fred's memory to St. Ann's Church and the Music For Life Foundation