STEPHEN OKANO Obituary

STEPHEN OKANO Stephen M. Okano passed away in Honolulu on January 29, 2026 at the age of 83 after a 7 year battle with dementia. Steve was born in Honolulu, HI in July 1942. He loved playing golf with friends at Waialae Country Club, Pearl Country Club and Hawaii Kai Golf Course; which always included a lot of ribbing and betting. He was a loving husband who worked hard in his younger years and later found he enjoyed cooking and taking care of the family. Steve met the love of his life, Dawn Soderquist, in 1979, they were married in September 1986. Dawn and Steve have shared 47 wonderful years of friendship, life adventures and true partnership. Steve was a proud and devoted father to their son, Daniel, who was the joy of his life. He loved being a Dad. He was a prolific reader and an outstanding chess player. He loved playing chess and cribbage in the office, or with his buddies, his father in law, and eventually with his son. Danny carries on this tradition and plays a mean game of chess with his own friends now. Steve received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern and his law degree from UCLA. After passing the bar, Steve worked at the prosecutors office in Honolulu. At the age of 29 Steve started his own firm. Two years later, with two other partners, founded and built a successful law firm, which eventually merged with other larger firms over the years. In his profession, Steve was esteemed for his honesty, his work ethic, and his calm presentations in court. He was a mentor who gave young attorneys opportunities when others might not; standing by to provide incisive legal comments when needed or a confidence boost in the heat of a battle when it mattered most. His clients objectives always came first, and he never let his ego, or that of his associates or law firm, cloud the advise they received. Steve was a pleasure to work for and to work with. A devoted Dodgers fan, he was generous, quiet, and loyal to his many groups of friends. His patience seemed endless, and his gift for listening made others feel comfortable and understood. A warm sense of humor and gentle presence earned the admiration and respect of everyone who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and George, his sister Georgania Oshio (Sam), half sister Shirley, and half brother Richard Nonaka (Elaine). He is survived by his wife, Dawn Soderquist, son Daniel Okano, foster daughter Saony Om, brother Benjamin (Linda), half brother Eugene Yoshimi, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Manoa Cottage. He will be deeply missed. A celebration of life will be held at Waialae Country Club Tuesday, April 21 at 4:30pm. Please feel free to come in your favorite golf or aloha shirt. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise. Guests are invited to share a written memory or story of Steve. Note cards will be available at the celebration.