Thomas Lau Obituary

THOMAS A. LAU Thomas A. Lau, affectionately known as Tommy or Tom, passed away on August 1, 2024, at the age of 93 in Honolulu, HI. Born on February 4, 1931, Tommy dedicated his life to his family, his career, and his community, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, dedication, and service. Tommy was a proud alumnus of `Iolani School, graduating in 1949, and later earned a BA in Economics from the University of Hawaii in 1954 followed by an MBA from NYU Business Graduate School in 1959. His commitment to education was lifelong, reflected in his generous support of educational institutions and foundations. In his professional life, Tommy was a respected figure in the financial sector, holding significant positions at several major investment firms, including Honolulu Trust Company, DuPont Walston, E.F Hutton, Prudential Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Advisors from 1965 until his retirement in 2020. Notably, he served as the President of the Honolulu Stock Exchange in 1965. His career was marked by integrity and a keen understanding of market dynamics, earning him the respect and trust of his colleagues and clients. Tommy's military service was equally distinguished. He served in the United States Army, first in the Artillery division from 1954 to 1956, and later with the 24th Special Forces (Airborne) from 1961 to 1969. His time in the military was characterized by a commitment to excellence and teamwork, values he carried into his civilian life. A man of diverse interests, Tommy enjoyed golfing, riflery, and cooking, often researching new recipes from the Food Network and YouTube. His retirement years were filled with the joy of trying new dishes and sharing them with loved ones. He was also a devoted fan of the stock market, keeping a keen eye on trends and movements even after his professional exit. Tommy was a beloved husband to Roberta Y.Y. (Chong) Lau for 61 years and a loving father to Allan J.N. Lau and Kristie S.J. Lau. He cherished his time with his many fur-grandbabies, with special affection for JinJin and Itty. His family was his pride and joy, and he often shared memories of his life's journey with all that he came in contact with. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Evelyn Lau; his beloved wife, Roberta; and his step-sister, Lorna Barden. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy M. Yuen; step-sister, Ethel Fleming; and his children, Allan and Kristie. A celebration of life will be held at St. Alban's Chapel at `Iolani School on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm, followed by a service at 4:00 pm and refreshments. A burial service will take place at Hawaii Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kaneohe on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:00 am. Attendees are requested to wear aloha attire. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tommy's memory to `Iolani School, I'm A Bright Kid Foundation, Pulse Productions dba 24-7 Danceforce Studio, or the Hawaiian Humane Society. Tommy's life was a testament to the power of dedication, love, and community service. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.