Wayde Nakai Obituary

WAYDE TSUGIO NAKAI In the warm embrace of Nanakuli's sunsets, Wayde Tsugio Nakai, cast off from the shores of life on October 20, 2024, after a spirited tussle with cancer. Born on June 19, 1959, in the breezy climes of Wahiawa, Hawaii, Wayde's journey began with the same vibrancy that he carried throughout his 65 years. Wayde was the embodiment of the aloha spirita man who could make even the most stoic of us crack a smile. His 39-year tenure with the US ARMY Garrison Hawaii saw him rise to the rank of Supervisor at the Water Treatment Plant within the Directorate of Public Works. He wasn't just a man of the land, though; he also ruled the waves as a City and County Life Guard on Oahu's North Shore, where he was as outstanding in the ocean as a peerless water man. Wayde's family was his proudest achievementwife Shelly, sons Kahiapo (fianc?e Raquel), Noeau (wife Thiana), daughters Miki'ala and Sanoe, and brothers Eric (wife Janet), Darryl, and Neil, all of whom he cherished more than his collection of awards. His grandkids, Korbin, Kloe, Kekai, and Kawena, were the apples of his eye, and probably the only ones who knew without a doubt, "Grandpa had their back always!" Wayde was often found tinkering with his 1979 original Toyota truck or taking his self-built 24' Whaler out to commune with the sea. His love for his family was rivaled only by his adoration for his grandkids, whom he taught the fine arts of fishing, diving, surfing, paddling, and swimmingbasically anything that involved water and a good time. Wayde loved to play roulette, always going all in, just like he did with every aspect of his life. His friends knew him as the guy who'd give you the shirt off his back, and then joke that you better not stretch it. Wayde was generous to a fault, selfless like a saint and loved wholeheartedly. He was the guy who would insist on cooking at every family BBQ, claiming that the secret ingredient was beer. His laughter was infectious and he looked forward to having fun every day. So, let's not say goodbye to Wayde; let's just say he's paddled out to catch the next big wave. We're all just sitting on our boards, waiting for him to circle back underwater and pull our legs. Aloha, Wayde, we will meet again. Celebration of life - March 29, 2025; Historic Haleiwa Gym 5-9 pm. Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary