William Takabayashi Obituary

WILLIAM ETSUO TAKABAYASHI Was born on June 11, 1926, in Honolulu to Kumata and Misao Takabayashi. He had two older siblings George, and Abby (Yoshimoto). While attending Farrington High School and Japanese language school, William worked at the Takabayashi Store in Kalihi. Upon graduating from Farrington, William joined the U.S. Army's Military Intelligence Service Division. He received an honorable discharge in 1947, and enrolled at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa on the G.I. Bill. Upon graduating from Drake with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, he returned home to Honolulu and met Lilian Y. Hayashi. They were married in 1954 and enjoyed many years together with their two daughters, until Lilian's sudden passing in 1992. William had an extensive career in banking. He began as a Management Trainee at Bank of Hawaii, and thereafter went on to work at Hawaii National Bank with its founder, K.J. Luke. He also was a member of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce and The Rotary Club for several years. After also working in investments at Metropolitan Investment Corporation, William eventually returned to Hawaii National Bank until he retired from Hawaii National Bank as Vice-President of Business Development. Among his many joys, William enjoyed golf, joining Mid-Pacific Country Club and then Waialae Country Club in 1972. During his retirement, William continued to golf on Wednesday and Saturday mornings with his golfing buddies. The highlight of his golfing career was having not one, but two hole-in-ones. William also enjoyed swimming, working in the yard, traveling, and watching sports; but his favorite part of retirement was being able to spend time with his two grandchildren whom he treasured. William passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024. William is survived by daughters, Janine Takabayashi (Eric Kawatani); Cheryl Takabayashi (Nathan Foo); grandchildren Rylan Dunn and Jensen Dunn; his companion of many years, Adelyne Matsuoka; sister-in-laws, May Tsukiyama, Jane Hayashi, and brother-in-law, Charles Hayashi, as well as nieces and nephews. Private services were held. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC