Deaths

Aloha kakou — I am Reiko Fukino, alumni, class of 1975.  I am a single mother of four children. In 1989 I took a leap of faith and decided to support my family by becoming a professional singer and musician. When I began to perform I met Wendell Warrington, class of 1974. He had already established himself as a professional musician and entertainer on Maui.

Wendell was a brilliant musical soul, a guitarist composer and arranger, a friend a brother and mentor. It was his influence and caring that made the dream of raising my children through a career in music a reality.

Wendell died unexpectedly in 2004 at the age of 47. He is survived by his wife Holly Kozub and five beautiful children Kaea, Kamalei, Keoni, Quincy and Natalie. He was honored posthumously at the 2005 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for his album “A Few More Drops.” The release garnered the Religious Album of the Year Award, the 2005 Hawaiian Music Award- Inspirational Album of the Year, and the 2005 Independent Gospel Music Award – Musician of the Year.  He made a difference in the lives of so many and over eight hundred people paid their last respects to him at his funeral.

When I received a compliment after a gig he would reply, “You know what’s really great about Reiko? She’s raising four children on her own!” He knew what mattered most to me. I believe that even though Wendell has left this good earth his legacy of music can support his children now and into their futures. I am releasing a recording of one of his compositions, "A Silent Night,” to keep his musical legacy alive in an effort to support his children.  Copies of "A Silent Night" are available for a donation of $5.  Each CD is packaged to mail as a special musical Christmas card.  All proceeds from this recording and his album “ A Few More Drops” will be deposited into a fund for his children. Will you help share this message with your friends and ?ohana.

Please view our YouTube special on " 'A Silent Night' A Tribute to Wendell Warrington Performed by Reiko Fukino."