Obituary of Keola K. Chan

It is with great sadness that the family of Keola K. Chan, age 44, announce his unexpected passing at home Sunday, April 14th, 2019.  He was born in Maui, Hawaii to Georgiana and Kenneth Chan in October, 1974.  His middle name “Kekamaoleikealohanui” is a blessed Hawaiian name meaning “treasured child of our great love”.  He graduated Lahainaluna high school in 1994, and moved to NY in 2000.

He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Deborah Oliver and their precious son, Tristan; siblings Gwen Carpenter and her husband Lance, Randy Gilbert and his wife Cathy, Janine Galindo and her husband Juan, Hans Chan and his wife Jeannie, Dieter Chan and his wife Linda; brother-in-law Gregory Oliver and his wife Amy, mother-in-law Kay Oliver, many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.  He is predeceased by his parents Georgiana and Kenneth Chan, and his brother Kale Gilbert.

Keola worked at many different locations, including the Kapalua Ritz-Carlton, Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, Albany Holiday Inn, and TJ’s Pizzeria.  He was widely known for his cheerful smile, jokes, happy disposition, and wearing shorts and slippas (flip-flops) in the dead of winter.  In his spare time, Keola enjoyed cooking up delicious gourmet meals, spending time with family and friends, music, science fiction, online gaming, and traveling.

Keola always said he did not want a funeral - he wanted friends to get together in a joyous celebration of his life, in a traditional Hawaiian way.  This celebration will be held April 27th from 1 to 3 pm at United Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.  Friends and family - please join us for food, music, and a sharing of memories of the joy and light Keola brought to the lives of all he knew.  Guests are asked to wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ayers Memorial Animal Shelter,133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166, or your favorite local animal shelter. “We will always carry your memory in our hearts.”

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Online condolences may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com.