Ralph E. Akana

Ralph Akana passed away peacefully at his home on February 16, 2018. Ralph was born in Kilauea, Hawaii on February 17, 1932, second son of George Akana and Eugenia (Fial) Akana. His father taught him the ways of his Hawaiian culture which included diving, hukilaus, luaus and fishing (his favorite past time). He attended elementary school in Kilauea before attending Kamehameha High School (Kam) on the neighboring island of Oahu. At Kam, he continued to learn about Hawaiian culture, the art of wood carving, as well as military training where he became a Cadet Second Lieutenant. After graduating from Kam, he attended California State University Sacramento where he studied Art and met the love of his life, Joan Luce, from Fort Jones, Ca. They were married in August 1953. Ralph began his teaching career in Sacramento at Kit Carson Middle School in 1954. Soon after, Ralph was drafted in the Army in 1955 during the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. After his honorable discharge he returned to Kit Carson until 1961 when he accepted a job as Art Teacher at Yreka High School (YHS) where he became known as Mr. Akana. In addition to his love for teaching, Mr. Akana was involved with many aspects of the local community including Junior Chamber of Commerce, running food concession at local high school games, having his students paint holiday scenes on merchant’s windows, painting sets for the Drama Departments fall and spring productions and overseeing the Art building at the Siskiyou Golden Fair. Mr. Akana also loved fishing and working with wood. He was well known for his hand-crafted fishing nets he constructed from exotic woods from around the world. Many of the nets and cutting boards he would contribute to local Organizations for fund raisers. His wood carving skills continue to be seen today at the Yreka Veterinary Hospital and the Discovery Park sign. In 1991, Mr. Akana retired from full time teaching at YHS to spend more time fishing, making his wood products and spending time with his family. On a number of occasions, Ralph would travel back to Kauai to spend time with relatives and of course go fishing. He was very supportive of his grandchildren, attending many of their sporting events at local ski parks, soccer fields, and football fields and teaching them how to fish and tie flies – the kind fish would bite. Ralph was an amazing husband, father, father-in law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to so many. He always had a soft-spoken kind word to comfort those in need or seeking his advice. Ralph aka Mr. Akana will be truly missed by all…… Ke Akua Ho'omaika'i Oe Mr. Akana Ralph was preceded in death of his father George and mother Eugenia. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Joan, son Randy (Bette), son Tim (Tracey), daughter Kim Sumner (Scott) and son Eric (Suzanne), grandchildren Nina, Cody (Olivia), Kai (Robyn), Kealia, Kolten (LaTosha), Nick (Ashley), Eric, Jacob and Joshua, great-grandson Mason, brother George (Nancy), nephew Jason and grandnephew Kainoa. Per his wishes, no services will be held. Memorial contributions can be made to Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097 or a charity of one’s choice.

Ralph E. Akana

February 17, 1932 - February 16, 2018