Obituary of Jack S Hamada

Jack S. Hamada, loving husband of Mary Lou Orrben, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024 at the age of 90. He is preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Lorraine (Lori) Orrben, and his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, brother-in-law, Thomas (Therese) Orrben, sisters-in-law Bernadine (Bunny) Orrben, Jeanne Orrben, and Judith (Robert) Beauchane. He was the doting uncle of Emily Orrben (Bunny’s daughter); George, David, and Erica (Tom’s kids); and Natalie and Monica (Judy’s kids).

He is also survived by his hānai (adopted) son and daughter Phillip and Joanne Miller, their children Whitnei, Teiler, and Trei, and their children.

Jack was born in Waialua, Hawaii, when Hawaii was still a territory. He was in the National Guard for a short period and worked many, many years in Honolulu. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends at the Tofu Factory, and one Saturday while playing cards, an elephant escaped from the circus and ran down the street. Jack raced out and closed the gate, so the elephant wouldn’t run in there!

Jack LOVED going to Las Vegas and playing blackjack and craps! He would win big at blackjack and throw it all away at craps. He always came out even, though.

Jack was well-loved for his kind and loving disposition, his generosity, and his excellent sense of humor. If ever you went to dinner with Jack, dinner was on him. He so very enjoyed being able to entertain people.

He retired from Interpacific Hawaii Retail Group in 1999. Since his retirement, he devoted his time to keeping his wife happy. He was a most wonderful husband!

After Mary Lou and Jack moved to Minnesota from Hawaii in 2021, Jack was a fixture in the swimming pool area, where the temperature is always 85 degrees. As people would pass by, they would come and talk to Jack. Mary Lou found a very good friend through this Jack connection. Jack would watch the trains go by, and exuberantly wave his arms at the conductors. It made his day when the conductors would blow their whistles at him and wave right back! Jack really enjoyed the pool area.