Ruben Calvin Wacker Jr., age 80, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson's. Born in Sacramento, California, Ruben was a successful businessman and led a life full of remarkable achievements.
Trained as a skilled carpenter, Ruben had a natural talent for working with his hands, creating and crafting with precision and care. Before retiring in 2000, he owned and managed several apartment buildings in Sacramento and enjoyed refurbishing them.
An enthusiast of classic cars, Ruben found great joy in restoring these timeless vehicles. For many years he was a member and officer of the Sacramento Jaguar Club. He proudly showcased his prize-winning classic automobiles at numerous events, earning accolades and admiration from fellow enthusiasts.
Ruben and his wife Carolyn retired in Kauai, Hawaii. There he discovered a new passion for outrigger canoeing and even more intricate woodworking. His love for the water and craftsmanship was evident in everything he did, and he often shared these hobbies with friends and family, to include his volunteer work restoring and maintaining outrigger canoes, paddles, and other equipment at the Hanalei Canoe Club.
Ruben is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn, his daughter Rebecca, son-in-law Jim, and his two grandsons, Ryan and William, and several nieces and nephews.
Per Ruben's request, no funeral service was held. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
Janet C. Fujimoto
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved mother, Janet C. Fujimoto, who left us on Oct. 22, 2024 at the age of 86. Janet was a fierce and loving mother with a heart of gold. She was the heart of our home and family.
She is survived by her children Harvey (Colleen) Mira, Corinne (Matthew) Simao, Marlene (Joe Clark) Mira, David (Tim Flaherty) Mira, fur-baby April, sister Doris Schwarz, grandchildren Janelle (Chet) Kaita, Matthew (Vanessa) Simao, Corey (Nicole) Simao, Kellen (Kelcee) Mira, Taryn (Alex) Oubre, great grandchildren Jai Kaita, Sage Simao, Evan Oubre.
She was preceded in death by husband Masao Fujimoto, daughter Mary Alice Mira, parents Amanicio and Anastacia Cabacungan, siblings Larry, Gloria, Linda and Milan.
She was a dedicated Secretary at Hertz for 31 years, where her strength and loyalty shone. She loved children and animals with all her heart. Generous, selfless, and always giving, she opened her home to those in need -- people and animals and helped nurture two young boys in their early years, boys who were considered family in her heart.
Sports were her passion -- especially UH volleyball, where she cheered on both the men's and wahine teams like a true fan. When not watching sports, she could be found tending to her orchids or challenging anyone up for a good, competitive game of hanafuda, scrabble, or spirited poker games that often lasted all night.
Plebecita "Nanang" Jaquias, of Hanamaulu, passed away on Nov. 5, at the age of 88. She was born in Tayum, Abra, Philippines, on April 26, 1936. She relocated to Hawaii in 1974, where she worked for Lihue Plantation and Sheraton Hotel.
She was predeceased by parents Eusebia Balauro and Ricardo Gandezo, husband Ruben Jaquias, Hipolito Aquias, daughter Gloria Tanner, grandson Michael Harper, daughters-in-law Editha Aquias, Marylyn Gerardo, brothers Johnny and Wally Gandeza.
She is survived by her daughters Emma Aquias Iloreta, Evelyn (Catalino) Aranda, sons Leonardo Aquias, Frederick Aquias, Jerry (Mary) Aquias, Renante (Charie) Aquias, 20 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, son-in-law Jimmy Iloreta, Ester Gandeza, brothers James, Joseph (Shelly), Jacob (Noreen) Gandeza, sisters Jessie (Norvin) Olivas, Florence Gandeza Tavares, Edna (Julio) Bolante, numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa, California on Nov. 24, 2024, from 12 to 5 p.m.