I have wondered over the years since PHS about whatever path Pon took after graduation. I remember him well and am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. May God bless and keep him and grant peace to his family and loved ones.
Pon was a beautiful baby and a very handsome young man. He looked an awful lot like our father which was more than a little galling for him at times, especially as the resemblance became more pronounced as he got older! If you look at my son Brendan then you have a pretty good image of his uncle, because they are also very alike at the same age.
Pon was incredibly talented. He had a beautiful singing voice and could play a wide range of instruments. He was very generous and loyal to those he loved.
My little brother has been a core strand in the fabric of my life and for my part I will remember him best in the music of every kind which has been woven into our lives with a joy that even death cannot silence. He has quietly gone on ahead to join our parents and little sister, beyond pain or worry of any kind to sing his own song.
Bless him Lord with holy rest and peace at last as your beloved child
Pon was my best male friend at both John Muir and Pacific. Where ever we went - fun (and trouble) follwed. We played sax together in Jazz band and traveled to many music festivals and competitions in Jr. High and High school. I remember all the fun we had in Reno, Fresno and one of the funniest times happened when we forgot that we put jelly beans in n Anita Responte's sax - she played a silent solo until Dr. Mewes (Jouh Muir) pulled them out. Boy did we get! I can picture him walking in his leather jacket, holding his sleeves. He gave me a wonderful pruple knit shirt with frogs. I kept if for years after I could no longer wear it
Pon's love and talent for music especially sax, french horn, and his beloved violin defined this talented and gentle man. We spent holidays together, my mother loved him and took him under her wing. We had long talks, long walks, we're arrested together (the day of the Jr. Prom) and in those days kept each others secrets.
I last saw Pon in the 90's. He was living in Oakland, by Lake Merritt, he had learned to ice skate and had recently performed Phantom of the Opera on ice. He was ill but contented with his life.
Pon's ashes were scattered in Puyallup Washington in July 2010. This was the first time since his death that Sonja, Jon and I were in the same place at the same time. So it was only right to honour our little brother at a beautiful ceremony in three parts -at Auntie Eleanor's where we spent so many happy times as children - at the cemetary with all our whanau - at the river our Dad knew so well. Another star in the heavens to light our way.
Well doggone it, I'm super bummed that my dear friend Has passed. I remember him as a very fun guy to hang out with and had so much fun in vestpocket theater with him. I pray that now he is in the heavenly choir and orchestra playing his heart out. I will miss you my dear friend.
Christian Hurst (1974)
I have wondered over the years since PHS about whatever path Pon took after graduation. I remember him well and am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. May God bless and keep him and grant peace to his family and loved ones.
Stasia Stempcznski (Kennedy) (1969)
Pon was a beautiful baby and a very handsome young man. He looked an awful lot like our father which was more than a little galling for him at times, especially as the resemblance became more pronounced as he got older! If you look at my son Brendan then you have a pretty good image of his uncle, because they are also very alike at the same age.
Pon was incredibly talented. He had a beautiful singing voice and could play a wide range of instruments. He was very generous and loyal to those he loved.
My little brother has been a core strand in the fabric of my life and for my part I will remember him best in the music of every kind which has been woven into our lives with a joy that even death cannot silence. He has quietly gone on ahead to join our parents and little sister, beyond pain or worry of any kind to sing his own song.
Bless him Lord with holy rest and peace at last as your beloved child
Linda Ferreira (1974)
Pon was my best male friend at both John Muir and Pacific. Where ever we went - fun (and trouble) follwed. We played sax together in Jazz band and traveled to many music festivals and competitions in Jr. High and High school. I remember all the fun we had in Reno, Fresno and one of the funniest times happened when we forgot that we put jelly beans in n Anita Responte's sax - she played a silent solo until Dr. Mewes (Jouh Muir) pulled them out. Boy did we get! I can picture him walking in his leather jacket, holding his sleeves. He gave me a wonderful pruple knit shirt with frogs. I kept if for years after I could no longer wear it
Pon's love and talent for music especially sax, french horn, and his beloved violin defined this talented and gentle man. We spent holidays together, my mother loved him and took him under her wing. We had long talks, long walks, we're arrested together (the day of the Jr. Prom) and in those days kept each others secrets.
I last saw Pon in the 90's. He was living in Oakland, by Lake Merritt, he had learned to ice skate and had recently performed Phantom of the Opera on ice. He was ill but contented with his life.
I loved him.
Stasia Stempcznski (Kennedy) (1969)
Pon's ashes were scattered in Puyallup Washington in July 2010. This was the first time since his death that Sonja, Jon and I were in the same place at the same time. So it was only right to honour our little brother at a beautiful ceremony in three parts -at Auntie Eleanor's where we spent so many happy times as children - at the cemetary with all our whanau - at the river our Dad knew so well. Another star in the heavens to light our way.
Phil Barrera (Bass) (1974)
it is so sad in the passing of a classmate. i knew pon thru the school years goodbye pon and god bless you.
Gordon Mallory (1974)
Well doggone it, I'm super bummed that my dear friend Has passed. I remember him as a very fun guy to hang out with and had so much fun in vestpocket theater with him. I pray that now he is in the heavenly choir and orchestra playing his heart out. I will miss you my dear friend.