Word was received of the death of classmate, Neal Ane, on Tuesday, October 2, 2012.
We knew that Neal Ane was not in the best of health when, after suffering a brain aneurysm, he spent several tense days in the Queens Medical Center ICU last January.
Many followed Renee Ahuna Cabrinha’s updates to the Punahou 74 Club on facebook that described Neal’s “being kolohe with the nurses, and smiling from ear to ear … with a few colorful words in between.”
We all cheered when he was moved to a regular room and laughed when we learned of his “no taste” hospital diet. And we knew Neal was on the road to a healthy recovery when he answered Renee’s query regarding what he wanted to tell you, his Punahou classmates, with a vociferous shaka.
It’s a sadder world knowing that we have now forever lost Neal’s happy spirit. But one has to think that he would not like to leave us in this sorry place. How so? Perhaps it is time to recall his words to us in his Oahuan senior section.
God gave you two ends
one to sit with and one to use.
All the success in the world
comes with the one you use.
— Grizzly
I hope you’ve been taking Neal’s advice and using the right end!
Stay tuned to this blog to learn more of funeral arrangements. If you have any memories of Neal that you would like to share, please comment on this post or email them to me. Help me put together a future memorial post for this blog, Punahou74 style.
A sad day indeed- Neal always had a way about him that put a smile on your face. We indeed have lost a special person. My thoughts and prayers are with Neal’s family and I know Neal is in the best place anyone could dream to be, God’s hands. RIP
Marcia Barrett Wright
So sorry to hear about Neal. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends, especially to Kale and Malia.
My heart is breaking with the passing of precious Neal. Even as he sat in his wheelchair with Malia or his caregiver at his side, he always managed to give us his beautiful smile or a shaka sign. I have wonderful memories watching him grow as a kolohe child but still able to put smiles on his parents’ faces. Neal was very special and will be missed by his many friends. Rest in peace, dear Neal. Love and prayers to the Ane ‘ohana.
Malia, Kale, I am very sorry for the loss of Nealy.
Nealy and I were classmates from K-12; Kindergarten at the old Frear home, since replaced with Arcadia. The Ane’s lived in Kailua then and we car pooled to school; we had ample time to plan our day of fun and trouble. Nealy and I were Kindergarten best friends….a place and time that was special. We got into our share of trouble and Mrs. Ane would share her version of discipline on us….as others watched in amusement. We were pals through those 13 years, in the same home room through HS; aka the bad boys/girls HR…Yukio Hamada’s HR; we didn’t out grow our daily plan of fun and trouble. Even though our sport interests were different, we shared some really good times. We lost touch after graduating and I have not seen Nealy in many years. Nealy’s great smile and being my first best friend are imprinted in me forever. Malia, Kale…I am sorry for your loss and I want you to know Nealy was really good and kind to me….back in those days. I will keep those days fresh and cherished.
Aloha my Kindergarten best friend……aloha Nealy.
Neal Ane – tackled me today, intercepting an afternoon walk.
Like flashes of light through trees, those quick sun-shuttered memories touched down – complete. Only to depart. – JUD
Hola Kula Mau Loa – Oct 2, 2012
Neal was/is the quintessential 13 y club buddy: welcoming, joyful, soft hearted, playful, and thoughtful. You always felt warm, fuzzy and safe around Neal. Mahalo to all of the Anes for sharing him with us.