KEAHILIHAU, Jockie Kahale

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Jockie Kahale Keahilihau, age 56 of Phoenix, Ariz. passed away on Feb. 26, 2011 at his residence in Phoenix. He was born in Hilo, Hawaii on July 29, 1954, the third child, of six to parents, Joseph and Muilan Keahilihau. Jockie’s love for music began at a very young age. He taught himself how to play the ukulele which eventually lead to his guitar. Church always came first, then music, but he also found time for surfing which he had a passion for. Jockie’s love for the ocean was strong and maybe felt a connection that in 1972 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country proudly stationed at Treasure Island off the coast of San Francisco. Jockie was a member of a Polynesian Dance Group for many years. They were involved in shows all over the valley and New Mexico, churches and different organizations. They performed songs and dances from the islands of Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga and Tahiti. Jockie played guitar and performed the fire knife dance. Jockie is preceded in death by his sister, Jolynn Lorilla. He is survived by his mother, Muilan Keahilihau of Hawaiian Beaches, Hilo Hawaii; his brothers, Jolan Keahilihau and Jason (Monica) Keahilihau of Hawaii, and Joey (Bonnie) Keahilihau of Georgia; his sister, Jewel Mae Keahilihau of California; one daughter, eight step-daughters and numerous family members. Graveside Services were held Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Northgate Cemetery in San Carlos, Ariz. Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.