Connie Andrews
I knew Carl in the early 1990’s when we were roommates for a time on a coffee farm in South Kona. As I remember it, he had just arrived in Hawaii with a red Miata convertible, a big motorcycle, and a Harvard Ph.D. in Education.
We quickly became friends and spent time exploring the island. I took him on the Fair Wind tour to Kealakekua Bay, where he was introduced to scuba diving for the first time and he loved it. One evening we dressed up and treated ourselves to a fancy dinner at the Hyatt Waikoloa Resort. On the drive home, we got caught in a tropical downpour and were both soaked (including the car) while putting the top up on the Miata. Another memorable adventure was hiking into the waterfalls in Waipio Valley, making our way up the streambed together. I'll never forget those experiences with Carl.
A couple of months later, I moved back to the mainland. We stayed in touch for another year or two before life took us in different directions, but I thought about him many times over the years. I was very saddened to learn that Carl passed away earlier this year. The memories I hold are of the adventures we shared, his amazing kindness as a friend, thought-provoking conversations and that great smile.
I remember teasing him once about his "toys" (the Miata and the motorcycle). Carl simply replied, "Joy requires no justification." I hope Carl found many more reasons for joy during the last 35 years of his life. Rest in peace, Carl.