Francis Kekuamanoha Burgess' Obituary
Francis Kekuamanoha “Kekoa” Burgess, 72, passed on December 13, 2025 at his home in Hilo. He was born on October 5, 1953, on Oahu and grew up in Kaimuki.
While attending Kamehameha Schools, he grew his love for the ocean by frequenting the east side surf brakes. He worked as a baker, in a bike shop, as a beach boy, and built boats. He began working with HECO in 1980 in Honolulu, and in 1981 he and his family moved to Hilo where he continued to work for HELCO, until he retired in 2006.
Throughout his life the ocean was his playground. He was a skilled waterman and enjoyed riding waves as a surfer, a sailor, and a paddler. Whether in Hawaiis’ shores and channels, or throughout the Moananuiakea, he felt both excitement and peace on the water. Known for his lei Tiare, he enjoyed growing the plants, picking the flowers, making lei, and most of all giving lei. He would often show up to the shop, the beach, or a paina, with multiple lei Tiare, giving them simply for the joy and aloha they would bring. He was a Kind Adventurer. The kind that would carry your pack, share a snack, or give you a lei, just cause. He was dedicated to the creation of things, with wood, plants, and paint. These are and will forever be mea makamae that we will always hold close. We miss him dearly but know he is always with us.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William Simon Kamaloaokalani Burgess and Verdie Kaoliwakukahakaioululani Lota, and younger brother Gary Kekuawailani Burgess. He is survived by his wife Judy N Smith, son Jeremy Kekuamanoha Burgess (Anela), daughter Jessie Lahela Burgess Camara (Kualii), 10 moopuna who knew him lovingly as “Papi”, eldest brother William Kamaloaokalani Burgess (Pam), and younger sister Ululani Burgess-Matsumoto (Calvin).
A celebration of life is being planned for the summer of 2026.
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