Nestor Macatbag Asuncion's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Nestor Macatbag Asuncion
September 3, 1955 – October 25, 2021
Nestor “Ness” Macatbag Asuncion, 66, of Hilo, died peacefully at home on October 25, 2021. Born in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on September 3, 1955. The youngest son of Zamora & Alberta Asuncion. Nestor came to Hawaii Island in 1965 at the age of 10. He was the grandson of a 1930 Sakada (Sugar Plantation Worker), and son of a 1946 Sakada.
A 1974 graduate of Kohala High School and National Honors Society – Future Farmers of America Recipient. Like his father & grandfather Nestor worked in agriculture during the summer on the Island of Molokai, picking pineapple. Nestor continued his education at the University of Hawaii – Manoa where he completed his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 1978. Nestor continued his studies in trade schools for electronics, mechanical engineering, welding, radio communications and photography.
Nestor used his chemistry degree in combination with his interest in photography and built a life on Hawaii Island in Photo Finishing.
Nestor was an avid learner and entrepreneur and was great at thinking outside-of-the-box. Former manager for “Reed & Jay Photography” / “Action Photos of Hawaii” and a private contractor for the “Star Advertiser” & “Tribune Herald”, former store manager for “Pearlridge One Hour Photo” (Oahu) where he met his wife of 32 years, Chandell Kauwe. Nestor formed a partnership and opened “Prince Kuhio One Hour Photo” (Hilo) in 1983, the same year Kilauea, Pu’u’o’o crater began erupting. As the industry changed Nestor opened “P.O.S. Computers” (Hilo) and was a trainer and co-founder of TRI – Technology Resource Institute and HTS – Hawaii Technology Source, and educator at the University of Hawaii – Community College.
Nestor had a love for animals and traveling and was a former officer and member of the Big Island F.I.L.M. Club and the Camera Club Council of Hawaii.
Nestor was a parent volunteer trainer and offered computer networking, hardware, & software support for his children’s schools.
In his free-time, Nestor enjoyed philosophical conversations, exploring ideas, building things and sharing stories, especially those of his childhood in the Philippines.
SURVIVED BY:
Nestor was our “Pohaku” and set the foundation for our family. He was a friend, a brother, a husband, a father and our favorite family chef.
Nestor was survived by his wife Chandell (Kauwe) Asuncion, daughter Nicole Asuncion of Kahala, Oahu, Hawaii, Son Alexander (Darilyn) Asuncion of Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii, Brother Edward Lee (Fidela) Asuncion of Hawaii Kai, Oahu, Hawaii, Sisters; Guillerma Cabie of West Covina, California and Gloria (Feliciano) Bautista of Diamond Bar, California, Sister-In-Law Mildred Asuncion of Hilo, Hawaii, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
*Preceded in death by his brother Norlito “Lito” Asuncion of Hilo, Hawaii (June 23, 2020).
SERVICES
Oceanside memorial services and Celebration of Life services for Nestor Macatbag Asuncion were held on November 6, 2021 by Kahu Lukela Decker at “Ka Nuku I Ka Manokalanipo” in Hilo, Hawaii. His ashes were scattered at “Ka La Hiki Ola”, “The Day of Bringing Salvation” as we collectively pray for eternal rest of the soul. #repose
The Asuncion ‘ohana wants to extend our deepest gratitude for all your prayers, generosity, comfort, and kind words. Thank you for traveling from near and far to join us in celebrating Nestor’s life.
We appreciate you.
“I ka wa mua, I ka wa ma hope.” – “Every step forward is guided by our past.”
Ay-ayaten Ka unay – We love you.
Yesterday, Today & Forever
Dios unay ti agngina kadakayo amin
Salamat Po and Mahalo Pumehana
SENTIMENTS, MEMORIES, & TRIBUTES may be sent to:
ASUNCION
92-831 Makakilo Dr. Apt 67
Kapolei, HI 96707-4300
Email: [email protected]
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