Dorothy had grown up joining her family on river fishing and camping outings. Her decision to move to Hawai‘i, knowing no one beforehand, was an indication of her independent spirit. Her warmth and generous nature earned her new and lasting friends.

Everett Ah Yen Ung Afook (1906 – 1983), born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, was number five out of 15 children in his family. An active participant at Hilo High School, he played basketball, ran track, worked on his school’s newspaper and acted in school productions. Adding to his well-rounded personality, Ev joined the Glee Club at Pomona College. He and his fellow Hilo boys worked to earn their passage back and forth between Hawaiʻi and California by playing music on passenger liners.

Dorothy and Everett met at a pre-war “blackout” party. Dorothy’s interest peaked when she saw the good looking, sharply dressed Chinese guy. Everett was impressed by the way Dorothy dug right into the local foods, especially the kim chee.

 

Once married, Dorothy and Everett had to wait years hoping for children. While they waited they enjoyed life – socializing with friends, ballroom dancing at Waikīkī hotels, and gardening together.

Finally their only child, a daughter, came along.

Now focusing all their energies on providing a full life and bright future for their girl, they chose Punahou as the pathway to help them achieve their goal. With Punahou’s support, Dorothy and Everett were able to guide and build the character of their daughter, Toni, to become the woman she is today.

With gratitude, I am happy to create this endowment in their memory ...

Toni Afook Takata

Class of 1970