The Garden Island
Notice #: 0001092164-01
Funeral Notices


ANASTACIO “ARNIE” LAIDA PALAFOX

103, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at his Aina Haina home with his family at his side. Born April 24, 1914, to Emeterio S. Palafox and Geronima B. Laida in Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
Arnie came to the US in 1931, and earned diplomas from Washington State University, B.S. and M.S. Agriculture 1940, ’41. In 1942-46, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Charleston and USS Somerset, honorably discharged with 3 promotions, a good conduct medal and 3 campaign ribbons.
Distinguished as the first professor of Filipino ancestry at the University of Hawaii in 1946, he taught in the College of Agriculture. He married Jesusa Avecilla in 1950 and raised 4 sons and a daughter. In 1970 he received his PhD in Agriculture and Poultry
Science from Michigan State University with 70 research manuscripts.
In 1984 he retired from the UH with 38 years of service, was then recruited to the University of Guam to develop an Animal Science Department, and retired after 6 years, at age 76.
Survived by sons: Brian (Mary), Neal (Momi), Riley (Sally) and Edgar (Lara); grandchildren: Kekai, Kele, Kahoku, Lawakua, Laikukawaa, Lulukaokeawa, Luakalailani, Michelle, Michael, Jasmine, Jason, David, Kevin, Carryn, Lisa, Craig and James;
and 7 greatgrandchildren.
Predeceased by wife, Jesusa; daughters, Faye Marie and June (Norm) Hawley; grandson Garrett and sister Asunscion.

Services will be held at Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Thursday, April 26, 2018.
Visitation: 9:00 am, Mass: 10:00 am; Burial: 1:00 pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.