LAMBERT KEKAULA WAI

On January 12, 2024, Lambert Kekaula Wai, beloved husband, father, uncle, granduncle, and zealous advocate, peacefully passed in his home, surrounded by family and friends, having fought the good fight for his country, his family, and on behalf of individuals with disabilities. He was 102 years old. Lambert was predeceased by his beloved wife, Cecilia "Sammie" Wai, and beloved daughters Francine Oni Oni Wai and Faith Mililani Wai.

Born on June 17, 1921 to Lum Kim and Rosina Wai, Lambert was the youngest son in a family of four boys, Francis Wai, Conkling Wai, and Robert Wai Sr., and one daughter, Rosina Wai. Lambert attended Punahou School, graduated in 1939, and like his brothers, excelled in football and baseball. Known locally and on the mainland as "the Wai Boys," Lambert followed his brothers to California, attended Santa Monica Junior College, and graduated in 1941. Although he planned to attend UCLA with his brothers, Lambert returned to Hawaii in the Fall of 1942 for the WWII draft. Lambert served honorably in the United States Army and was discharged as a Staff Sergeant on February 21, 1947. On December 9, 2020, Lambert had the distinct honor of receiving the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in WWII.

After marrying the love of his life, Lambert and Sammie were blessed with daughters Francine in 1951 and Faith in 1953. Born with severe developmental disabilities, Faith’s special needs were the catalyst of both Lambert’s, and his family’s, life-long service for and on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Said Lambert of his beloved daughter Faith, "she made me a man." Lambert and Sammie’s love for their daughter, and deep compassion for others similarly situated, inspired Lambert’s significant involvement, or in his words "second full-time-job," in state and national advocacy for the disabled and the start of many community residential and day services for people with developmental disabilities, including the development of the Hawaii chapter of The Arc. Lambert served continuously on The Arc Board from 1956 to 2022. Lambert was also appointed to the state Planning Council on Developmental disabilities. He also chaired the task force that created the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Legal Aid for the Intellectually Disabled, served on the national Arc Board for 6 years, and the President’s Committee for Mental Retardation for 3 years under President George H. W. Bush. Throughout his life, Lambert, Sammie, and Francine, worked tirelessly to bring care, respect, dignity, advocacy, and access to services to those who needed it most.

Lambert was also extremely dedicated to his profession. Starting as a salesman, over the course of 45 years, Lambert worked his way up to being the General Manager of the Mutual of Omaha Hawaii office, running a highly successful office as well as teaching yearly seminars to agents on health insurance. While working for Mutual of Omaha, he was a Member of the Association of Life Underwriters and the Association of Health Underwriters.

With a life full of great accomplishments, however, Lambert’s greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with them, eating Hawaiian and Chinese food, and playing a good game of cribbage.

Services celebrating Lambert’s life will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at Diamond Head Memorial Park. In lieu of lei or gift, donations in Lambert’s honor may be made at The Arc In Hawaii.

Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary