WALTER J. LASKEY

Walter John Laskey passed away peacefully on the evening of May 2nd, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of love, leadership, and strength.

Walt was born on October 3rd, 1941, in Plymouth, Michigan to Edward and Alice Laskey. From an early age, Walt embodied the grit and perseverance that would help define a career of excellence. While attending San Fernando High, he worked multiple jobs- delivering newspapers, lifeguarding, and as a bagboy at Vons Grocery which would eventually help to pay his way through school. In 1965, upon graduating from Whittier College with a degree in political science, he served with honor in both the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Navy, where he was awarded the Air Medal for an act of heroism while flying low-level reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War.

In 1971, he joined Merrill Lynch as a retail broker and within 10 years he was named Office Manager, becoming the top Hawaii executive of the nation’s largest brokerage firm at that time. His career culminated at the Bank of Hawaii, where he served as President, CEO, and Chairman of Hawaiian Trust Company and later as Vice Chairman of the bank, overseeing the integration of its trust, brokerage, and private financial services divisions.

Despite his professional accomplishments, Walt would have agreed that his greatest achievement was marrying Shirley Fujisaki Laskey, the love of his life. Walt and Shirley met while attending Whittier College in the early 1960s. They eventually moved to Hawai’i in 1968 to be closer to Shirley’s family, and there, together, they built a family rooted in love and laughter.

Walt is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; his sons, Ryan, Jon, and Jason; his cherished grandsons, Connor, Casper, and Dashiell; and his siblings, Bob, Judy, and Steve. He leaves behind a family that carries his values, his humor, and his boundless love.

Services will be held at Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary, East Chapel on Saturday, June 28th. Visitation will be at 4pm. Funeral service to follow at 5pm. Reception to follow.

Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC