Christopher Anthony Ankele
After a long struggle with health issues, Christopher Anthony Ankele, born December 7, 1962 passed away peacefully on October 20, 2020 in Kahului, Maui, Hawai‘i. Chris was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Pasadena, California. He was born and raised in Southern California, spending years in Nebraska, Colorado, and Arizona, but Maui, Hawai‘i was his home.
As a young child, Chris lived in Melbeta, Nebraska and his grandpa Manual named him “DYNAMITE” because of his rascally character, which he lived up to until the end. From an early age, Chris loved watching sports, his favorite teams were “his LA teams,” the Lakers, the Rams, the Dodgers, and of course, his RAIDERS! Win or lose, he was always loyal to his teams. Sports were a huge part of Chris’ life, he loved talking about sports and had an amazing ability to recall team and player stats and important games or moments in sports.
Above all, Chris loved family. He treasured his mother, Phyllis, and enjoyed spending time with her. He enjoyed gatherings with family and friends and loved to cook. His favorite dish to make was pozole, which was a huge family favorite. His nieces and nephews loved Uncle Chris’ pozole. Chris also loved going to the beach and watching his Maui sunsets.
Chris was a loving brother and uncle, always there to listen and provide love and support. He was proud of all his nieces and nephews. Each one was very important to him and he always made time to talk to them and support their endeavors. On Maui, he enjoyed watching his niece, Krista, and nephew, Adam, play sports and was so proud of their athletic and academic accomplishments.
Chris had a heart of gold and was truly one in a million. He loved meeting people, “talking story” and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was a great friend and loved by so many. His passing has left a void in so many hearts, he will truly be missed. Rest in peace our dear Chris, we love you forever.
Chris is survived by his mother, Phyllis (Felicitas) Hernandez; sisters Vyonne Vasquez and Michelle (Dean) Yamashita; brothers Richard (Catherine) Tapia, Michael Ankele, and Thomas Ankele; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur Ankele, and survived by his Stepmother Gilda Ankele and Stepbrothers Rudy and Daniel (Kerri) Torres. A Memorial will be held at Nakamura Mortuary on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. Family viewing will be from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Public viewing from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm with a Service from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Family and friends are welcome. Due to the current pandemic, wearing of masks and social distancing practices will be required for all in attendance. Cremation and burial services will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Maui Memorial Park for the immediate family.