RIP Sonny, owner of Hala Kahiki - General Tiki

B bigbrotiki Tiki Socialite Tiki Island, above the Silverlake Joined: Mar 25, 2002 Posts: 11621	B bigbrotiki Posted posted on Mon, Nov 5, 2007 10:29 PM Although I did not know him personally, this is quite a shock. I always hope that the veterans and proprietors of original Tiki temples see their places appreciated in my books, so that they get a sense of gratification from their life's work being recognized to some degree. Although I know that some might nor see Tiki "our way", (meaning quite as artsy), I still think most like to find their work in a book. So I wonder if Sonny ever saw the photos I took with James at his place...and also all the Witco history and pieces in the book. When TIKI MODERN was taking its sweet time, I lived in constant fear that William Westenhaver might not get to see the end result. But he not only did (and loves it), but he is apparently doing great these days and will be around for a while, god willing (though I am sad that his wife passed away a while ago and did not get to see it). When I heard that George Nakashima's family had the Book of Tiki out at his funeral in Detroit, I was very moved. To have given some sense of a life's purpose to even a small group of people is a nice feeling. The original Tiki generation is dying out fast, so seek them out, ask questions, and make them feel appreciated while you can.

Although I did not know him personally, this is quite a shock. I always hope that the veterans and proprietors of original Tiki temples see their places appreciated in my books, so that they get a sense of gratification from their life's work being recognized to some degree. Although I know that some might nor see Tiki "our way", (meaning quite as artsy), I still think most like to find their work in a book. So I wonder if Sonny ever saw the photos I took with James at his place...and also all the Witco history and pieces in the book.

When TIKI MODERN was taking its sweet time, I lived in constant fear that William Westenhaver might not get to see the end result. But he not only did (and loves it), but he is apparently doing great these days and will be around for a while, god willing (though I am sad that his wife passed away a while ago and did not get to see it).

When I heard that George Nakashima's family had the Book of Tiki out at his funeral in Detroit, I was very moved. To have given some sense of a life's purpose to even a small group of people is a nice feeling.

The original Tiki generation is dying out fast, so seek them out, ask questions, and make them feel appreciated while you can.

Post #342291 by bigbrotiki on Mon, Nov 5, 2007 10:29 PM