Post #397612 by Sabina on Wed, Jul 30, 2008 5:49 AM

Annette's passing is a great loss.

She did so much to rescue the Tiki treasures of the island and bring them together in her safe harbor. She not only rescued them, she gave them a second phase of life, if you will, as far beyond a collection, La Mariana has been a place that kept memory alive.

No, I was not fortunate enough to make the pilgrimage, nor did I ever get the chance to meet Annette, but through the travel tales of many Tikiphiles and of course Gecko in particular, I gained a great respect for Annette and her generous nature as well as her passion, not only for the restaurant itself, but its regulars and the people that through the years have made La Mariana such a special and unique place.

I also always felt a certain 'across the continent, Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond' connection of sorts to "La Mariana Sailing Club" because here in Maryland, we had another Amazing woman of Tiki who also passed recently, the legendary Vera of "Vera's White Sands restaurant and yacht club". Both women and their Tiki palaces were also deeply rooted in 'the boating set'. That connection to the sea, was something distinct, always giving Vera's at least a real down to earth (or down to water) locals kind of feel.

Annette kept important pieces of Hawai'i alive. I'm disappointed I never got the chance to meet her, much less talk story. But I know she gave much of herself to all who came to her little slice of paradise. I'm glad the connection between these Tiki generations happened, and that she was able to see some of us relative 'youngsters' truly appreciate her and what she had created. Her life touched so many of us, even those of us who have never been to the islands or La Mariana.

Raise a glass to her memory, thanks Annette.

Ad my voice to the many that hopes La Mariana will survive on.