Obituaries for January 9

George “Uncle Butchie” R.K. Akiu Sr., 82, of Hilo died Jan. 4 at home. Born in Wailuku, Maui, he was a retired machine operator for county Parks and Recreation and U.S. Army veteran. Visitation 5-6 p.m. Friday (Jan. 13) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Celebration of Life at 6 p.m. Aloha attire. Survived by daughter, Ceceliaann “Cece” Evans of Keaukaha; sons, George Akiu Jr. of Piihonua and Francis (Donna) Akiu of Kansas; sisters, Cecilia “Ulu” Knowlton of Hilo, Elizabeth “Betty” (Lee) Abbott of Maui and Darlene (Keala) Kakalia of Hilo; brothers, Arthur (Janet) Iokepa and Melvin Iokepa of Hilo, Wayne (Kanani) Iokepa of Kohala; five grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.