Verne Allen Presnall

Verne was born the oldest of four children in Honolulu, Hawaii in March 1945 to parents Ralph and Mitsuko Presnall. He grew up in Kailua, Oahu where you’ll find the world’s best sandy beach. This is where he learned to fly glider planes with the Civil Air Patrol. He soloed at age 15, flying in silence, high and free along the Ko’olau range.

Verne graduated from Kailua High School in 1963 and went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in sociology from San Jose State University where he met the love of his life, Gailen Jean Thompson. They were married in 1968, worked together as group home parents for boys for two years, and raised two children Matthew and Carrie. They were married for over 54 years.

For over 33 years, Verne worked in San Jose, California as a sheet metal fabricator. He traveled for work to many countries where he engaged with the local people and culture.

A kind, peaceful person who loved music, art, and good food, Verne had a positive impact wherever he lived. His hobbies included gardening, photography, metal sculpture, and mushroom hunting. During his retirement on the Big Island of Hawaii, he enjoyed sailing and paddling on Hilo Bay. He was also an avid drummer – conga, djembe and all things percussion – and regularly met up with his “drumming family.” He looked forward to and participated in tai chi workshops taught by longtime friend Bob Fong and taught tai chi at the Kea’au community center. He often walked with his good friend, Randy Settlage, picking up litter in their community. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife, Gailen; his children, Matthew Presnall and Carrie (Jonathan Crowe) Presnall; granddaughters Maya Crowe and Anna-Magdalena “Momo” Wilms-Crowe; siblings, Tanya (Chris) Pouls, Sunya (Wade) Porter, and Sidney Presnall.

A celebration of life will be held in California, details forthcoming. Contact [email protected] for more information. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Sierra Club.