Yesterday, Saturday, September 17th, was a different type of potluck gathering for my kids. We went to attend the celebration of life of Eddie Martinez with his family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers at the community room in Waikoloa Village Association complex.
There was not one Saturday or Sunday throughout the years that my kids wouldn’t ask to go hang out at the pool of Waikoloa Village. As homeowners there, we are able to enjoy it at anytime, and each time we would go, we would see Eddie, who managed the WVA swimming pool for many years.
The boys were so use to seeing him there every time, he was part of the daily pool life. Eddie was in charge of checking our WVA amenity card, and then teasing the kids and talking story. He also had to oversee all the fun birthday parties scheduled in advance at the pool.
He was often included and he always had an envelope tucked away with a $5 bill to give to the birthday boy/girl. One of my sons thought he was living there and he was the most lucky man on earth because he was able to attend all the parties, and share cakes and goodies with the community! Until this summer…
Eddie Martinez passed away on Friday, August 19th, 2011 of cancer. He was 69 years old—a special man with an unforgettable smile. He was a hard worker, dedicated, and earned the respect of everyone around him.
With his passing, Eddie gave us the opportunity to give a life lesson to our kids. The first time we showed up at the pool and we heard what happened to Eddie, we were in shock and very sad. The Waikoloa Village community lost a friend, and my boys could not quite understand what happened and why. It was time for us to sit down and explain to them that Eddie was no longer at the pool, but in a better place.
Bon voyage, Mr. Eddie! You will be missed, but we trust from where you are, you will keep being the guardian angel of the WVA pool.
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