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Wayne Miyata Obituary
Miyata had suffered from cancer of the esophagus.
Miyata was one of the first surfers to be filmed doing a successful "tube ride" through a large wave as it curls over. The footage, taken off Ala Moana in Oahu, Hawaii, was included in "The Endless Summer," a 1966 film that helped introduce the world to surfing.
The native Hawaiian was known to many Southern Californians for his fine, hand-crafted surfboards. Most mass-produced boards use airbrushing for color and designs. Miyata did it by hand.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
103 Entries
Bill Tracy
January 31, 2024
Hi Tava,
I think often of your father, a sensei among men. He was as fiercely independent as any person I ever knew. Although I never surfed, Wayne was always to me the embodiment of the gleeful free spirit atop a thundering wave. I continue to respect your wishes regarding writing about him, but if you change your mind, please let me know.
Kyle D Bickel, MD
December 23, 2023
I met Wayne when I was a grom living in PV and he was a neighbor. I had him make a board for me, which at the time was my absolute dream board. To this day, it was the most beautiful board I ever owned. He was a true artisan and I´m sorry to hear of his passing.
Candy Fickle
June 25, 2017
Miyata...forever in my heart.......candy...
Candy Fickle
June 24, 2017
Forever in my hear miyata.....missing you still...candy
How you can show support
Alison Cromer
February 5, 2015
Hi Tava,
I think of you and your mom and late dad often. Sending all my love,
Alison (your babysitter)
February 18, 2013
A one day belated Happy Birthday Dad!
I really miss you and wish you were physically part of my life still. Canter "Kaz" and Lucy "Lu" and super energetic kids and you would have been an awesome grandpa. I will keep your spirit alive through them and through the Palolo house in Hawaii. Mark & I bought it from the family and we are fixing it up and hope to keep it forever. We had an awesome summer there last year and hope to do so again this summer.
I love and miss you!
Tava (your one and only daughter)
February 14, 2013
It's Valentine's Day and I was just thinking of mom, dad and of course, you.
Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas
March 14, 2011
Mr. Miyata: You inspired me as I am sure others to find and surf our endless summers. I did that for five years in Hawai'i and thought of that movie you all made all the time. And I am mo betta fo dat! Tanks for your Kine example. The World Loves you man. May your Memory Be Eternal!
February 18, 2011
A belated Happy Birthday Pops!
I miss you everyday and am proud to be your daughter. I've finally move the rest of your storage stuff up to San Francisco and I'm able to hang some of your cool art in my new home.
Life has moved into some new chapters but I'm happy and plugging on. Your spirit is always with me.
Love, Tava
February 17, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WAYNE. HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A GREAT DAY,SHARING STORIES AND PLAYING THE UKELELE WITH ALL YOUR BROS. WE MISS YOU. XOXO M&Z
Karen Downey
March 1, 2010
Hello Wayne,
I knew you at 16-17, surf days Santa Monica, gentle soul, great surfer, multi-layered. multi faceted, karate master, quiet, compassionate, pensive, full of truths we did not know. Beautiful man and artist. This life is rested, enjoy your life you are in now.
November 6, 2009
Randy has been working hard on the Mustang. He's rebuilt the chassis and roll cage and got rid of all the rust. He ensured that all the parts fit and it will be painted someday. He's been telling me it will get sent to the paint shop since late '95!
Miss you,
Layne
Tava Miyata Stanford
June 16, 2009
Hi Pops,
Just wanted to say that "Auntie Layne" ROCKS! She has been working so hard to get your Mustang finished for you; she is an awesome sister, so much like you. I'm grateful for her as she truly is a constant reminder of you and I miss you so much.
Your grandkids are now 1 1/2 years old (almost 19 months) and are quite the swimmers. We took Canter "Kaz" & Lucy "Lulu" to Costa Rica for 3 months and they swam almost every day, sometimes 3 times a day. Yesterday we took them to their first official swim class and they blew everyone away with their mad skills. They can hold their breath, float, kick & put their faces in and make bubbles. You would be so proud.
We miss you and know you are watching out for us.
Love your daughter,
Tava
Layne Novak
June 15, 2009
Hi Wayne,
Your Mustang is finally a work in progress and should be finished by the end of this year. I had to put in a smaller block engine in order to drive it daily but Randy has been working hard on it so it should be something that you'd be proud of.
Love ya and miss ya,
Layne
CANDY FICKLE
March 20, 2009
KAHUNA
HEY THOUGHT OF YOU ON THE DAY YOU WERE BORN. NOW SUNDAY IS THE DAY I WAS BORN ,61 EEK, SO IT WAS THE DAY I FOUND OUT ABOUT YOUR DEATH , IT WAS NOT A FUN DAY FOR THE BEACH GIRL.
I MISS YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU WHEN YOU WAKE UP TO A PARADISE ON EARTH, I WILL BE WAITING IF IT TAKES FOREVER.
I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT LEARNING TO GO WITH FLOW I NEVER WAS TO GOOD AT LISTENING, LEARNING MY LESSONS FROM THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS. IT ISN,T WHERE YOU ARE BUT WHO YOU ARE WITH THAT IS IMPORTANT AND TIMING HAS A RYTHYM ALL ITS OWN
FOREVER YOURS
CANDY
Tava Miyata
February 19, 2009
Hi Pops,
I toasted you on your birthday. I´m in Nosara, Costa Rica at our new house we built with friends. Your grandchildren love it and we love it as well. In your honor because we couldn´t find black pepper at the supermarket, I stole black pepper from a restaurant on your birthday. I knew it would make you chuckle.
I love you and miss you everyday.
Your daughter,
Tava Miyata Stanford
Donna Abbott
February 17, 2009
Happy Birthday Uncle Wayne
Jack Weston
July 23, 2008
Many, many years ago, when you tried to teach me how to ride Sunset you said I'd never be a big wave rider because I was a 'goofy foot'. Well, guess what brudda...you was right. Much aloha.
carl park
July 16, 2008
aloha wayne .still remember those days in palolo & waikiki & i still remember u had to do the yard before we could play ha! ha!
Miracle
May 28, 2008
I'm sorry hear about a lost, I would like to share a scripture with the family to bring comfort at John11:25(Jesus said that I am the resurrection and the life he that exercises faith in me, even though he dies will come to life)
CANDY FICKLE
May 9, 2008
hey buster
grandkids
congratulations tava
thanks so much for posting their arrival i was waiting alittle concerned/blessings to you.my mother was a twin she had a brother
Bea and By
candy
David Higley Jr.
April 27, 2008
I don't remember much but when I was a kid I would go hang out at the shop while my dad HIG would shape boards for Wayne and I would Just like to thank him for teaching my dad what he knew and now hes gone to so thank you for putting this site up
Tava Miyata Stanford
April 20, 2008
Hi Dad,
Sorry for the delayed update but life with twin babies really keeps me busy.
Yes your grandchildren were born on 11/21/07 healthy & happy, Lucille Louise & Canter Kazunori (named after you). They will be 5 months old tomorrow and they are quite the pair. I so wish you could have known them but I believe you are watching over us...it is still hard for me to believe you are gone.
Lucy "LuLu" is feisty and selective and Canter "Kaz" smiles and whines. He came out screaming and she came out kicking back! We keep your spirit alive with our main room dedicated to surfing...we have all your surfing photos up as well as three surfboards. Two of them where the first two you made for me and the longboard is one I made for myself to surf on at our vacation place we are building in Costa Rica. I know how you loved it there.
Anyway, I've got to run as Lucy is fussing and needs to eat again soon & go to bed for the night.
We love you!
Tava :)
CANDY FICKLE
March 21, 2008
it,s been three years buster
miss you my friend
thank you forever for the unique glimpse into you
I WILL
BE THE BIG 60 TOMMARROW EEK
WISH YOU WERE HERE
FROM THOSE TWO LITTLE KIDS ON THE BEACH
THAT,S US
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE 6 YEARS OLDER
I MISS YOU ALOT
TILL WE MEET AGAIN
THE BEACH GIRL
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE TO ME
THE MOST HANDSOME MAN IN THE WORLD
THE BIG KAHUNA
CANDY
CANDY FICKLE
February 14, 2008
watching a show on Hawaii what a reminder of my dreams and you.
forever,
candy
YOU ARE THOUGHT OF, REMEMBERED AND MISSED!
CANDY FICKLE
January 1, 2008
HEY BUDDY ALMOST A NEW YEAR,THINKING OF YOU, SEE YOU ON THE NEW SHORE
WISH YOU WERE HERE
CANDY
September 28, 2007
KAHUNA
JUST TOOK A LOOK AT THE VINTAGE FILM I LOVE TO WATCH OF YOU
BRINGS A TEAR, MY HERO
FEELS GOOD TO HEAR YOU LAUGH AGAIN
SO GLAD THAT VIDEO WAS MADE INCLUDING THE SURF FOOTAGE AND INTERVIEW AT THE SHOP
ONE WITH THE OCEAN QUEST T SHIRT ON
CAN,T FIND MY COPY OF THE PIX BIG MIKE SENT ME OF THAT DAY WITH YOU AND HE AND KEONI
SORRY FOR THE BAD SPELLING
WISH I COULD TALK TO YOU THIS SECOND
SAW A PIX ON ANOTHER SITE WITH HAWAIIAN TRUNX RED WHITE
HANDSOME OLD FELLOW
YOU ARE MISSED BUDDY
NOTICED THE WEDDING RING IN THAT ONE
FOR EVER WITH US
CANDY
CANDY FICKLE
September 28, 2007
MIYATA
LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE CONTINUALLY THOUGHT OF BY THOSE WHOSE LIVES YOU HAVE TOUCHED
WE ALL HAVE A DIFFERENT TIME TABLE
HOPEFULLY VALERIE WILL COME ON BOARD NEXT
HAPPY TO HEAR OF TAVA,S PROGRESS
HOW PROUD YOU,D BE OF HER COURAGE
GUESS THE LTTLE BOY WILL BE LIKE GRAMDPA, EAGER TO GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD
TAVA WILL BE IN MY DEEPEST PRAYERS
EVERY WEEK A STEP FURTHER,
FOREVER
CANDY
Teri Stroud
September 25, 2007
Aloha Wayne,
Well, it's taken two and a half years to write, but here we are...your passing was devastating to both Don and me.
You meant so very much to both of us on two very different levels....
We are both thankful of the years we spent with you - and both thankful for the gift you gave to us.
Yes, there were difficult times, wonderful times, but no regrets, believe me.
Tava and I have reconnected since your passing and I am very happy for that....you two are so alike, which I am reminded of everytime I see her!
She will be the best mom to those two babies coming soon!
Wayne, we spent many years together and I will never forget our life - what a ride! We learned so much from each other. Your family was a big part of my life and always treated me with kindness and love.
We share so many friends and relations here and on the mainland that nearly every other day, your name is mentioned. Since we moved here to Honolulu two years ago, we have said goodbye to 17 of our and your close friends. We have put them to rest out to sea at Waikiki, always with a prayer for you.
It's getting pretty crowded out there, but what great company!!
I am sending Tava some old surfing footage of you, Don and Jimmy Sagawa taken at Makaha when you were all about 15-16 years old.
You're all sooo handsome, young and strong - where did all the years go?
What's more - how did Tava become 39 years old?
Well, I could go on forever, but I will resist and close. But, I will be back with some funny stories that should be told before I forget them....
Mau no ke aloha....
A hui hou kakou....
Teri
Tava Miyata Stanford
September 25, 2007
Hi Dad,
Just an update, the babies are growing still but causing me some trouble. I'm 29 weeks now with a boy and a girl and on bedrest because the boy is trying to come out early. We are over a major hump by getting past week 26 but our next 2 hurdles are week 30 and week 34. Once I get to week 34 the doctors know they should come out just perfect. Pray for us :)
Your Daughter,
Tava Miyata Stanford
CANDY FICKLE
September 24, 2007
MIYATA
JUST WAS THINKING OF YOU
AND WHAT POPED ON THE GUEST BOOK SCREEN BUT A NOTE FROM YOUR BABY,ABOUT MAKING YOU AND GRANDPA,
HOPE ONE OR BOTH ARE THE SPITTEN IMAGE OF YOU
YOU LIVE ON THROUGH THEM
I MISS YOU
I CAN HEAR THE SOUND OF YOUR VOICE AS IF IT WAS YESTERDAY
FOREVER
CANDY
Tava Miyata Stanford
June 20, 2007
Hi Dad,
As another father's day passes without you I am sad and missing you.
I wanted to share with you that it looks like you will finally have grandkids. Craig and I have made it past the hump and I am now carrying twins, 15 weeks and healthy. Pray for our children, we hope they make the long haul to delivery. I just wish you were here to be part of their lives, I know how much you wanted to be a grandpa.
Happy Father's Day!
Love, Tava
CANDY FICKLE
June 15, 2007
KAHUNA
HAVE YOUR STICKERS ON MY CAR
EACH SIDE OF THE BACK WINDOWS
YOU ARE FOREVER WITH ME
HAD HOPED TO MAKE IT TO THE ISLANDS I N MAY NOT YEY\T WORKING TOWARDS NOV BUT IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN IT DOES
DOING ALOT OF FOOTWORK FOR MY BUSINESS TAKING CARE OF MYSELF
HAS NOT BEEN AN EASY YEAR
I LIKE TO LISTEN TO YOU ON THE TAPE ON YOUR OLD SURF AND NOT SO OLD LAST CLIP
I MISS YOU
VALERIE AND I WERE TRAVELING THRU MEMORIES OF YOU
THEIR IS NO OTHER LIKE YOU
ONE AND ONLY YOU
YOU SET THE BAR SO HIGH
YOU ARE FOREVER THE KING
FORVER YOURS
CANDY
ONE DAY WE SHALL MEET AGAIN
THE MOST HANDSOME MAN IN THE UNIVERSE
THE TOUGH GUY WITH A HEART OF GOLD SOFT AS A GENTLE BREEZE
I MISS YOU SO
Jim Balster
May 30, 2007
Love you Wayne,
This is Large Jim from Unity/Jacobs, you were a great friend and will miss you.
LAUREEN VASQUEZ
May 28, 2007
WAYNE I REMEMBER WE HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH YOU AND ALL OF US WENT TO YOUR HOUSE AND WE WATCHED YOU SURF I MISS THOSE DAYS I MISS YOU ALOT AND I LOVE YOU WAYNE I WISH YOU WERE HERE
Candy Fickle
September 14, 2006
Miyata
I completed my first book. It was a three day marathon, pretty intense it,s not the winning it,s in the race. I miss you
Forever, Candy
Candy Fickle
June 24, 2006
,Kahuna
Just viewed a little footage of you I can,t even believe how happy it made me a thank you to whoever made the film
I who am never at a loss for words, I am
wayne
forever yours
Candy
Candy Fickle
June 9, 2006
Miyata
Found some old footage of you on a web site purely by accident or was it.Forever with me. The music everything the best part was some footage in 2004, Miyata, what happiness I felt like you were reaching out to touch my heart,
forever yours
Candy
Our tenderness will live on and on
Skip Beall
June 8, 2006
Poem for Miyata
By Skip Beall - March 2005
"Friend of Mine"
There was a guy I met over forty years ago, at a Hermosa Beach surfing show.
He was a well known surfer from Hawaii and we were introduced before the surfing film, then the projector started as the auditorium became "One Realm"
The next day as all us young surfers did after a night of watching surfing flicks, we all met at the beach to practice our new tricks.
While I was walking toward the water with my surfboard I noticed this same surfer I'd met at the show, riding a large wave and hooting at the surfer he
was passing below.
When I paddled out to the line-up I said "Hi" to Wayne, and he said, "Hi Skip", these waves are insane!
Through the last forty years Wayne and I have been friends through many times 'UP and DOWN", but whenever I saw him he never had a frown.
Wayne mellowed very much in his older years. He was so stoked on "Kids", that when he gave them a surfboard or advise I could always see he held back his tears.
We will all remember Wayne when younger as "Slightly Rowdy", but all us young surfers were much the same and did our own thing quite proudly!
Wayne, "We all will see you again!"
Dennis Sullivan
May 25, 2006
When Wayne passed I had my favorite Miyata reglassed in his honor, day one at Waikiki on my last wave I caught a Queens peak about 2-4 foot did some turns and assumed the good postured arch for the ride in, I rode to my amazement, all the way to the beach and stepped off. I could feel Wayne on my shoulder it was one of those great moments.
Keep Surfing.
Aloha Den
Candy Fickle
May 24, 2006
Miyata
Of course somebody remembered you, how could I ever forget you, for you are forever in my heart. If you were here and now, I would ask you to sing to me in Hawaiian and tell me more stories of your childhood.
My two favorite men gone.
What is the lesson, tell the people you love what they mean to you and show that love by action.
forever yours, Candy
See you my king
Candy Fickle
May 16, 2006
Miyata
David died one week and a half ago as did my step father.
Went to the beach hut resturant I used to go their as a little kid when it was called the hut.
I wish you were their here or anywhere.
My daughter reminded me of my dream not to let it go.
I will be going to Hawaii next year.
Don,t know how I will ever make it through , keep the dream alive right with or without you.
the most handsome man in the world that,s you
for always yours Candy
Donna Abbott
April 30, 2006
I didn't forget the anniversary of his passing or his birthday.
I think about him so often. I can't make rice without thinking about him. He taught me the "correct" way to clean and drain rice.
During the past year, I still miss his particular presence.
Candy Fickle
April 26, 2006
Kahoona
Time words nor space can erase your memory your existence from within the softness of my heart.
No one will ever take your place.
Forever yours
Candy
Layne Novak
April 11, 2006
It has been one year since Wayne passed away. My sister and her family were the only ones in attendance to his Buddhist memorial service in Hawaii. After the ceremony, the odaisan (priest) said that Wayne was very happy that someone remembered him. He was holding his surfboard and wore his signature red shorts. Wayne is doing okay...
Barry "Dog" Groofsmooth
September 30, 2005
Dog they called me. Until my boating accident. I used to tavel the world surfing. So many women, surfin and turfin. I worked part time until I met my dear wife Barbara Ann. We got married and had a few kids. Things were pretty good. The wife worked and I surfed and the kids went to school and the sun was shinnin. Then my friend Wild Bill took me fishin on the delta. Now I have a pair of those wooden fake legs and I'm learnin to walk and drive a car agin. I refuse to use those hand controls they say I have to use. I'm determined to surf again, and by this time next year I will be back on the beach with my board and my wooden legs too!!
Jimmy z whitsett
June 10, 2005
Donna Abbott I was moved by your letter to Wayne and I was wondering if everyone felt the same way as I did and I can see that they do. I feel exactly the way you do and miss Uncle Wayne with all my heart and it doesnt get any better. There is not a day that I awake in the morning that I dont stop by his 8 x 10 picture standing by his black lincoln, I smile and thank him for the time he gave me and I cherish it and will never forget I have a guardian angel looking over me each and every day as I make this
struggle with chemo therapy. he left me with so many words of encouragment that I keep my faith strong and altough Wayne wasnt much on religion he was a believer in God and a higher power and always told me to keep praying and always stay positve. He was the most positive person I have had the pleasure to have known and I will always live my life according to the lessons he taught me. The aloha spirit lives strong in my heart and Wayne, so do you...Mahalo my brother and rest in peace, jimmy z
Donna Abbott
June 9, 2005
Wayne,
it's taken me this long to write to you. Losing your presence has devastated me more than i imagined. I know i'll never lose your friendship but, i miss your persistence. i miss your voice on my machine. i miss going out with you. i miss our endless, mindless conversations. i miss our anticipated and eventual "banter". i miss knowing you were always there and never turned down the opportunity to spend time with me. There will never be another Wayne to translate the Hawaiian music for me.
Ultimately, there will never be another Uncle Wayne for me or my children and I can't express how much i miss you.
Love and Aloha,
Peter Easterling
May 14, 2005
Aloha Wayne. I never had the honor of knowing you but after reading the tributes from your many friends I feel as if I do know you. The wonderful memories and loving thoughts from so many individuals have to be a great comfort to your family. See you soon in heaven, Wayne. Your sprit is what surfing and life are all about. Aloha my friend. I look forward to sharing a surf session with you soon. Garbage Hole is gone but I'll be looking for you ducking into a tube in heaven.
Tava Miyata Stanford
May 13, 2005
Hi All,
Just thought you all might be interested in some vintage surf footage of my father that has been posted on iFilm. Here is the link:
http://www.ifilm.com/ifilm
detail/2670474
Tava
Bob Feigel
April 16, 2005
Wayne - You were a genuine original and a consummate player in the game of life. I'm honored to have known you back in those golden daze way back when. May your generous spirit surf joyously in the hand of God ... and save a few for me. Bob
Bruce Horton
April 16, 2005
I was 14years old and surfing my third winter season at Torrance Beach in Redondo when I met Wayne. Surfing his signature Rising Sun longboard with his long hair flying as he blew us away with his speed and ability. Forty four years later I'm still riding longboards and talking story about the old surf legends. All evening glass from now on. Bruce Horton
Tava Miyata Stanford
April 14, 2005
Aloha Friends & Family,
Thank you all for the kind words and stories you have shared in this guestbook, it is really a nice tribute, you all have made me laugh & cry.
I just got back from having my father's memorial services at Waikiki Beach, it was a beautiful day and I hope to put together photo album to share with everyone soon.
I want to share the story I told everyone in Hawaii about the spreading of part of my father's ashes on the North Shore on Friday, April 8th.
I went alone; it seemed like the right thing to do. My first stop was Turtle Bay, the last place my father surfed, at our wedding last year. I stopped at the pool bar and got a beer, walked out to the rocks, threw some plumeria's in the water & then the ashes. Gosh darn, they blew all over my legs, Dad was laughing, I just knew it. After sticking my legs in a hole in the rocks & letting a wave wash them off, I headed to Sunset Beach. I was a little smarter at this stop. I could hear my father coaching me in my head, with that familiar tone we all know. Surf was up, so I went into the water this time, some flowers & ash. The flowers returned to the shore. My next stop was Pipeline, same drill, same results, great looking waves, perfect tubes. My final stop was Waimea Bay, where my Dad said he surfed his biggest wave, I thought it was fitting final stop. Today, no waves. I went into the water & took the remainder of the ashes I carried for this day and the remainder of the flowers. This time, everything floated out, a beautiful line of flowers on the top of the water, how amazingly fitting. I watched the flowers float out, for as long as I could see them and said goodbye. A perfect ending, my Dad's final trip to the North Shore.
Mahalo & Aloha,
Tava Miyata Stanford
Jim Whitsett
April 10, 2005
Hey Bra, I spoke to the Hawaiian Surf Club today on your behalf. Man dude, you really have a lot of love in your life. I know you saw us all at the paddle. I remember first meeting you back in the sixties when we were young bucks on the north shore and we came a long way together. I will miss you and will see you when I get there. Aloha Nui Loa
Mark AKA "Harpo" Dixon
April 9, 2005
Aloha Wayne, I cherish the memories of rubbing shoulders with ya at Shoreline Glassing. Watching you make magic doing the pinlines inspired me to be as good as i could be airbrushing boards. Mahalo Wayne, keep cruzin in your Lincoln. I will paint a wave and your spirit will flow through the brush and your memory will live with me forever. My sympothies go out to all your family and friends.
WALTER(LUNGIE) GOMEZ
April 8, 2005
ALOHA WAYNE,
YOU LIKE BROTHER TO ME AND AN UNCLE TO MY THREE CHILDREN -RANDY,KENDALL,ROBIN.WE ENJOYED LIFE TO THE FULLEST.YOU AND I SHARED THE GOOD TIMES WITH ALL THE BROTHERS FROM HAWAII AND THE ONES FROM THE MAINLAND. WE WILL MISS YOU BUT YOU ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS ,LOVE FOR TEVA AND FAMILY,GOD BLESS YOU.ALOHA
LUNGIE AND SADIAH GOMEZ
chris kiwi third
April 8, 2005
hey uncle pressure,did you see the crew that showed up??,
man,bunch of misfits,ha.
to all the crew good to see you.
see you at the mermaid next summer.
love kiwi.
Davian De Witt
April 8, 2005
You've only left the physical plane, yet still continue to inspire and create. We miss you so much.
Your nephew,
Davian
mary miyata
April 7, 2005
Hi Wayner,
You lived your life with "gusto" exactly the way you wanted to live it. Now you are at peace. Tava and I miss you but know you are "Riding the Big Ones" in heaven. I will take care of and love our precious Tavy..."Bee" for as long as I live. She is such an amazing daughter!!!!! We are truly blessed.
Your friends have turned out in force to honor you at the paddleout in Hermosa Beach. We are now two days away from your service on the beach and in the water at Waikiki. Your father's cancer is non-existent as of today and we are grateful for that. He, like you, has a fighting spirit. We will take him out in the outrigger to say goodbye to you.
I have many happy memories of our early days in Hawaii. The years past by so swiftly. Your legacy will remain forever.
ILY,
Mary
Tom Graner
April 4, 2005
Wayne you are truly in my thoughts. I was there yesterday at the paddle out and it was nice to see the turnout.
To Tava, his daughter, I worked with Wayne at Dewey Weber Surfboards in 1968-1970. I was a 17 year old kid when I started by cleaning up in the shop and eventually landed in Wayne's gloss room, along with Pat Stephen, helping to clean sand prior to moving into the gloss room and taping boards for pinstriping and color.
Wayne was a tough man, but was also just a very cool guy for me to work with. Wayne always made me feel like I worked WITH him, not for him. Even when he chewed me out.
Over the years I'd run across Wayne in Hermosa from time to time and it would be like old friends. If he saw me frst, I'd hear him yell out my name, "Graaanner!". Thought I haven't seen him much the last few years, I am very empty when I realize he isn't there. I am happy to know he IS there in spirit.
Cowabunga,
Tom
rudy saldana
April 4, 2005
Ahh wayne,
Sad to be informed of his passing thru the circuitous ways of communication. Having the gift of knowing him for for close to 25 years has brought on a flood of memories and accounts perhaps should remain just that. To those who knew him nearest to him my deepest sympathy. Of the ones with the chance to be in his presence and witness of his humor & personality, thi he has bequeathed. as for the ones to be denied the honor of his aquaintence, you "really" missed it. Behold his memory.
Aloha Wayne,
Rudy Saldana
dan martinez
April 4, 2005
Today we came together to celebrate & remenisce an old friend.I was so emotionally struck by the number of people for his paddle-out.He touched a number of different lives each in a unique way & one that will always be remembered by each and everyone of us.
ALOHA & MAHALO WAYNE MIYATA
zachary
April 3, 2005
You know when a person lives in your heart . Its when you think of them and it brings a smile to your face and a worm feeling you always long for. Its when you can remember the sound of ther voice telling you thay love you and you try not to think about it to much because you begin to cry. I will miss you and love you. See you in the sun and in the waves.
MIKE ELLS
April 3, 2005
A HUI HO......YOU WILL BE MISSED.
ALOHA,
MIKE ELLS
Linda "La" Ward-Marx
April 3, 2005
Black Lincoln, great guy...you will be missed...
Linda La Marx
formerly MB/HB, now in Humble, Texas
Jeannie Cramer
April 3, 2005
To all of the Miyata & the Stanford family, all the Hawaiian family and friends I have met on countless journeys to Hawaii with Wayne, to all of Wayne's brothers that he grew up working with in Waikiki beach: we suffer a great loss, a loss to many, in many cultures and countries. Wayne and I surfed together at North Shore at Craig & Tava’s wedding, whom I love dearly, and whose loss I feel as if it were my own, it is my own. My insides are sucked out. Wayne and I attended many events together. The Turtle Bay wedding was the last time he would ever surf. He was my babe. I still have the board Wayne, Keone and Dennis made for me. I will be paddling out on it. I will miss him dearly. I see the Hawaii 50 car is off in the sunsets. I will see you surfing and racing in the sky one day. ALOHA! Goodbye for now, you know you are loved. Sunshine Designs will live on.
Love, Jeannie
Jeannie Cramer (Hermosa Beach, CA )
Bill Mons
April 3, 2005
Wayne,
I can still see you pulling up to the shop in your black Lincoln Continental. I always felt a little better when you showed up. You brought the feeling of safety and security that a little child feels when his daddy comes home. Your personality, laughter, stories, work ethic, love and devotion to family will be things I will remember forever. You taught me the importance of being dependable by example. You also taught me how to believe in things and how to stand by the things I believe in. You were real Wayne. A man with charisma and great talents, you said what you felt, and did what you said. Very few of us have the courage you had to be themselves on all occasions. Thank you for all the good times. I miss the talks in the glossing room; the perfectly manicured brushes, the quick and perfect tape offs, the pin stripes, the method and style. All of it---your presence. You will be sorely missed by those of us who considered you our second father, or perhaps our only one. You were one of a kind---Never to be replaced or forgotten. Finally, rest assured boss, we will all look after your pride and joy---Tava, for you.
Much Aloha to you Great One, Thank you for everything.
Rest now, my good & honorable friend,
Bob Barnes
April 2, 2005
Tava so sorry to hear about your father, we will miss him, he was one heck of a resin man. See you at the paddle out.
Bob
John Vega
April 2, 2005
To Tava and the Miyata family. I just wanted to extend my deepest thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow.As for you Wayne (Uncle Pressure) what can I say? Stories Beers, pool games or just good conversations. You were a good man and lived life to its fullest. I respect you immensely you taught me alot about life and boards, Next time Kiwi and I go shoot some pool it won't be the same with out you. Anyone who Knew Wayne knows he was rough and gruff but even under all that he had a heart of gold and would help you out in a pinch.Thats what a true friend is,You will be missed dearly.
Peace and Much Aloha
jeannie cramer
April 2, 2005
To all of the Miyata & the Stanford family, all the hawaiian family and friends i have meet on countless journeys to Hawaii with wayne.Too all of Wayne's brothers that he grew up on the beach working together in waikiki. It is a graet loss to many in many cultures& & countiers. I had the pleasure to surf with him the last time he surfed at Tava & Craigs wedding at Turtle Bay. I will be paddling out on a board that Wayne, Keone And Dennis McGivern made me.I will miss him dearly as i see the Hawaii 50 car is off in the sunsets. I will see you surfing and racing in the sky one day. ALOHA! Goodbye for now, you know you are loved. LOVE JEANNIE< SUNSHINE DESIGNS WILL LIVE ON!
pat reardon
April 1, 2005
Wayne was just the best.He was such a big influence to me in my early formative years of surboard building after he had already seen it all.
He worked for me and was always there to help me out and guide me along.A few times I had to bring his paycheck to the house and he would make me sit down and listen to some uekelele music ,drink beer,and talk story.
The best was when Higley or Kadowaki would goof up some board down at the glass shop and Wayne would just be busting their balls. It was just so classic. He would nail us if we were doing crappy work but at the same time we were all his little pups in training.
He always showed me love and respect every time I bumped in to him.
Aloha brother Wayne see you in the line up.
Geri Ward-Grannis
April 1, 2005
Dear Miyata Family and Friends, My condolences to you at this time. My former husband, John, and I spent many a night talking story with Wayne "back in the day"...he definitely was one of a kind... With Sympathy, Geri
kiwi chris third
March 31, 2005
Dear Tava, Wayne my friend and brother has gone onto a sweeter ride.I can hear is his laughter when i mucked up.I know we had to much fun together,man some of the stories.
and what a story teller he was.
silly old ?":{. :)
to all his friends,grab a beer and cheers,what a legend,
but dont tell wayne that.
peace man,love kiwi.
Blake Stanford
March 30, 2005
To Wayne and Family,
Kristi and I enjoyed knowing Wayne and never imagined that he would be a part of our family. When I first saw Wayne in Oahu at Craig and Tava's wedding, I thought " Now there is man who owns himself". We loved his "take no prisoners" attitude and love of life and will always remember him fondly and with a smile.
Condolences to the family.
Joni Balsillie
March 29, 2005
Wayne,
You enjoyed life to the fullest. One of my fondest memories was at your wedding. We forgot to take pictures, so we had to do a retake.
You were an original!!
See you on our next journey
Friends always,
Joni Balsillie
Patricia Nahring
March 29, 2005
My husband Falk and I were fortunate to have known such a great man, who was loved by all who had the opportunity to know him...he will be missed greatly in Hermosa...his name will go on in the stories told by his many friends...Love to you always Wayne,you will remain in our hearts and fond memories.
Layne Novak
March 28, 2005
To all that have signed and will sign this guest book:
Thank you for sharing your memories with our family. It's nice to know that Wayne was loved by everyone he touched. We will definitely miss him.
Aloha au kou,
Your "baby" sister
Mike Fanthorpe
March 28, 2005
Wayne,
Thank you for being a big part of my childhood. We had some great times (You, my mom, Tava and me). Trips to San Diego, helping you judge contests (at least I thought I was helping), little league games and just seeing who could stay up long enough to watch Fantasy Island on a Saturday night. These are things that I will never forget. Thanks for helping a kid with Canadian parents become just a little bit Hawaiian.
And yes, I too did a double take every time I saw a black Lincoln rolling down the street.
My love to Tava and the whole family.
Mike
P.S. More bug juice please.
Kristi Balsillie
March 28, 2005
Dearest Wayne
May the breeze of the ocean let your spirit soar,
Feelings of sand under your feet as you walk out your door,
As the shining warm sun puts a smile on your face,
You will always be loved wherever your place.
Stay free............
Peace and love,
Kristi
Tava and Mary...my heart is with you!
Jim Cowherd
March 27, 2005
We will miss you Wayne. You are a master of the traditional board building techniques. You could create a smooth curved pin line even on those days when the glasser or shaper could not. I still think of you when I see a 1980 Black Mark V Lincoln Continental going down the road.
Rest in peace Wayne.
Jim, Mary, Stephanie and Kimberly Cowherd
Robin Gomez
March 27, 2005
Uncle Wayne and family,We shall miss you.Mahalo for so many good times.Mahalo for being such a good friend to my dad.You mean so much to him.(Lungie)We will all see you again.Our Aloha to your daughter and family.The Gomez ohana
dennis (mcgyver) mcgivern
March 26, 2005
what can i say, a great freind i will miss truely, a master board builder a tough boss who taught me a great many things about life,surfing and board building , i started with wayne in 1985 at shoreline and continued to make boards with him till around 1997
i t was a great honor to work with wayne something i allways cherish and remember, i still make boards today the same way i was taught by him, thank you wayne, for years of friendship,knowledge and comrodery
ill miss you my freind greatly,may god bless your soul MCGYVER
Robin Pozniakoff
March 26, 2005
I only knew you from The Endless Summer, but those Ala Mo waves you rode changed my life and made my mother worry that I had become a surfer. Her worries were unfounded and so much ALOHA(!) to you.
Bernard Desarnauts
March 26, 2005
Hey Wayne - You were a real cool dude! We'll miss you tons but your spirit will live with Tava (& Peanut). Love, B.
Francesca & Bernard Desarnauts
March 26, 2005
Wayne, we will remember your sense of humor, introducing us to big Izzy's music, playing the mandolin in our backyard, and your "be and let be" philosophy that you lived by. But especially, we'll remember the great conversations we shared about your daughter Tava, where your love and pride were so strong and apparent. We'll miss seeing you around!
Bernard, Francesca, Nicolas & Lucas
Dan & Sally Martinez
March 26, 2005
Sally & I have known Wayne, aka "Uncle Pressure" for 20 years, he & I celebrated same birthday together (2/17/different years)& exchanged gifts.He helped me by sponsoring my earlier years in offroad motorcycling racing, bought a motorhome & would go out to the desert for the weekends with us to have fun Fri/Sat, then on Sun help Sally "pit" for my race, inspiring me to win many trophies. His, as he called it "Good Aloha" will be sorely missed. And now with tears in our eyes, we bid you Aloha, Wayne.
Tony "TB" Balsillie
March 25, 2005
Good by old friend. I will always remember our surfing trips to Mexico and the fun we had at your wedding.
Tony
DALE AND STEVE FERGUSON
March 25, 2005
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO
WAYNE'S DAUGHTER AND FAMILY.
WAYNE WAS A GOOD FRIEND TO OUR SON
DAVID AND WILL BE MISSED BY ALL
WHO KNEW HIM.
THE FERGUSON FAMILY
Craig Stanford
March 24, 2005
To one remarkably cool dude, a wonderful father and an inspiration to so many. You will be sorely missed.
your son-in-law,
Craig
tim martella
March 24, 2005
You will be missed.
Tim Martella, Attorney
Jim Oneal
March 24, 2005
Having surfed the '60s, and not only admired you, but experienced your art, I am honored to have the board you made for me, as well as the one you made "to me, from me, about time", your personal possession, in my collection. Mahalo and aloha, Jim aka Kimo
Phillip Ervin
March 24, 2005
Hey, ya old "tube rider" -- I started in the 50's and followed you in the 60's. God Bless You.
Flip
[email protected]
J.E. "Doc" Hagler
March 24, 2005
Artist, shaper, surfer and inspiration to many. May all of our lives be as succssful as yours. The surf scene in heaven will rejoice in your arrival. God speed Wayne.
Margarite Tuchardt
March 24, 2005
I'm signing in for my friend, Candy Fickle who lives here in Santa Cruz. She was a good friend of Wayne Miyata's and he will be missed, especially by Candy.
Aloha to you Wayne.
C Rauch
March 24, 2005
He stayed out of the soup and showed all the young ones how to do it right. Have fun in the clouds!
L Lee
March 24, 2005
Here's to surfing the big white clouds of heaven for eternity!
JODY B. WHITE III
March 24, 2005
I ADMIRE MR.MIYATA FOR THE WORK THAT HE HAS DONE IN FILM, ESPECIALLY IN THE FILM "THE ENDLESS SUMMER". MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY, AND MAY MR. MYATA REST IN PEACE. WITH DEEPEST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY, JBWIII
Jackie Volke
March 24, 2005
Wayne,
I loved the Endless Summer. Thank you for making such a beautiful film.
May you find paradise.
jennifer hall
March 23, 2005
This is my distant second cousin I wish I met.
I guess we will meet in heaven one day.
Aloha
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