Russell Kawika Yasuji Oye Obituary (1959 - 2020)

Russell Kawika Yasuji Oye. On Wednesday March 18, 2020, Russell (Russ) Kawika Yasuji Oye, 60 years old of Alliance, Ohio joined his parents David and Genevieve (Jane) Oye, and his oldest grandson Rajani Thompson over the rainbow in eternal peace. Russ was born November 21, 1959 in Honolulu, Hawai'i where he grew up with his two younger brothers, Terry and David (Analu) Oye. Graduating from McKinley High School in 1977 after participating in both JROTC and ROTC, Russell joined the United States Air Force. From August of 1977 to September of 1992, Russ dedicated his life to the service of his country. For his efforts and dedication, Russ was awarded many ribbons and medals including the Air Force Longevity Service Award with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, and the National Defense Service Medal. During his Air Force Career, Russell got to see the world and often spoke of his travels and especially his love for Germany. In 1984, while stationed at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California, Russ met his now ex-wife, Rebecca. In 1989 they had their first son, Gregory. In 1990 they married and had their first daughter, Sharon. After his Honorable Discharge in 1992, Russell moved his family to Prescott, Arizona. Two years later, in 1994, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Jane (named for his late mother), and in 1997 their last child, John. Russell remained in Arizona where he worked two jobs as a fry cook and stock-clerk for the next eighteen years. He was known for his generosity and reliability, but mostly for his fantastic stories. In July of 2010, Russell relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado to help care for his mother-in-law and her mother. He remained there working as a stock-clerk until he moved to Ohio. In 2013, Russ's daughters sent him a plane ticket to Ohio for Father's Day so he could meet his first two grandchildren. Falling in love with his grandsons, Russell decided to relocate one last time to be near his children and grandchildren. Just days after arriving in Alliance, Ohio, Russell began working as a machine operator in a local factory and remained there until his passing. His coworkers speak fondly of his "crazy stories", his "by the book" work ethic, and his willingness to help a fellow coworker. Russell was preceded in death by his mother, Genevieve Ah-Sing Oye, his father, David Yoshiji Oye, and his grandson Rajani Kha'lil (Kawika) Thompson. He is survived by his younger brothers; Terry and David (Analu) Oye, his children; Gregory S. A. Oye of Louisville, Ohio, Sharon E. K. Oye (Keyairis Thompson) of Gulfport, Mississippi, Jane L. M. Oye (Shannon Rowe) of Alliance, Ohio, John H. K. Oye of Alliance, Ohio, and his grandchildren; De'Marion (Nohea), Rajani (Keoni), and Ryleigh (Hoku) Rowe, and Ja'Niya, Kylen, and London (Anuenue) Thompson, as well as many cousins and in-laws. Russell's kids will remember him for all of the unconditional love he showed them, the important life lessons he taught them, and the appreciation of family and culture he passed down to them. His grandkids will remember their TutuMan for his "kid-at-heart" mentality, his stern but soft demeanor, and their ability to melt his heart. Miss Me But Let Me Go When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me. I want no rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free! Miss me a little, but not for long, And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me, but let me go. For this journey we all must take, And each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan; A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, Go to the friends you know. And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go! Aloha Makuakāne! Ohana Mau Loa!