Relatives, friends and acquaintances spoke fondly of Ned Nakoa Jr. yesterday.

He was recalled at his memorial services as someone who was "fun-loving," "able to make anything look beautiful," "the best storyteller," "life of the party," "humble," and "compassionate."

Through it all, it became clear Nakoa was a man who practically devoted his life to committing acts of kindness for friend and stranger alike. He was also remembered as a man who wouldn't hesitate to intervene to halt an injustice.

The last time that happened, it cost Nakoa his life.

There was no doubt that Nakoa — the Good Samaritan who was beaten to death in Waikiki while trying to help a tourist couple that was being robbed — had made a lasting, positive impression. The 250 who filled the Mystical Rose Oratory at the campus of Chaminade University and Saint Louis High School, and hundreds more who came during the visitation, were testimony to the fact that Nakoa had touched countless lives during his 58 years.

"He was always such a giving person who never said anything bad about anybody," said Sylvia Acosta of Mililani, who came by to pay her respects. "He always had a joyful heart. Somebody you would just never, ever forget. He was so much fun."

Acosta had not seen Nakoa in almost five decades — since she was Sylvia Holi, and she and Nakoa were grade-school playmates in Waimalu. She said when she heard that Nakoa was the person who had intervened in the robbery, she thought, "Oh, yeah, that would be Ned."

"He was a peacemaker," added Koie Freitas, who had known Nakoa for many years. "I never saw him angry."

Several of Nakoa's Saint Louis High classmates were incredulous yesterday at the thought of even associating Nakoa with the word angry.

Tsarkie, who was known as Richard Tsark in 1968 when he graduated with Nakoa and later legally assumed his nickname, said, "Ned? Angry? No. Never. He was the sweetest person."

"He had a presence," said longtime friend Tony Lenchanko, who spoke of Nakoa's ability to be in a room full of people and make each one feel special.

Katherine Gabonia, who once worked with Nakoa at the ticket counter at the Bishop Museum, may have summed him up as succinctly as possible: "Ned was a real good guy."

At the service, Nakoa's brother, Michael Kalani Nakoa, read a letter from Gov. Linda Lingle expressing deep sympathy to the family for their loss, and recognizing Ned Nakoa's uncommon compassion.

LaVerne Rivas, one of Nakoa's eight siblings, added further layers to Nakoa's life and personality during her eulogy. Her brother was proud to have been a Boy Scout, she said. He was an equestrian. He studied the Japanese language, and was interested in all things Japanese. He was dedicated to God and his family, and was there for them without question through good times and bad.

At age 50, after years of working in the food and beverage industry, Nakoa returned to school. In 2003, he received his master's degree in business administration from Chaminade University.

This year he had moved to Seattle, Wash., to further his career, Rivas said. He had returned to Hawai'i to attend the May 17 wedding of his niece. It was after the wedding reception in Waikiki that Nakoa saw two men who police say were attacking a couple from Vancouver, British Columbia, and trying to steal the woman's purse.

Nakoa immediately stepped in to help the couple and was beaten to death, police said.

Kelii Donovan Acasia, 19, and Benjamin Pada, 18, both of Wai'anae, were arrested. Acasia was charged with murder and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail. Pada was charged with assault and robbery, and is being held on $100,000 bail.

"In reflection, I believe that Ned's purpose in life was to shepherd us into God's love," Rivas said. "His acts of love brought us all close to God. His last act of goodness took him home."