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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, January 29, 2010

Eddie Hamada services Sunday at Iolani


Advertiser Staff

A memorial service for 'Iolani School's longtime coach and athletic director Eddie Hamada will be held Sunday at the school's St. Alban's Chapel.

Visitation will be at 9 a.m. and services at noon, with a reception to follow.

Parking will be available in the school's Kamoku Street structure and the baseball field (enter on Lā'au Street), as well as Kaimuki High.

A member of 'Iolani's Class of 1946, Hamada died of natural causes Jan. 3 at age 81.

In 28 seasons as head coach and two more years as athletic director, Hamada instilled the "One Team" philosophy established by his legendary coach at 'Iolani, Father Kenneth A. Bray.

Along the way, Hamada became a legend himself — not just for his mentorship and 156 victories but also for his engaging personality that endeared him to players, fellow coaches and athletic directors across Hawai'i.

During his playing days at 'Iolani, Hamada was a 5-foot-7, 145-pound center whom Bray developed into an ILH all-star in 1945.

After graduating in 1946, Hamada attended Emporia (Kansas) State College and earned a teaching degree, then returned to 'Iolani as a teacher and coach. He became head football coach in 1960 and athletic director in 1963, emphasizing the "One Team" principles of discipline, teamwork, humility and unselfishness.

Hamada is survived by his wife, Cynthia; son, Edward Hamada Jr., and daughter, Tane Hamada; four stepchildren, two grandchildren and 10 stepgrandchildren.