Salvador Santos Jr.

Sal worked for Maui Pineapple Company early on and also did construction work. His true passion, however, was fishing, which he turned into a lifelong career in 1975 when he purchased his first boat, “J J,” and later the 32-footer, the “Punahele.” Sal made a very good living as a commercial fisherman out of Maalaea Harbor for over 40 years. As he would say, “A bad day fishing is better than any good day at work.” The Punahele was the last working sampan out of Maalaea Harbor when Sal retired the vessel on April 8, 2016.

Sal was predeceased by his parents, Salvador and Margaret Santos Sr., his sister, MaryJane Ching, and his brother, Edmond Santos. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: his daughter, Jeri-Lynn (Ron) Oaks of Oregon; his son, Jeffrey Lee (Crystal) Santos of Kokomo, Maui; his granddaughter, Jennelle Pohaikealoha (Kimo) Santos of Hawaii; and his grandsons, Jackson Lindgren of Texas and Jayme Lona (Mckayla) Oaks of Las Vegas, Nevada. Sal is also survived by his sister-in-law, Arleen Santos of Haysville, Kansas; his brother-in-law, Wilfred Ching of Aiea, Oahu; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The Santos Ohana wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Maui Medical Center and the Hospice Maui Hale for their compassionate care. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Sal’s last wishes were for his ashes to be scattered at sea, where he was most a peace while on this earth and will forever remain now that he has passed on.