Testimonials

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 An Open Letter to Families Seeking Professional, Compassionate Cremation Services for Their Loved Ones

I recently experienced the unexpected death of my husband – a local boy who lived on the Mainland but was visiting the Islands for the holidays. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived in Kona charged with the responsibility of handling his final arrangements.

With the help of a very dear friend, I was guided to Cremation Services of West Hawaii. From the moment I walked in the door, Lala and Sam Lee were there for me, being sensitive and respectful of my needs and desires. They were extremely efficient though relaxed and receptive which helped me stay calm, centered, and on task.

Losing a loved one is never easy but choosing the right people to help you make the necessary decisions and carry out your wishes is a crucial part of initiating the journey through grief in the best possible way. I know this because I work with the bereaved and too many of those I know have had their grief intensified by unpleasant experiences with the funeral industry.

Cremation Services of West Hawaii offers an outstanding alternative to the approaches and services we are accustomed to when working with the funeral industry. Of great importance to me is that the Lees helped me feel safe and confident in the decisions I made. I trusted them fully with my husband’s cremation which was a huge step for me. Forty-one years in a happy and loving marriage made it imperative that the last physical thing I could do for my husband was right and dignified. It absolutely was!

The Lees care and they care in a big way down to the smallest of details. That speaks to a sincere desire to make a difference at one of the most difficult of times in our lives. Not a lot of people can do that but, Lala and Sam can. I tell you with all sincerity that there was joy and satisfaction in paying their invoice just as it was a privilege to have them serve me and my husband.

I encourage your family to entrust the care of your loved one to Cremation Services of West Hawaii. I’m confident that your experience will be much like mine and that through knowing you made the right decision, an important and meaningful measure of peace will be yours.

Sincerely,

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May 18, 2007

Re: Cremation Services of West Hawaii

To Whom It May Concern,

Losing one’s life partner of 30 years in an incomprehensible pain to convey or be felt by anyone not already a victim of this loss. To deal with the details of services at this time further exacerbates the pain and cold realities with which one must deal then and into some future.

It is with a great deal of gratitude and warmth that I feel blessed to have found Lala, Sam, and Shawn at Cremation Services of West Hawaii. Apart from their very reasonable fees, it was the sincere care and attention they gave me, my family, friends, and my departed soul mate. Every step from initial call and collection of remains, to the paperwork, to ordering a special urn, to ensuring special care and attention to every detail was an experience that helped me cope with a seemingly overwhelming duty.

A year later when I needed some help in readying details to spread ashes, I called Lala and was immediately identified and greeted as if we spoke yesterday. She, Sam, and Shawn again went to unexpected lengths to help me prepare for this next stressful step.

Providing a service at a fair price with a cordial and caring attitude is only to be expected from reputable business – they go much farther! I can’t emphasize enough how they have become cherished Ohana due to their sincerity of empathy, and ultra demonstration of caring.

I recommend them highly in all respects for their services and “golden” in their customer care.

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“On behalf of my entire family I want to express our deep and abiding gratitude for the extraordinary sensitivity and gentle care with which you dealt with us in the days following the death of my husband. It is obvious that you have found your place in the world. In so many ways you went far beyond the call of duty. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you.”

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“Everything arrived in the mail today. My heart is full. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for the kind and gentle service. The cloth cover for the container is beautiful. Thank you so much. If I ever get a chance to visit Hawaii, I am going to stop by to say hello.”

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“There are not enough words to express how grateful I am for the loving and tender care you showed “Mom” at the time of her passing. Your professionalism and kindness go far beyond the ordinary. You have helped me in so many ways through a most difficult time and after.”

Mahalo nui loa,

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“CSWH was a blessing to us when we were in trouble with another crematory. We didn’t know what to do next, at that very emotional state of the loss of our mother and thanks to a special person whom made the call to Lala, our prayers were answered and they were very helpful with true aloha spirit. We will recommend all our family and friends to CSWH and once again would like to say “Mahalo” so very much for all you did for our ohana.”

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“Thank you for your sensitive handling of our work together on the Big Island. I was so relieved to find someone who could offer professional services and support without being intrusive. I also appreciated your help since I returned to the mainland. The flag you made arrangements for is resting in front of my husband’s ashes with his childhood teddy bear resting nearby. Thank you for making do with the documents I could find. Thank you for the beautiful Mahalo card you sent. I feel so blessed that you have been on this trek with me, even offering to sit on your lanai with me until the plane departed. Mahalo.”

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“Thank you so much for all your help during this difficult time. I’m sorry to have been such a pain. I know this is what you do for a living, but you went out of your way to make it easier so God bless.”

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“Thank you so very much for being there to assist us in the time of our loss of our husband, father, grandfather and best friend. This was our first and most difficult experience. It helped so much to have you run us through all the details with your professionalism and utmost kindness. Our sincerest appreciation for all you did from the first call and all you continue to do.”

With much Aloha,

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“I was referred to Shawn and the CSWH ohana by a friend who’d recently worked with them during her loss. Shawn responded immediately to my needs in a kind, caring, compassionate and truly personal manner, assuring me a supportive and loving transition during my traumatic and tragic loss. Shawn and the CSWH ohana were there for me, every step of the way. I will never forget their heartfelt care and tenderness towards myself and my loved ones. Mahalo.”

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“It was refreshing to visit with Cremation Services of West Hawai’i, a simple and straight-forward business.”

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“The moments and days following the death of a loved one is a difficult time. Following our mother’s death, we were grateful to Shawn Nakakura and Lala Lee of Cremation Services for their warm and understanding approach to death and cremation. Because of their directness about money issues (a reasonable price and no hidden costs), their patience (such as delaying their arrival time so we could spend more time with mom), and because of their clarity in explaining their service, our deep felt fears were alleviated. It felt like members of our family were caring for our deceased loved one.”

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“On behalf of Milton Victor Ohana, thank you so much for the wonderful service and everything that you have done for us during our cloudy days. Thanks for the good spirits that you guys have and continue rendering the best services for the people. God Bless.”

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“Thank you for your kind and gentle service to our family following the death of my wife. Your understanding, professionalism, and patience were helpful during a very difficult time.”

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“Cremation Services of West Hawaii were very helpful in the time of sadness and confusion that follows a death. They went out of their way to do all the things that needed to be done.”

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“Your loving care of “Our Beloved Angel” allowed us to rest in comfort and in the peace of a families love. Your constant support, love, compassion and heartfelt concern for all of us gave us an assurance that made us realize “Our family” had grown because you are “Our family.”

Whenever we think of our beautiful baby “Janae,” all of you come to mind instantly. You are and will forever be apart of our lives, our prayers and most of all our hearts.”

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Your services exceeded all my expectations. I didn’t know how I was going to get through the process but your staff was gentle and kind. You helped me with any questions and concerns I had. Thank you for making it a comfortable experience that made it so much easier to get through my grief of the loss of my father. You were a true blessing during a very rough time.

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