To the Editor:

It is with great sadness that I pass this letter alongofour beloved friend and Lehigh’spopular Hawaiian entertainer, “Paka.” Many will remember his performances in the Lehigh Resort, the old auditorium, Lehigh Acres Senior Center, Buckingham’s The Hut and area venues. Paka’s luaus would transport us to his beautiful islands and put sunshine in our hearts long after he was in our presence.

He was Robert Paka Bravin and many of us still enjoyrecordings of his shows and remember the beautiful hula dancers he would bring tohis tropical paradise ambience.

I received the following recently from his California family, Steve, Linda and Ruth Bravin:

“We are sad to share the news that Paka, passed away on Feb. 12, 2010, a little more than a week after his 86th birthday. Paka had been suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease and congestive heart failure for quite some time, but we believe it was an upper respiratory infection that hastened his decline.

“With wonderful caregivers and Hospice nurses looking after him at home, the end for Paka was peaceful and natural. Throughout the week, his album was playing in the background and the song “Don’t It Make You Want To Go Home” came on as he slipped away. To honor his wishes, we have been working with the Veteran’s Administration and have requested interment at the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, known popularly as Punchbowl.

“Paka was a man who loved the beauty of Hawaii, the Aloha of her people and the joy of her music, and he shared those feelings with audiences wherever he performed. Through stories and songs, Paka would recreate the old “Hawaii Nei” of gently waving palm trees, pristine beaches and golden sunsets.

His voice was as smooth as a Waikiki wave; Paka’s style was delightfully seductive and so easy to listen to. At the very first note, you’d be swept away to a tropical paradise where time itself seemed to stand still.

“Throughout a lifetime filled with one of a kind experiences, Paka built up an impressive list of achievements in the world of entertainment. As an innovative singer, skilled drummer, successful recording artist and celebrated television and radio performer, he thrilled generations of music lovers around the world.

“Through his South Pacific Island Review, audiences could experience all the wonder and romance that was Paka’s Hawaii. Guests at these performances discovered that Paka’s sense of humor matched the depth of hismusical knowledge, his stories and songs blended effortlessly into a spontaneous and utterly unforgettable evening of entertainment.

For everyone who knew Paka at different points along the way, this is the final destination on a long and fascinating journey. The ‘Wandering Islander’ is finally home. Aloha nui loa, Paka.”

Joni and Bob Ferster

Lehigh Acres