Obituary of Chester Murphy Kiaha, Sr.

Chester Murphy Kiaha, age 90 of Castroville and previously of Salinas, Bakersfield and Keei South Kona peacefully passed away in the presence of family and our Heavenly Father on November 3, 2022.

Chester was born on Hawaii Island on May 20, 1932 to parents John Ka’i and Emily Kauhane Kiaha.  During his early years Chester being one of 15 children worked.  Either on the farm or on a fishing boat.  For high school, Chester was accepted to attend Kamemeha School - Kapalama campus, island of Oahu.  A few years after graduation Chester was drafted into the US Army where he remained, ultimately attaining and retiring at the rank of Sargent First Class.  While stationed with the US Army in South Korea Chester met his future wife, Kiyoja “Peggy” Kim.  Chester was predeceased by Peggy in 2010.  He is survived by his sister  Lorraine “Ilima” Yamaguchi of Nanakuli HI, brother John H. (Cheri) of Honalo HI, children Chester Jr. (Maureen) of Centennial CO, John K. (Nanette) of Kailua Kona HI, LeeAnn Borba Kiaha Crows Landing CA, Shanley (Joycelyn) Waiehu Maui HI.

The family would like to give a special Aloha acknowledgement to Chester’s primary care giver(s) for the past 2 years. Granddaughter Lindsay Baldwin, who acted as Chester’s advocate, care giver, transportation specialist and chef.  Along with the many personal sacrifices given by spouse David Baldwin and children Shaya and Tyler.  Thank you so much.  We must also acknowledge and offer praise to another very special person during Chester’s last years.  Pastor Sharlan Baldwin has been the spiritual guide for Chester.  Sharlan has graciously accepted to preside over the celebration of life service for Chester.  

Other family members Chester was so proud of include grandchildren Daniel (Danielle) Kiaha, Katherine (Justin) Lauren, John (Savannah) Kiaha, Kaipo Kiaha, Wesley (Ping) Kiaha, Kaiani Kiaha.  Great grand children include Alanda, Mikayla, Henry, Conner, Charlotte, Asher, Daphne and Raleigh.

Chester was a proud US Army veteran.  He traveled (with his family) and served in multiple countries and states including military posts in Germany, Colorado, Japan, Texas, Hawaii and California.  Chester also served 2 tours in Vietnam.  Chester has been recognized and awarded a Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster as recognition of heroic deeds performed during armed combat.  After retirement from the Army, Chester and family settled in the Salinas Valley where Chester worked for and retired from the United States Department of Agriculture-USDA.

As a retired military veteran Chester’s was active with the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars - VFW, American Legion and most recently as a participant of the “Honor Flight” to Washington DC.  In the community, Chester has also served as past president of the Hui O Aloha Hawaiian Club of Monterey/Salinas.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10AM on Sunday, November, 20, 2022at the Country Church 14485 Del Monte Farms Rd, Castroville, CA.  Viewing will be available one hour prior at 9AM.  After the service, the Kiaha ohana invite all for lunch and refreshments at the church.  Casual attire or “Aloha” wear is requested.  In lieu of flowers, we request any donations be made to the Country Church in Chester’s memory.   Mahalo from the Kiaha Ohana.  Aloha ke akua