Continued from Memories of Duke

"He was concerned about everybody, especially the guys who were working the beach. He knew it wasn't easy, that you had to have a special type of talent," said former Waikiki beachboy George Downing. The "Waikiki beachboy" is a relic from another era. Legend casts him as a bronzed water man with enormous charm, good humor and musical genius. Duke was an originator of this group of surfers, and some still can be found on the beaches at Waikiki.

Duke was most at home in Hawaii, among his family and friends and close to the ocean he loved. He spoke Hawaiian, he loved hula and he embodied Hawaii's spirit of aloha. He was sheriff for the City and County of Honolulu and loved his job. Duke also did a two-year stint as a gas station operator between his Hollywood years and his 26 years as sheriff.

He married Nadine Alexander on August 2, 1940. She survived him by nearly 30 years and died on July 17, 1997.

The world bid Duke aloha on January 22, 1968. He was remembered in Congress and in national magazines and newspapers as a symbol of Hawaii, and as a man of many accomplishments who was at peace with himself.

In Hawaii we greet friends, loved ones or strangers with "Aloha," which means with love. Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality, which makes Hawaii renowned as the world's center of understanding and fellowship.

Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha. You'll be surprised by their reaction. I believe it, and it is my creed. Aloha to you. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku

This message was printed on the back of his personal business card, on the bronze plaque with Duke's statue at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki and in Sandra Kimberley Hall's and Greg Ambrose's "Memories of Duke: The Legend Comes to Life" (1995).