Lance Brandon Chavez, known by his family and close friends as Bo, was born in Honolulu, HI on December 11, 1979. On September 19, 2022 he left this world to join our Heavenly Father at the young age of 42. He was surrounded by his family throughout his final days and they took their last stroll with him during his honor walk that allowed him to bless others with longer time on this earth with their loved ones.

Lance graduated from North Torrance High School in Torrance, California in 1996. Soon after graduating he began the 13-week Marine Corps Recruit Training at MCRD in San Diego, CA where he officially completed training and became a Marine. He proudly served from December 1998 - December 2002 departing as a Lance Corporal. Being a Marine was ultimately Lance’s proudest accomplishment, only second to being a phenomenal father and loving husband. 

Everyone who knew Lance felt his big heart, giving nature, infectious laughter and most importantly his aloha spirit. He took immense pride in his Hawaiian culture and put his Ohana above all else. You could always find him enjoying Hawaiian food, proudly displaying his heritage through tattoo pieces, sharing the music, talking about when we could all go back for a family trip and of course most of us can remember him shouting “Hana hou!” after watching many of his Ohana dance hula.

He was a huge sports fan cheering on the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Raiders. When he wasn’t cheering on his favorite team he was at jujitsu doing rolls at Checkmat Murrieta. 

He is loved dearly and will be immensely missed by his loved ones. Lance is survived by his parents Terrie and Richard; maternal grandmother, Virginia Roselani; wife, Lori, his daughters Nalia Ann Hokulani and Malayiah Nohealani, his sons CJ, Carter and Jaydyn Ikaika; and his younger sister Gina Ku’uipo, younger brother, Anthony Keone and niece Skye Hi’ilani; along with many adored aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Riverside National Cemetery

Here is a letter my Braddah sent to me when he was at his training. It was so hard to be away from my best friend but I knew he was doing the absolute best thing he had ever done and I was so proud of him. I would write him letters and was so excited to receive this one. Love you always and forever Braddah. 

This certificate was presented to PFC Lance B. Chavez for completion of Personnel Clerk Course at the Personnel Administration School. It was given to him on June 4th, 1999 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  

List of graduates from Platoon 1017 in program. Lance listed as PFC L. B. CHAVEZ. 

This Marine’s Poem was presented at the memorial service by a fellow Marine. The poems author is unknown and was recited along with giving the shell of the fired gun to his mother Terrie Ann Chavez. 

CheVron Newspaper which served the community of Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. Front page to of newspaper that presented Company D on Friday March 5th, 1999. Volume 59 No. 8

Bo, 

It is still so unfathomably hard to believe that this is our reality.  That instead of calling you to say Happy Birthday, we now speak to the heavens to wish you Happy Birthday on your very special day.  I wish we could turn back time and that you could see how much we all love you and how much fun we could be having right now celebrating you on your birthday.  I wish we could hear your boisterous laughter and hear you yelling at the top of your lungs CHEE-HOO!!  I know that you're up there with the Ohana celebrating and that they're enjoying their time with you but boy do we wish that you were here with us.

We sent you a floral arrangement along with our love so that you know just how special you are!!  Have an amazing heavenly birthday and know that you are missed so much and loved even more!!!

A hui hou baby boy! Love and miss you tons, Jozie!

Hey Bo,

This is a couple of days late, but Happy Heavenly Thanksgiving.  I can't believe that it's your second Thanksgiving in heaven and now you have gma joining you guys at the table.  I texted your sis and told her that as weird as it sounds I wish I could see you all together in heaven having the best time with each other.  G was able to visit you and spend some 1:1 time with you which I know she needs.  Your mom sent me a text that Thanksgiving is not the same but at least she was with your dad, G, and One.  I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving in heaven.  We miss you so much and it hurts like it was the first Thanksgiving without you.  Please give everyone a hug and kiss for me, especially gma!!! Love you dn a hui hou!

Hey Bo,

I'm catching up on updating you on all that we've been doing although I know that you're watching over us and seeing everything; but when I write to you here I kind of feel like I'm able to talk to you.

I walked in the NYC AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk and also had the opportunity to honor you on stage during the bead ceremony.  I had sweatshirts and t-shirts made for me and my Ohana so that we could represent you properly and I also borrowed the sign from your mom that was used for the OneLegacy Run Walk.  I was also able to share your story with Cindy Hsu from CBS.  

We will forever share your story and ensure your legacy lives on!!  I miss you so much and wish that I could write to you without tears pouring down my face.

August 6th 2022. It was the last day that I saw you alive and well. It just so happened to be one of the happiest days of my life, a celebration for my first born turning one, your very first niece who finally made you an uncle, which I knew you had long waited for. A chance to spoil her and be the funniest uncle there could ever be. To protect her and love her to the fullest as you treated all us girls close to you as princesses who needed the protection of the bravest knight. 

I knew this day would be hard. One year since I hugged you. Danced with you. Laughed with you. I went back to pictures of that day and your smile was so big. Your CHEE HOO so loud as she smashed her first cake. I constantly wish I could wake up on that day again and hear you come through the door and say “Hey sis!” And give me my kiss on the cheek and hug. I wish I could slow that entire day down. I wish I could spend more time with you instead of running around preparing a dessert table or trying to make sure everyone was comfortable. I wish that night never ended. I can still see your face as “Suavemente” came on and you grabbed me to dance. You spun me around and we laughed as you exclaimed “Didn’t know I could dance like this huh?” 

Braddah not having you here as she turns 2 tears me apart. And now with your second niece on the way it shows me that time is not stopping. I can only show them and teach them of the amazing uncle you are. I know you will watch over your princesses. I know that you will continue to protect them even now. I’m so grateful for the one year Hi’i got to spend with you. For the memories made for her to look back on one day. 
I wonder if this new baby girl met you in Heaven before she was sent down. If she got to spend time with Unko Braddah that I don’t even know about. 

Life is hard without you. It’s a nightmare right now but I keep coaching myself to push through the dark tunnel. Thankful you left some of your strength with me when you didn’t have any left for yourself because that’s the type of braddah you were. I wish I could call you and vent to you and hear you tell me it will be okay and how proud of me you are. It always pulled me through to know I had you in my corner. 

You are a part of my soul. A part of my heart is with you in Heaven and won’t get returned until I see you again. I truly hope that you are happy Braddah. I hope that you are smiling down and at every event CHEE HOO-ing from the Heavens. I hope that you are with me when baby girl comes into the world so you can give her a hug and kiss. I hope that you continue to show up and say hello to Skye. Today she pointed at the corner of the room and smiled. And then said “GUnko” (still can’t say Unko). I asked her who was there and she said it again and then pointed at your picture that I have framed in the room. I knew you’d be with me today. I wish that I had more time with you, but I can’t wait for eternity with you where I’ll never have to say a goodbye ever again. Where you’ll never get to leave and be stuck with me forever having our talks and laughing and dancing together. 

Love you with all of my broken heart. Miss you with every ounce of my being. 

A Hui Hou and ALOHHAAA. 
-Ipo


Hey Bo. It’s been a while since I wrote because honestly it makes me super sad to come to this page because it reminds me that you’re no longer here with us. I know it sounds silly to think that this page reminds me but more often than I can count I think you’re still here; thank you’re in Cali and I’m just a state away. As a matter of fact when gma passed away and I was talking to my mom about the pallbearers she named you as one of them. There was a deep pause and I had to remind her that you’re not here to be a pallbearer. 

Everyone misses you and it still seems so unreal that you’re not here. That your vibrant and boisterous laugh is not filling up the room. That your smile is not lighting up the world. It’s like an everyday shock to think about you not being here. A shock of total disbelief. I reached out to B today about what company you were with in the USMC and he asked how the Ohana was. I told him that your mom is forever changed and how much everyone is effected by your loss. He said he thinks about you everyday!!  I so wish you knew just how much everyone loved you; maybe that would have been enough to keep you here with us. 

I can’t believe that you’re now with both papa and gma. How amazing that must be for you to be able to be with them all healthy and happy. I wish I could just get a glimpse of all of you together…three of my most favorite people!!! When gma passed I came across this photo and added angel wings to each of you!

I miss you so much and I wish everyday that you were still here and that this is just a horrible nightmare. I love you!!!!!!! A hui hou!

Hey Bo!! I miss you so much and still cry everyday!  But amongst the tears there have been some really amazing moments that blessed us with honoring you.  The first was at the OneLegacy Donor Dots of Hope event, where G shared your amazing story.  You would have been so proud watching her stand up there and talk about your gift of giving life through organ donation.  At this event, we saw Joey Gase's Xfinity NASCAR that had your USMC photo on the hood.  We were also able to write messages to you.  Then that weekend we were able to sit in Joey's pit to see you zoom around the track.  Not going to lie, when the race started it was hard to watch.  Your mom was balling in tears because she misses you so much.  B was there with his daughter, Olivia to support you being honored.  I truly wish that you could have felt all the love that so many people have for you!  Perhaps things would have been different and I wouldn't be writing a tribute, but instead I would be calling you or hanging out with you in person.  Life is not the same, we are not the same and we never will be.  We will forever be different, our lives will forever be different and there will always be a hole that can't be filled.  I hope you, Papa and Uncle Bran were sitting together watching the NASCAR race and smiling from ear to ear.  You did it, Bo...you had your first NASCAR race!!  

We also released a limited edition St;ll Stand;ing capsule collection and everyone is loving their tees and hoodies.  We sport it very proud, knowing that you are still standing thru us!!

Next up, is the OneLegacy Run Walk and we started the team Forever Bo and will be walking in your honor.  G will also be speaking at this event and sharing your story.  We want everyone to know that you are our FOREVER HERO!!  Thru us you will always live on!

Love you tons and really wish you were still here!!!  Miss you more than words will ever truly express.

Hey Bo. So it’s officially 2023 and a very different start to the new year. As I read the Ohana group texts I wish you were part of the texts; making jokes and talking about how great our Ohana is. But instead I read the New Year’s messages and sit here crying. 

You know the group text actually started because of you. You were in the hospital and I truly thought that if the Ohana did a video letting you know how much you mean to us and how much we love you, that you would hear our voices and wake up. So I started the Ohana group text asking for everyone to send in videos and they did. We all told you how much we love you, how strong you are and to wake up and come back to us. Although the video didn’t do what it was supposed to, the group chat keeps the family close no matter where we all live. We share funny stories, our parents talk about their memories (and bad report cards…lol), and we basically stay in touch via the group chat…all because of you; so thank you!

Have an amazing heavenly 2023 and continue to watch over all of else. Help us find our smiles again, fill the holes in our heart and wipe away our tears. I miss you so much it truly hurts. Love you tons baby boy!!! L;ve Aloha!!! 

Heavenly Mele Kalikimaka baby boy!!! Christmas just doesn’t feel right without you here on earth with us. Your mom and sister are hurting so deep and I watch them cry and listen to how much their hearts are broken and how they don’t want to celebrate without you. I try my hardest to put a smile on their faces and help anyway that I can but deep down I know it’s not enough. 

I wish you could have seen how much you were so deeply loved and the immense impact that you have on so many lives. I think it just might have wiped away all the questions or doubts that you had. You were always more than enough, we were always so proud of you and we always love you!!

Nohea wanted fashionable clothes for Christmas so I swagged her our just like I know you would have wanted. Ikaika is getting a Mercedes Benz from me and I can hear you laugh as he’s leaning to the side as he drives just like his daddy drives…you know with the swag of all swag. CJ and Carter are getting Nike gear cause you know that’s the only brand we rock. Lori is getting something cozy to wrap herself in, but it’s nothing like have your arms wrapped around her. 

I try so hard to make sure that your family is taken care of, that the Ohana is okay but to be honest with you we are all very broken. I’m broken. I cry everyday wishing you were still here, wishing I could call you and ask you to come hang out, wishing you could meet my boys, just wishing you were here on earth. When Papa passed it changed our Ohana and with you passing our Ohana has changed even more. But as I promised you I will take care of our Ohana and do all that I can to bring us closer than ever. 

By the way, I now you see this all from up above but quick family update. I asked Nana to say the prayer at Papa’s 20th celebration before we release the balloons (since you did it the last time and we needed someone to follow in your footsteps) and he did such an amazing job and yup you guessed it he made me/us cry. Jonevin got engaged and we hung out with Aunty Do, Jonevin, and his sister Alyssa along with the other cousins at D&B. I wish you were here on earth to enjoy these moments with us. 

Enjoy your first heavenly Christmas with papa and the Ohana in heaven. I know papa’s cooking up some Ono food, Uncle Bran is playing the ukulele and you’re dancing and lighting up the heavens with that smile of yours!!

Miss you more than words can ever truly describe and love you with all my heart!! Mele Kalikimaka and A Hui Hou!!!

43 yrs ago you changed my world & gave me the title of Mom. I never knew I could love so hard until you came into my life & 43 years later that same live still ensures. You are at peace now & celebrating with our Ohana. I think about you everyday & I cry everyday knowing I can no longer celebrate with you here on earth. I have so many questions but no answers, I have so many feelings that I don’t know what to do with & so many words but I stare at a blank page. I pray God would send you in my dreams just to see you again & know you are truly happy.. For now I will wait until we meet again & keep you in my whole heart, your memories & your legacy alive through your children & thru US, your Ohana! I love you forever, I love you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be! Love Mom!

Happy Happy Birthday Bo!!! Your mom, dad, G, Skye, Daniel, H, Syre, Koa and I went to see you today (as I’m sure you know because you’re watching over us). Yes it was pouring rain and yes your mom cleaned out the old flowers, your dad took everything to the trash, G and I couldn’t keep the two umbrellas from hitting each other and we cried as hard as the rain was coming down. I still look at your headstone and have the hardest time coming to reality that you’re no longer here on earth with us. I know you’re having your first heavenly birthday with Papa, Uncle Bran, cousin John, Aunty Wanda and the rest of the Ohana and I know that they are having a blast celebrating you. Keep lighting up heaven with the bright smile of yours, keep the chee hooks going nice and loud, be the happiest you’ve ever been and at the most peace that you could ever imagine. 

We went to brunch after the cemetery to celebrate your dad and the musician singing at the restaurant sang “Over The Rainbow” to make sure we knew that you were right there with us. 

I miss you like crazy and it hurts so much. I wish I could turn back time and keep you here with us. I wish I could have saved you from all the pain you were feeling. I wish you could have felt how much we all love you!!!  I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BO!!!!

Hey Bo, I sent you a text and yes, I know you’re not on the other side of this text anymore but I just needed to text you. I needed to say that I miss being able to text you, I miss hearing your voice, I miss seeing your smile, I miss all the times that we shared together…late night talks, going out, watching basketball, going shopping, everything and anything; I miss it all!!! It’s still so hard to believe that this is our new reality and to be honest, it doesn’t seem real until I look at pics and videos and feel the deep pain in my heart that these pics and videos are all that I have. It hurts me to know that you were in such a dark dark place and hurting so bad that you believed leaving was the only option. On Thanksgiving, the day that we give thanks I want you to know that although my heart is broken, I cry everyday and I have a permanent hole in my heart…I’m extremely thankful for the 40+ years that we were able to have together. Thank you for the memories that I will always cherish. Thank you for the stories that I will be able to share with my boys and let them know how amazing you are. Thank you for always having my back. Thank you for not letting me chee-hoo alone. Thank you for the late night and early morning talks. Thank you for being a total blessing in my life. But most of all thank you for always being unconditionally you and for always putting the Ohana over all else. I’ll look after the Ohana, I’ll bring us back closer than ever like the old days. I’ll plan family get togethers. I’ll get thanksgiving back to how it was when papa was here. I hope you had an amazing first heavenly thanksgiving with papa, Uncle Brandon, cousin Jon, Aunty Wanda and all our other Ohana up there. A hui hou my baby brother. I LOVE YOU!!!

On our first time meeting I learned how much you loved your family, especially your sister. You reflected how close the whole family was in our first interaction. Somehow I earned some respect and became your family. Now I’ll be missing those text messages about the stock market and trading stock tips. I’ll miss seeing how you've fixed up your backyard and your house. I’ll miss watching your everyday evolution as a superhero dad to your kids. Until next time...

Daniel Cloyd 
Brother-In-Law

Aloooohaaaa!!!

I’m sad to be standing here in front of you, but also honored to stand before you on behalf of my family and share with you how special Lance was and will remain! 

He was such a remarkable man despite the trials and tribulations he has faced. I am so proud of him and the man he evolved to be as a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He had the most infectious laugh and you couldn’t help but to smile and laugh right along side him. He would do the craziest things, too. I know you all probably have endless stories about fun times with him. One story I want to share, which is so memorable to me. At the beginning of Covid when our families had nothing to do because the world was shut down and our kids were going stir crazy we decided to start getting together and spent quite a bit of time together every weekend. After all, Lance loved socializing and we all needed a break from our crazy kids so we just let them loose in the back yard and had BBQs, along with some creative cocktail concoctions. We had a great time and made some of the best memories. Well, during one of these BBQs Lance was going to be our “griller for the day” and let me tell you that was probably not a wise choice! The man almost burned my house down! He was trying to speed up the heat on the BBQ that, by the way, was right next to my house under a covered patio, and Lance decided pouring beer on the grill would expedite getting the heat turned up. He turned up the heat all right. He practically lit the whole BBQ grill on fire and the flames just about burnt my house down. This is just one example of the crazy things Lance did….. but I will always remember and cherish our Covid days together. And I will certainly miss making more memories like these even if it did almost lead to my house burning down. 

I do believe Lance would be so impressed with each of you in this room in support of him, his wife, his children, his parents, and the rest of his family. This is what he lived for - Togetherness!!! 

I realize the question we all have is why. Why did this have to happen to such a wonderful spirit who everyone loved and adored. The answer is simple, there is no satisfactory explanation! But know this, in the midst of our tragedy we have to remember the blessings as hard as it is. The blessing of family coming together to support one another. Honestly, I feel like I gained an entire family through this devastating time. I am incredibly blessed to be on this journey with you! Another blessing….. His beautiful daughter Hoku reuniting with the family and meeting her siblings for the very first time. Home, welcome back! Your dad never stopped loving you and we are so grateful you are here. Blessing number there, The amount of love and support that has poured into the Chavez family and have blessed the family during this most difficult time. And finally, the formation of the non-profit organization L;ve Aloha to spread awareness and prevent other families from being Inflicted with the pain caused by suicide. 

I leave you with this…tomorrow is never promised….. hug your loved ones tight and keep them close! I love each and every one of you in this room for loving my sister and their children so much to support them through this journey. 

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God bless you all! 

I’ve been rehearsing this in my head a thousand times & I keep thinking, how do encapsulate a lifetime of memories into a matter of minutes? How do I fill a hole that has no bottom? But for Lance, as his friends called him, Bo, as his family called him, Chavez, as his Marine brothers called him, I will do my best.

I first met Lance in the summer of 2000 at Camp Smith, HI where we & my Marine Corps brothers were stationed together. I could tell that we were going to be great friends when I heard first his laughter that you could hear from two rooms down, a laughter that inherently made you laugh as well because it was so infectious or hearing his random “Chee-Hoo” after a long night of drinking. We spent many nights in the upcoming years playing spades, drinking & going out to our favorite club, the Cellar. Lance & I became close as we became roommates & if there is one thing I can tell you, is that Lance would do anything for those he loved. He would give you his bed if you needed shelter, money if you needed to make ends meet, his jacket if you needed warmth, his last piece of poi if you were hungry, I would take all but let Lance keep the Poi though as Smitty would say, not because I dislike it, but because I know how much he loved it.

As many good things that there were about Lance, he had some bad traits too, like being a Raider’s fan. Me being a Niner’s fan, we had a lot of good trash talking throughout the years. But in honor of my brother, I will root for the Raiders the rest of the year expect when they will play my Niners on New Year’s Day. Sorry Lance, you know I bleed that Red & Gold. 

The one thing that Lance valued above everything was family, or how he would tell me back in Hawaii, Ohana. The thing about Lance is that when he loved, he loved hard. As I have got to know his parents, siblings, cousins, wife, & children over the few decades, I know that is something he inherited from his family. You all have a strong family bond that can never be broken. 

I have learned as a father, that a love for a child is unconditional. From the first time that you see & hold your child, there is something as a parent that awakens in you, it is instantaneous love. It is truly love at first sight. I have a son & daughter, but as a father, & I’m sure all the dads here can attest to, there is something special about having a daughter. From the moment they lock eyes with you, like Twilight, they have imprinted on you. They have you wrapped around their little fingers & you belong to them. What I’m trying to say is, Hoku, you imprinted on your father. You awoke something in your dad he had never felt before. He could have the worst day possible at work & all that would fade when he would get home & see your adorable face. Throughout the years not a day went by that your dad did not think about you or love you. You will always remain his first love & please don’t ever forget that. You have lost a father, but you have gained many uncles, & we will be here to tell you about your dad anytime you want. 

Remember when I said that a parent’s love for a child is unconditional? I love my brother Lance, but he sure did test that unconditional love with his parents, Mama Terrie & Rick. Mama Terrie & Rick, Lance was beyond blessed to have you as Parents. As a parent, you have to show a lot of patience & love with your children. Lord knows you provided that to Lance. You were always there for him whether he was at rock bottom or on cloud nine. I’ve personally seen that with my eyes, & you know that. He loved you two so much & he was grateful for everything you did for him & please never forget that.  

To his sister & brother, Gina, & Anthony. He would always speak about you guys & he was so proud of you guys. He would always tell me how Anthony was doing in baseball, growing so fast & how Anthony was possibly getting bigger & stronger than him & that he needed to get back in the gym cause his little brother wasn’t going to be stronger than him. Gina, Lance was always very protective of you as a brother should be. His first instinct was to beat up anybody you were talking to. I can tell you that Lance was so happy to see you blossom into the woman, mother & wife you have become. He loved you dearly.

Over the 20+ plus years of knowing Lance, there was one family member he would look up too & could always rely on, that was his cousin Jozie. He looked up to you as an older sister & as on older sister, you were a good role model for him, supported him, loved him & checked him when he needed to be checked. He always spoke so highly of you & loved you so much. I am going to apologize to all the family members now, Jozie was his favorite cousin, there I said it. No need to argue about it anymore.

Lori, I am so happy that my brother met you. He wanted to be a better man, father & husband for you. That is a true definition of a partner & wife, someone who wants the best for you & encourages you to be your best & that was you, Lori. I can’t even describe the way and how much my brother loved you. Both of you brought into the world such bright and beautiful children which have been a blessing to this family. As husbands & fathers Lance and I would talk about our wives & children. Remember when I said that daughters imprint on their fathers? Well, sons do that to their mothers. We would talk about how our sons, Jayden & Iyasu, would want to jump into our beds & always want to sleep with us. Our wives were fine with that, but Lance & I would call them, blockers. 

Lastly, I know there are like a million thoughts running through the mind of everyone. If I had called, did I miss something, or just feeling guilty about what happened. Lance would not want you to do that to yourself. Just like everyone here, Lance was battling his own demons, it was no one’s fault. My brother is with the Lord now & it is with the Lord, we will see him again. 

Thank you, Med Baheta aka B

Lance Chavez, my friend, my brother.  We met in 2000 back at Camp Smith in Hawaii. From the first day we met, we hit it off and got close. After a couple of interactions we started hanging out more and more.  We learned about each others backgrounds, likes and dislikes.  I would teach him about southern rap tunes and he would teach me about music, the Hawaiian culture, and many other local Hawaiian things. 

We, Marine brothers at Camp Smith did everything as a unit, from hanging at the barracks, drinking and playing spades, going on night cruises, hitting up luau’s and just cruising Waikiki.  We never went out looking for trouble, we just went out to have fun. 

Lance was somebody that was really outgoing and treated his friends like family.  He was somebody that you knew would look out for his family. He was always the life of the party and greeted everybody with that smile of his.  That smile was a mix of sincerity, a little mischief and happiness all rolled into one. I’m reminded of all the times we spent together as roommates living out in town and the nights we used to head out to Waikiki in Honolulu. 

I worked as a doorman at a place called Cellar night club and him and my Marine family would go with me every time I worked; they might as well have worked there too. Our usual hangout spot brought with it a lot of interesting nights, but I never had to worry because I always had my brothers with me. 

Lance was somebody everybody wanted to be friends with and we all wanted to be his friend, as well. He could be tough to deal with one moment and then have you laughing the next. One story that I recall is one night that we went out and I had to get him back to the barracks, but he did not want to go.  My wife and I had to pull him back into the car and even though I had him by about 100 pounds at that time he wasn’t giving in easy.  It took us about 30 minutes to get him in the car and once we drove off he calmed all the way down.  He then asked if we could get Jack in the box. Both me and my wife just started laughing and went to Jack in the box to get food.  We drove home laughing and eating. That was Lance, passionate about everything and playful the next.  He was always a stand up guy. 

We could always pick up where we left off from. When we would meet up years down the road it would feel like yesterday. This March we met up in Hawaii again and we still had that same love.  He will always be my brother and we will meet each other again.  Until then, my brother, keep it live in the sky.  You will always remain in all of our hearts, Big.

Aloha Everyone,

For those of you who may not know me my name is Kaui or as Lance liked to call me Kaihui. I am one of Lances many cousins. A few things that come to mind when I think of Lance was that he loved family, he had an infectious laugh and smile, and that he was an amazing cousin, brother, son, dad, uncle, friend, husband, the list goes on and on. He was not perfect never claimed to be, he was not with out his faults, but when you were around him he was genuine and loving. One of my lasting memories with Lance was during his nieces birthday. We talked story, we sang songs, we laughed, we drank, but in those moments being surrounded by friends and family just seeing how happy Lance was that we were all gathered together is one of many that I will cherish . I remember him telling me these are the moments he loves. As I look around this room even though we are gathered her in sadness and tribute to Lance it’s awesome to see his wishes still being fulfilled. That family is brought together enjoying one another. I have learned many things from Lance over our years growing up together. But one lesson that he has taught me is that life is short. That we must not take this precious life we are given for granted. With that said Lance will continue to live on through all the lives he has touched. For those of you who may not know his last miracle was touching another’s life by donating his heart. Knowing his heart which was so big and full of love is still beating brings me a little bit of solace as I know he is still out there touching the lives of many bringing them joy and laughter. Lance will live on through our hearts, our stories, our memories and although physically he is no longer on this earth he is still present. Lance I will miss you always, I will love you always, I thank you for being a part of my life, I thank the lord for blessing me with you. I promise that your life and legacy will live on. As we always say it is never good bye but A Hui Hou - until we meet again in paradise. 

When I was a young boy, my mom told me that I would be sharing a room with my cousin since my Aunty Terrie and Lance were coming to stay with us.  Being a little kid all I could think about was that I would be sharing my toys and my space.  Well, I didn’t get a roommate or a cousin, I got a brother.  Someone that was always by my side to play with, pretend to be tag team champions with and on occasions fight with.  We bowled together and played sports together.  Always there to root on the other.  From being there when Lance was a catcher on the Pirates in little league when they won their division with Uncle Rick as the coach and when we were bowling doubles at the Jr. Nationals.  As we got older and went to the same schools, I always had someone to watch my back, hang out with and talk to when times were rough.  As adults that did not change.  Lance was by my side when times were very hard, because that’s who he was.  Always there to talk to, to joke with and ready to share his big smile.  He would always encourage you and let you know that family is always there.  All the memories I have of him will keep me smiling in tough times and I will always remember that smile when I need to laugh.  Lance will be forever missed and the memories he made with all of us will never be forgotten.  I know he is in peace now and back in the arms of his Papa. Love your cousin brother Curt Chong

I was lucky enough to be brought into this world with a built in protector and best friend. Someone to watch over me and show me unconditional love. Braddah was the best big brother anyone could ask for, especially for a little girl. He always told me how proud of me he was, which meant the world to me. To him the sky was the limit for me. He was the ultimate protector. He built a confidence in me, and having that as a young girl does something to you. It guarantees you comfort and a love that is forever etched in my heart and soul from him. 

Growing up I looked up to Braddah with so much pride and admiration. Even though he was much, much, MUCH older than me, he was my best friend and would still play with me whenever I asked. He was extremely excited when I finally got to join in on family camping trips. He would get to push me down the river in my yellow floaty. 

Things got even more exciting when we added the third member to our wolf pack, our little brother Oné. We would have all out jam sessions to our favorite hit Queen songs and play baseball in the house…yup IN the house. I have an early memory of getting a Jeep power ride. Braddah took Oné and I into the backyard and set up an obstacle course full of bumps and ditches for our very own off road experience. Looking back now it was extremely dangerous. However, Oné and I never really got to do the course because Braddah was the one testing out the course. I can still see him now with his knees butterflied out basically to his shoulders, riding this tiny jeep and calling us to push him out of the ditches when he got stuck in them. 

When Braddah left for the Marines I was devastated. I was so proud of him, but having him leave was so difficult. However, the pride of having your older brother become a “Devil Dog” outweighed everything. I now sported a dog tag necklace with his picture on it. Me and Oné’s new favorite movie was “Major Payne”. We even made it our mission to march and memorize the Marine’s Hymm. Up and down the long hallway we’d march, over and over again, so we could show him when he came home. I was so proud of him. Looking through all the pictures, I found one of my best memories. In first grade we had Career Day and I brought a guest speaker, the coolest of them all a Marine…my Braddah. 

One of the most exciting days in my life was getting to surprise you with the news that I had finally made YOU the uncle. When I asked Braddah what he wanted Hi’ilani to call him, I helped by listing a few names. Unko Lance, Unko Bo…he said he wanted to be Unko Braddah, it was perfect. He was so excited. He went and bought her clothes and toys. He even bought her first jumper, which he said he wanted it to be like the “Lamborghinis” of all the jumpers. I knew then she was going to be loved so much and spoiled so much by her Unko Braddah. 

Braddah, the day you left a piece of me went with you. As I held your hand, I prayed that the peace you yearned for had been found. I prayed and knew Papa, Uncle Brandon, and cousin John were there to hug you and take you home. I told you over and over that we all love you so so much and it was okay to go and have your peace. 

I wish I could have pulled your hands from your eyes and showed you the truth of how important and loved you are. Of how things will never be the same without you on this earth. On my wedding day I gave you and Oné a keychain. It said, “Brother, always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and more loved than you know.”  I wish I could read that to you over and over again until you believed all of it, because it was and is ALL TRUE. 

I love you so much it hurts Braddah. I will strive to see hope and light in our memories. I will see your eyes and love in Hokulani. I will remember your smooth swag through CJ. I will see your caring ways and love for sports in Carter. I will see your strength and beautiful smile in Nohealani. I will remember your mischievousness and hear your boisterous laugh in Ikaika. And I promise that Hi’ilani will know without a doubt how much she was loved and what an amazing man Unko Braddah was. I will help take care of Lori. I will take care of Mom and Dad. I will watch over and protect Oné, like you did for us. I will carry you with me and I will live my life to the fullest always with you in my heart forever. Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. 

I am not afraid or ashamed of how my Braddah left this earth. He hid behind his big smile and loud laugh because he didn’t want any of us to know he was hurting. When you think of your memories with Braddah know this. I know in his darkest of moments the memories he had of us and all of you lit a match for him in that dark tunnel. We must all carry him in our hearts and do the things he would have wanted to do with us as if he was right with us, because he is. Do this to light the matches in our dark tunnels until we can manage to see specks of light again. 

I wish over everything and anything that I could have saved him. Every morning I wake up and when I lay my head down to sleep, I will always wish this. But I find little peace in the fact that my Braddah is with the ultimate savior. God has wiped away all his tears from his eyes. There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. My Braddah is free of all these things he felt and his hands have been pulled from his eyes to finally know his truth. His truth was being the best man, loved by many and needed by many. Braddah can now see his absolute importance. 

Braddah, I know that day you made it over the rainbow. I know you are in Heaven where all your troubles melted like lemon drops. And I know when I need to find you, I will look past the clouds, above the chimney tops and see your smile. I love you for always and forever Braddah. Until I see you again. A HUI HOU AND ALOOOOOHAAAA

Good afternoon family and friends.  On behalf of our Ohana, I would like to welcome you as we celebrate the life of Lance Brandon Chavez.  We invite you to laugh, cry and sing along if you know the songs.  For those of you that don’t know me, I’m Rick, Lance’s Dad.  In your Celebration of Life program it says Rick Chavez, Father.  I was not Lance’s Father but I was the only Dad he ever had.  He was born in Hawaii on December 11, 1979 and we shared the same birthday.  He came to California with his mom Terrie to start a new life.

When I first started dating his mom, he was about two years old.  Every time I would come to pick up his mom, he would greet me with a big smile, while sucking his two fingers.  I don’t think he said anything to me for at least six months.  He was very shy.  After dating Terrie for about a year, I moved in with Terrie who lived with her sister, Johnnette and brother-in-law, Rod and their three kids.  We were one big happy family.  There was never a dull moment!  

The first time he called me Dad, everyone was quiet!  Terrie asked if I was okay with that and I said, “yes.”  From that moment on, I was his Dad and he was my son.  I did all the things with him that I wish my Dad would have done with me.  I taught him how to ride a bike, and how to hit, catch and throw a baseball.  We took him to his first Dodger’s game.  He loved it and became a lifelong Dodger’s fan.  We bought him his first Dodger’s hat, which he wore all the time.  He noticed that I would write my name on the underside of the bill of the cap, so he was so proud to show us that he had written his name on his!  He wrote Lirhan.  So we called him Lirhan after that.

When he was a little older we took him camping, fishing and hunting.  He loved the outdoors and we were so happy that he was passing that on to his children.  When Terrie and I married he was five years old and he was our ring boy.  After that I wanted him to have my name also, so we began the process of step parent adoption (I hate the word step parent).  It took us almost six years of going to court several times and trying to get his Father to sign the papers.  He was so excited to become Lance Chavez!  He never once said you’re not my Father, we were always Dad and son.

I was his baseball coach from T-ball until high school. He was a very happy child and he loved music; Queen was one of his favorites…he might have gotten that from me.  I remember him riding in the back seat and rocking out to Bohemian Rhapsody.  He loved being around Ohana, especially his Papa and Grandma.  Several summers we would send him to Hawaii to stay with Papa and Grandma, then we would go for our vacation and pick him up.  He loved visiting family and cousins. I’m sure that’s where he got all his Aloha from.  He would come back tanned and about 10 pounds heavier and speaking pidgeon.  I think his nickname Bo came to be around 7th or 8th grade.  He loved to pull pranks and practical jokes; he was always clowning around.  In the early 90’s there weren’t that many famous clowns, there was Ronald McDonald, Krusty, Homie and Bozo.  So instead of Ronald or Krusty, Bozo it was!  His cousin Jozie, shortened it to Bo and it stuck.

After his graduation from North Torrance High School in 1996 and after taking a gap year or two and several odd jobs, he joined the US Marines.  His great Uncle Louie, Uncle Brandon and Uncle Brian were all Marines.  He served proudly from 1998-2002.  When he came home he brought a wife and our first granddaughter, Hoku.  They lived with us for a while before buying their home in Las Vegas.  When they separated sometime in 2006 he hit rock bottom and lost his parental rights, which really sent him off the deep end as he extremely missed his daughter that he loved so much.  He bounced around, coming home and leaving again, over the next ten years.

I believe he introduced us to Lori and her two boys, our grandsons, C.J. and Carter sometime in 2014.  Lance and Lori gave us our second granddaughter, Nohea in 2015 and our youngest grandson Ikaika in 2018.  He loved his daughters and all his boys so much.  He wanted them to experience all of the things he had done when he was growing up.  We were lucky to have vacationed in Hawaii with all of our children and their children this past March.  He was so excited for his children to see where he came from and for them to meet their great aunty, Sharon and all their cousins.

We’re going to miss his smiling face, boisterous laugh, and giving personality.  He always wanted to be with the Ohana spreading his Aloha!! He was very proud of his sister Ipo, brother Keone and nice Hi’ilani.  He loved his wife Lori and their children with all his heart.  He loved his grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins and all of his friends.  Lance, we know that you are home now, in peace, with Papa John, Uncle Brandon and cousin John.  Thank you for making me the Dad that I am today.  Mom and Dad love you so much, and we will miss you every hour of everyday.  Until we meet again. Aloha my son, a hui hou.  With all our love, Mom & Dad

Lance Chavez with his dad Rick in Pirates baseball uniforms

LANCE BRANDON CHAVEZ

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