Benjamin Kealahou Naki Jr. - September 19, 1951 - March 3, 2011 - Family Stones Softball Club - "Benny Boy & Coaches"

Benjamin Kealahou Naki, Jr. also known as "Uncle Ben" passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2011. Ben spearheaded the most popular Family Stones Softball Alumni Tournaments which is held every summer here on Oahu. He was also one of the organizers of slow pitch tournaments in Hawaii. Ben graduated from St. Louis High School in 1969 and his first love for sports was basketball and volleyball. His good friend, Stan Mahelona said Ben liked to talk about softball and never took credit for anything he accomplished, instead it was his friends and players that made things happen. Stan felt honored because Ben always confided in him and made him feel like family.

Hawaii and the mainland softball community will miss "Ben" as he was a great father, coach, friend, player and an outstanding person with a big heart. For myself, as a sports reporter and photographer, I had the opportunity and privilege to get to know him at the LVSSA, Las Vegas Senior Softball Association Championship in 2009 and 2010. Ben was such a cool person throughout the tournaments in Las Vegas, even when the chips were down at times, he always encouraged his players, spoke of errors they made, but always came back with a lot of positive encouragement for his team. He never gave up and said the game wasn't over until it's over.

At tonight's service, music was provided by The Waimanalo Sunset Band. The opening song was sung by Liann Collazo and opening prayer by Pastor Ka'ala Souza. Aunty Kehau shared her memories of Ben as a very simple and humble person. He used to claim his granddaughter got her looks from him. She still recalls when Ben started his first all female softball team. You know how women always need the time to look good, Ben used to say, "no need comb hair, just get out there." Bottom line, this was his first and last female softball team he coached.

In closing, it was a great gathering of "friends and family." Ben III said his dad loved softball and could always count on his dad being safe at the ball park with all his friends and players. At times it was sad, and I had a hard time taking the photos. Listening to Ben III and Janeen (Winston), (photo bottom right) I felt lucky to have known such a great person. It was an honor to be present and do the photos for the Naki family at this very special gathering. Will miss you "uncle Ben." Event photos "click" here.