Matthew Dean Tokuoka

Matthew Dean Tokuoka, 39, of Hoonah, Alaska, died on August 29, 2010. He was born December 17, 1971 in Seattle, Washington, to Edna Tokuoka and Dean Goodner. Matt moved with his mother and sister to her hometown in Molokai, Hawaii when he was seven years old until Edna passed away 1986, when he moved to Kuna, Idaho with his father.  Matt was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he continued to hunt and fish in Idaho and Alaska. Matt joined the Marines after graduating high school, and had been working as a police officer in Hoonah for the past year.
 
On August 28th, while off-duty with his family, Matt had pulled to the side of the road to talk to his partner, Sgt. Tony Wallace, when Office Wallace was shot. Matt ran into open fire and was shot twice while saving his partner, and directing his wife and children to safety. Sgt. Wallace also passed away that day. The town of Hoonah, Alaska and the Island of Molokai has lost an extreme hero.  Matt’s captain, Capt. Millian, describes Matt as a Wolverine – never having fear and always ready to defend and protect.

He is survived by his wife, Haley Tokuoka of Alaska; sons Matthew Kaleonahe Tokuoka-Bright, Mitchell Tokuoka and George Tokuoka; daughters Hoteru Tokuoka and Layla Tokuoka; father Dean Goodner; step-mother Rebecca Goodner; sisters Jenny Tokuoka, Rebecca Venable and Casey Goodner; grandparents Toru (deceased) and Fujie Tokuoka of Kalae, Molokai, and all his aunties, uncles, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at Papohaku Beach on October 23, 2010 at 2 p.m. Rev. Naomi Eiko Duvauchelle of Ierusalema Pomaikai Church will conduct the services. Everyone is welcome to join in celebrating Matt’s life.