RELAY
FOR LIFE

On December 14, 2005 at 10:00pm, Jacob returned home.

A Celebration of Life was held for Jacob on December 23, 2005, at St. Ann's Church in Kaneohe.

At the end of December, Jacob's ashes were scattered in Kailua Bay and on Maui.

Thank you to all who have expressed their condolences and prayers for Jacob and the Almanza family.

Donations

OCEAN PROJECT
843 Waine'e Street
No. 551
Lahaina, HI 96761

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
2370 Nuuanu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96817

WAIKIKI AQUARIUM
2777 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815

July 2016

Jacob's Angels

Relay for Life 2016

September 2014

For those of you connecting with Jacob's page, especially friends from Spain, we wanted to share some photos of our recent trip that reminded us of Jacob's time there and reminded us he was with us every day. We followed most of his itinerary that we found when we discovered his journal from the trip all written in Spanish.

Cathedral in Oviedo

 

Western Union sign - We had to send
him extra money as he was having too
much fun at the discoteque

On our tour to Avila & Segovia - A group
of high school students on a tour

The Roman aqua duct in Segovia

The closest we got to a discoteque

MEMORIALS
With Jacob in mind...

May 2014

On May 6, 2014, Hampton joined Jacob

February 2013

Apa & Nana and mo'opuna

Natalie & Mikey

Jacob & Maria

January 2012
Our newest arrival......

Michael Isaac Mahealani Almanza
Born to Ceilo & Michelle
Dec. 21, 2011
8lbs. 14 oz., 22" length


Big sister Natalie (3 yrs.) welcoming her new baby brother

Jacob William (2 1/2 yrs.)

Maria Joy (11 months)



MESSAGES FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Messages 1120-1140    Latest    Previous Page    Next Page

72
Paul Lagos, Classmate and roommate in Madrid, Spain
Saturday, December 24, 2005

Jacob definitely knew how to keep it real. Through good times and bad, he knew how to keep it together and walk away with his chin up. That's real character, man. We've had our moments in high school--let's see, there's basketball during the summer league and of course, an entire month in beautiful Spain! I could tell from the way he reasoned that this person was intuitive and a deep thinker--characteristics that one can truly appreciate and come to love.

For the Almanza family, I would like to share a scripture taken from the Bible in Revelations 21:3,4--please, if you have the time, look it up. I truly hope that those words will bring hope to your hearts. It's a beautiful scripture and one that I like to use often when I feel like I need a good reminder from all the uncertainties this world brings.

Jacob, we'll miss you...but only shortly. We'll see each other again in the future!
71
Rich McDermott, Friend of Joshua
Friday, December 23, 2005

Dear Jacob,
Your faith, your courage, and your strength to the end are an inspiration and encouragement to me. This life is worth living well and you have done so. As you have now joined our Lord Jesus in the Father's house, on this eve of our celebration of Christ's birth, I weep with your beloved family who will miss you immensely. And I rejoice for you that you are free of the earthly body that does not last, and may now enjoy the Lord face to face, where is no weeping and no pain and death. I praise God for your life, although it was too brief for us. My prayer is that my life also may be lived with the love, courage, and compassion that you showed us. I will continue to love your brother, your parents and your family. Your memory, and God's healing love, will give us strength for the days ahead.
Much love, Rich McDermott
70
Joshua T. Cano, MHS Classmate and friend
Friday, December 23, 2005

Jake-

Hey Jake, while I don't think I'll be saying goodbye to you I will be leaving you this short and important message. Goodbye is so permanent, it's almost like we aren't gonna see each other again man. Though I may remain secluded and lost in some things in life, I definatly know the answer to this question. This is definatly not goodbye my friend, we still have to have our reunion man! Remember the lunch room? I swear, still I know we will have that reunion some day regardless of whatever happens, and I know that warm smile I still envision you with will be on your face. You never did loose that smile, and I know you never will.

This ain't goodbye my friend, it's just a wait till we meet again. And believe me, I know we will some day. Peace out brother, and I hope you keep that smile on your face till the day we meet again.

To Jake's family, you all have my deepest sympathy and support. While millions every day long for immortality and fail to know what to do with themselves on a Sunday afternoon, Jake found eternity and found his calling in life. A brave man with a brave soul...and with that warm smile, I'm sure he will be with us all.

We will miss you Jake! Watch over us when you have some time away from painting the sky over the world's oceans my friend.

~Josh
69
tu sabes quién, solo se que te quería
Friday, December 23, 2005

Jacob, se que nunca te lo dige, pero es lo que había...no sabes las veces que me imagine que iba a tener sentido...QUE TONTA!! Se que estás bien, porque eras y eres un sol. Te escribo en español, porque se que te gustaba. No sabes lo que fue para mi enterarme de ésto. Me acuerdo bailando contigo en el Spook...tu alegría...tu rostro...solo se que te recordaré siempre cogiendo mis apuntes en el insti porque me habían caido...de verdad!! arriba off spring, porque se que te encantaban y cada vez que escuche sus canciones, se que tú las estarás bailando.............see you soon, como siempre me decías.......quién tu sabes...tq!!
68
Betsy McDermott, Friend of Joshua
Friday, December 23, 2005

Jacob, I am writing this shortly before the start of your service. How I wish we could be there to celebrate your life and to know more about you. Knowing Josh's love for you, how could we not love you and your whole family, too. Prior to your death, I remember crying over the deaths of two others I didn't know personally, Mother Teresa and Henri Nouwen. What a great company of saints you have joined! Thank you for all you gave us as you taught us how to live life when it wasn't easy and how to meet the Lord in death and new life in Him. We love you and your family forever! Betsy
67
Ricky Arrington, Friend/MHS Classmate
Friday, December 23, 2005

Hey! Whats up Jake! I gotta say, it was great talking with you on the phone when I did. It seemed at times that things were so difficult as I told you when we spoke on the phone not long ago, but just listening to everything that we talked about you have truly helped me to look at life differently. Opened my eyes to different angles of life and to always stay positive. Things seemed to have changed a bit for myself as of recently but I am sure you know that and I must say thank you, because the chance I had to speak with you that day is really helping me get through a lot that is happening now. You've helped me in so many ways bro, throughout basketball seasons and volleyball seasons and lunch and sitting around doing absolutely nothing waiting for our parents to get us after practice. I don't think there was a day that went by that we didn't run into each other at our lockers either complaining about practice, or school or some new girl..haha. At least me complaining anyway. Those were the days man. I remember meeting you at Freshman camp and setting up all the fishing wires in front of our corner in the cabin. I gotta say you were the first person I met at freshman camp that was new to high school at Maryknoll that I didn't know. Since then throughout everything, you've been a part of my life and to remind you again, as I did not so long ago, you've helped me more than you know. Thanks for everything Jake. You'll be missed dearly and I know I'll see you later on. Take care brother!
66
Christian Miller, good friend, fellow buttermilk sauce patron
Thursday, December 22, 2005

Hey man. I'm writing you a song but you're gonna have to play drums. Yeah, Mr. Coats' crappy Maryknoll ones. We'll perform it together one day on Heaven's stage, all shortcircuiting pedals and amp-facing Tilinghast-Loomens. But it's the screw ups; the snot bubbles, the mindless crustacean violence, the sinking kayaks, the superman asphalt scrapes, the buttermilk splatterings, the Nate Silvas, the "oh my god I got a *** ****!!!"s; the crazy retarded imperfections that we cherish and miss the most, as profane as they are. I could go on about what a great friend and inspiration you were and are and how much I love you but you know I suck at that mushy crap. At any rate, I will keep my promise to you, I'll never stop the music and try to live as best I can.

you stoooooooooopid,
Chris (retard)
65
Katie Cupp, Friend from Maryknoll
Thursday, December 22, 2005

Dearest Jacob,
I'm sorry to hear that you have left us to join our Heavenly Father. However, I do know that you are in a better place. You will be missed by many. To Jacob's family, I will hold you all in my prayers. Malama pono! God bless. Luv, Katie
64
Chrissie Moreno, St. Ann's and MHS classmate
Thursday, December 22, 2005

Jacob,
Oh what wonderful years we spent together. From Kindergarten through High School, we've been together through it all. You always brought a smile to my face and would light up the entire room with your presence. You will be missed greatly and you are always in my prayers. As to the Almanza family, my condolences go out to you, and thank you for being such a supportive family to Jacob as well as the entire St. Ann's community over the past many years.
Merry Christmas, Chrissie
63
Lynn Chan, friend, MHS classmate
Thursday, December 22, 2005

Just recently my brother Carlo told me a memory of us when we were younger. He told me how you used to run up behind me and cover my eyes, and when I turned around you would run away! Those were the days when you, me, my brother, and sister always had to wait to go home after Sunday school at St. Ann's! In high school, I remember when we were partnered up during a campus ministry retreat. Thank you for sharing your deepeset thoughts and feelings with me that night. I connected with you and appreciated the fact that you felt comfortable enough to open up to me. And who could forget our Spanish Exchange trip...you definitely won "best costume" halloween night! We're all going to miss you Jacob, however I know that you are in a beautiful place right now with no worries or suffering. Muchos besos!
62
Brian Tripp, Cousin In-Law
Thursday, December 22, 2005

I met Jacob once, about 2 or 3 years ago in San Diego at Cielo's. He inspired me with his spirit, courage and quiet strength. Grace and peace to the entire Almanza family!
61
Gregg Kats, Uncle
Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Jacob Michael Almanza. I am glad that we all were home to visit with you, laugh with you, cry with you and pray with you. I have heard the stories after your death of shooting stars as your family looked up to heaven, the turtles surfacing after the flowers were thrown into the sea, and many more. I had one as well. You and I talked about praying for the miracle that would heal your pain and make you well. The same night that the shooting star occurred, I said a quiet prayer on our deck. It was a crystal clear night and 30 degrees. I asked God to grant your miracle wish and take you home. The only miracle that could have happened did. You have been an inspiration to many during your 22 years. Your actions and words have touched many lives. Your legacy will live forever. Thanks for the lessons. You will always be with us on the beach where your ashes are spread. Every time I see the turtles, I will know you are there. I love you Jake. Uncle Gregg
60
Kaneakalau Family, Family Friend
Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Jacob,
You graduted from life with top honors! The many lives that you have touched shows what an awsome person you are. I will NEVER forget chasing you around the house trying to make you put a diaper back on when I was helping Ursula babysit you! Your beautiful smile, wonderful personality and unconditional love and faith will always be an inspiration. The beauty of "you" comes from the love that is always present in your family. It will continue to be there always and forever! Much love, until we meet again!
Trina
59
Lezlie Ann Bignami, Jacob's personal chef
Wednesday, December 21, 2005

There are no words to properly express how Jacob touched my life and my heart. He was my warrior of love and strength, an inspiration to my son, Michael and I. His love of life was apparent in every word he spoke to me and every precious moment spent with him. His bravery is abounding and will live on...He was called back from his amazingly successful mission on this planet, teaching the importance of unconditional love, courage and family/ohana...He has no more pain and is in safest place, in God's hands. He is now dancing and swimming in the heavens & stars and will live on in our hearts and minds, forever and always...
58
Joshua, biggest fan and brother
Wednesday, December 21, 2005

My dear baby brother,
We were always close and I always wanted to protect you because that's what big brothers do. There was no protecting you from this, but your faith deepened mine and you protected me from a lot of anguish. Thank you for teaching me to have ears to hear and eyes to see the Spirit that brings us together in full communion. Mahalo nui Honu Boi. I will share in the hope.
57
Karen Blackbird, Lani's friend
Tuesday, December 20, 2005

It was almost 8 years ago that I met Jacob. I remember him as a high energy young man full of curiosity and joy. Lani's letters told me of his love for nature... the sea turtles, the hump backs.. and he was so blessed with his encouraging family, friends and his faith. A very special person I will never forget, even with one meeting. You are all in my heart and in my prayers.
56
,
Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Kulu ka waimaka, uwe ka 'opua.
The tears fall; the clouds weep.

Our prayers are with you.
55
Lillian & Eric Matsumoto, Friend from Body & Mind
Monday, December 19, 2005

To Lani and Family and my dearest friend Jacob,

God has a way of giving us freedom from all pain here on earth as well as in heaven. My short time knowing Jacob through our interviews and starlet pictures for the Body & Mind was a total blessing. Meeting such an intelligent young man who was truly filled with a positive attitude and will. Although I am a three time cancer survivor, meeting Jacob that day and talking with him showed me how God works within our hearts, and Jacob's heart was filled with so much love for his family, he had the greatest smile and the best young friend I ever met. My fight will go on not only for myself, but for my friend Jacob until there is no cancer in this world. I will Walk the Race for Jacob, aloha my friend.

To Lani, it was such a pleasure meeting Jacob's Mom. Eric and I pray for you and your family and always remember to CELEBRATE Jacob's life for he is definitely in a better place. Our love to you all. Eric & Kehau Matsumoto, Honolulu, Hawaii
54
Kim Tucker, Friend
Monday, December 19, 2005

I am the wife of Tom Tucker,friend of Jacob and one who faces the challenge of living life with a brain tumour.

Since Tom's contact with Jacob and his family, our view of taking life 'one day at a time' and leaping over obstacles as though they were speed bumps has been re-visited and together Tom and I unite to face anything. So to Jacob, I thank you for being our angel, in heaven and here on earth.

To Jacob's family, I wish you less pain and happy memories.

Thinking of you,
Kim
53
Kelsey Soma, classmate, Maryknoll H.S.
Monday, December 19, 2005

Jacob, I know you are in a better place now, even though we all miss you. I will remember your smiling face in the hallways of Maryknoll high school. We will meet again in heaven. God bless you and your family. You have been a blessing.

Kelsey =)

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