Jacob Almanza

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)

WRITE A MESSAGE

MESSAGES FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Messages 1100-1120 Latest Previous Page Next Page

83
francis dario, friend from MHS Wednesday, January 11, 2006 you are an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed. my deepest condolences to the Almanza family.
82
Amy and Mark Camp and Family, cousins Monday, January 9, 2006 What a brave young man Jacob was, and what an inspiration to us all. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with Jack, Lani and their family
81
Irene Hoyer Wichita KS, Cousin of Judy Ortiz Cash Monday, January 2, 2006 It was with great anticipation and hope to be in partnership with Jacob and family in prayer for healing. Judy emailed the prayer request to me and I sent it throughout Kansas, we were in one accord, one voice and one in spirit lifting our praises, worship and our request on behalf of the Almanza family. I know that our prayers were not in vain, I know that every prayer and every tear shed God kept near to his heart. If anyone has any doubt just look at that great smile Jacob so courageously had on his face with each photo taken. It was our pleasure to be able to pray to such an awesome God for such an awesome soul. Jacob now has been healed!! The Lord give'th and the Lord take'th and yet we choose to say "blessed be the name of the Lord". Shalom to Yeshua.
80
Val Wada, Friend of Lani Friday, December 30, 2005 Jacob, You have shown what living life to the fullest means. Your legacy and spirit shines bright! To Lani and family, May the memories of Jacob stay in your hearts and minds forever! You all are true inspirations!
79
Marianne Wassel, Family friend Thursday, December 29, 2005 Jacob....there was such love and compassion in your house all through your illness.... such strength.....such a sense of FAMILY! Like "Win, lose or draw, we are all TOGETHER in this." I was so touched not only by you, but also by those stalwart tender Almanza conquistadores who surrounded you so fully by their vigilance and love. You sure picked the right family, Honu Boy! Vaya con Dios, mi amigo!
78
Kristin Fulton, A friend through the honu Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Jacob, may you forever watch over your cherished honu from heaven, may your memory shine with light as being the one our Lord chose to hold the little ones in heaven.
77
Chan Eng Heng, fellow turtle lover Tuesday, December 27, 2005 To Jacob, his family and all turtle lovers, We are now brought together by Jacob through his love for the turtles that many of us share. I think this is truly special. The turtles have gone beyond their roles in the ecosystem. They provide bridges that link people and as George has said in an earlier message, they promote goodwill, and bring out so much good and compassion in people. Thank you Turtles, Jacob and family and George for the opportunity to share my thoughts. Chan, Malaysia.
76
Hedelvy Guada, Sea turtles Tuesday, December 27, 2005 Dr. George Balazs wrote a heartful message about Jacob and I wish the best for his family in this hard moment, although people like him seems that always will be shining the sky. Hedelvy Guada
75
Jean Beasley, a friend through the honu Monday, December 26, 2005 To Jacob's family: My friend, George Balazs, wote me of the passing of your son, Jacob and my heart is filled with the pain of your loss. George knows that your family and mine are connected, not only by the love of the honu but we are connected through the unthinkable, the loss of a child. My daughter, Karen, died more than a decade ago at the age of 29, after a more than 4 year battle with cancer. She was fascinated by and loved the sea turtles all of her life. In fact she organized the project here which monitors and protects the nests and the hatchlings. The sea turtles were a huge part of her life force during some very difficult times. She had such grace and courage throughout her illness and I know from reading about Jacob that it was the same with him. They must have received their strength from God and from those around them who loved them so much. I send you my love and my prayers. To Jacob: You are now with the angels! Could you be on the lookout for my Karen? You will know her for she, too, loves the sea turtles. With the two of you to watch over them the honu are a little safer tonight! Godspeed, Jacob!
74
Lori Kats, Auntie Monday, December 26, 2005 Jacob, I miss you like crazy, but I know you have found your peace and you no longer have to battle this terrible disease. I picture you swimming with your honu family and I can't help but smile. Your spirit will forever inspire me! Thank you for visiting me at the moment of your passing. I sat straight up in bed (midnight, my time) and gasped, possibly the same time you took your last breath. I feel you here with me and I know you are watching over all of us. I will think of you as I listen to Jack Johnson, as I swim in the oceans, whenever I see honu, and I will call on you to be with me when I write songs. You are now the angel that I talk to! I Love You, my sweet man, Auntie Lori.
73
George Balazs, Along with Jacob, A Friend of the Honu Sunday, December 25, 2005 As I write this note of admiration and appreciation in tribute to Jacob, an 'Image of the Honu' flows through the background of Jacob's web page. Jacob loved the honu, as many folks do these days since they have become so plentiful. However, after a visit with Jacob in October (the only time I was priveleged to meet him in person), I am confident that Jacob saw far more in the honu than "just" a gentle majestic creature of Hawaiian seas. Honu have a way of bringing people together. People of goodwill and sincere beliefs from all walks of life that love the honu for an array of reasons. The mystical ability of the honu to interweave people in the Spirit of Aloha was ever so apparent to Jacob. I am convinced that was the case. Jacob's life with us, and the memories we will carry for all time, as reflected in part by this web site, are living proof of that love. I've spent 35 years trying to learn about the honu, both biologically and spiritually. Some secrets of their life will never be known, no matter how much or for how long people study them. It's comforting for me to know that all the mysteries of the honu are now known to Jacob. May he swim with them in joy through all of Heaven.
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

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