Gary Alan Uriu

Dr. Gary A. Uriu, 78-year-old, Vietnam veteran, a long-time resident of Captain Cook, Hawaii, died at his home unexpectantly in July, 2025. Dr. Uriu was born in Weiser, Idaho. His early years were spent in eastern Oregon and Idaho. Later, the family moved to Gardena, California and then to nearby Carson. He attended Gardena High School, graduated with bachelor’s degree in zoology from UCLA in 1973, and USC with a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1977.

He was then accepted to a chief resident position as an intern at St. Francis Hospital in Honolulu, HI which began his professional career in Hawaii. He continued to practice Dentistry in Honolulu until he moved to the Big Island to start his own practice, Kona Dental Office.

In his decades of service, he worked avidly with the Hawaii Dental Association, serving as House Delegate for Hawaii County, as a member of the Dental Education Program through which he scouted for speakers. He became a Life Member in 2008 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2012. He worked both with the HDA and American Dental Association at conventions. He retired from Dentistry in 2020.

He was always a bright and joyful person with his friends and colleagues, who he visited on a regular basis. Dr. Uriu was also a familiar figure at the assisted living facility where his mother lived until her passing in 2023. He could be heard joyfully singing at the weekly ukulele night sing-alongs with his mother by his side or seen picking up her laundry to do or taking her out for a favorite meal.

His sense of humor was a defining characteristic that could bring red-faced giggles and gut-busting laughter to a room simultaneously. He truly was a big heart on the big Island; a proud father and devoted son.

He is survived by his son, Jared Kawanami, godson, Evan Johnson, and many aunties, uncles, and cousins.

Predeceased by his mother, Kimie D. Fujiura, stepfather, David Fujiura and father, Shaw Uriu, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Gary will be interned at the Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes with Kimie and Shaw.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm at the George Nakano Theatre, part of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, located at 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA. Celebration of Life receptions will also be held/were held in Captain Cook, Hawaii on August 9th at the Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary (83-5401 Painted Church Road, Captain Cook) at 5:00 pm, and Matsy’s Restaurant (1241 SW Fourth Ave, Ontario, OR) on August 15th, at 11 am. Guests are invited to wear Aloha attire in honor of Dr. Uriu’s Aloha spirit.

For those that cannot attend but would like to send condolences please send them to Gary’s son Jared Kawanami at PO Box 363, Arcata, California 95518. In lieu of flowers please donate in Gary’s memory to your favorite charity.