Spark Matsunaga 1916 – 1990

Biography

Spark Matsunaga was born on October 8, 1916, in Kauai County, Hawaii, where he grew up surrounded by the islands’ natural beauty and close-knit community. His early years in this vibrant region would shape his character and his deep commitment to public service that would define his life’s work.

Throughout his career, Matsunaga dedicated himself to serving the people of Hawaii and the broader American public. His contributions to politics reflected a lifetime of commitment to his constituents and the values he held dear. He worked tirelessly in his various roles, earning respect from colleagues and community members alike for his integrity and determination.

Matsunaga passed away on April 15, 1990, in Toronto, succumbing to prostate cancer at the age of 73. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched during his years of public service. He was laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, a fitting tribute to his lifelong connection to Hawaii and his service to his country. His memory remains a testament to a life well-lived in the spirit of civic responsibility and dedication.