Asa Ellison's Final Tour

Aloha Everyone, 

Thank you for visiting our Go Fund Me page we have created to help support medical costs for Asa. 

He unfortunately has been diagnosed with late pancreatic cancer, which has metastasized to his lungs, liver, and lumbar region. The news comes so suddenly, as Asa has been in perfect health early February. He has been able to return home under the care of hospice and his wife, Mikiko. 

Asa is a devoted community advocate.

During his acceptance speech as President of the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui on Jan. 25, he stressed the importance of language - that learning the culture begins with communication. Today, with much regret, he has resigned as president - the organization is on hold as members of the board, his friends, family deal with shocking news about his cancer. In between his trips to the Emergency Room, his plan was to get well and continue to serve. Asa is a forever advocate of the culture - learned to speak, read and write Japanese, moved to Japan and is practically Japanese. 

He loved his work
He was a tour guide before getting promoted to a managerial position with JTB. He is often with a camera, capturing important moments in the community - Big Island's volcano eruption, sea-level rise along Honoapiilani, brush fires. He took photos of the sunrise, sunset, animals, flowers and everyday things we took for granted.




He took photos of the stars.

You may have heard of Asa's name on the news often as he is a regular contributor for his amazing and breathtaking photos to local news channels, like Hawaii News Now. His photos have brought many smiles to many people around the world!



Though quiet, Asa is highly opinionated. While he may seem serious, he jokes and will tilt his head back in a soundless "ha-ha-ha!".  Though he seldom shows emotion, it is very obvious how much he loves Mikiko. He took photos in his travels with Mikiko, taking us along their mainland roadtrip to watch the solar eclipse, in Australia, Japan, and many other places. 


Asa also has a 23-year-old daughter Naomi, who is currently in college pursuing a degree as Nurse Practitioner, also cares for Asa. He and Mikiko cares for two cats, which Asa rescued from a small hole while  weed whacking his yard

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It is still difficult to accept that we will lose a friend *soon.* While under hospice care, and precious few moments to exchange a hug and a "ganbatte!" some financial help will ease unexpected costs. Most especially to Mikiko, whose strength is admirable in every way.

Please join us on Asa's Final Tour, we'll hold on with hope and love until the final stop. For those wanting to visit, please contact Mikiko directly as preparation is required.

We thank you for your love, support, and donations. 

Please keep Asa in your prayers. 

We love you Asa!

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Thank you so much for your warm support.
As you know, Asa passed away peacefully in the early morning of March 2 at our home in Pukalani.
It was too soon, but as his wife, I can attest how he lived out his life to the fullest in every friendship he made, every photograph he took and his memory will continue to live in all of us.
I miss him every day.

We are planning to have Asa's Memorial Service at Pukalani Baptist Church after Easter.
We will keep you posted.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts of sympathy during this difficult time.

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/02/28/longtime-hawaii-photographer-battling-terminal-pancreatic-cancer-has-final-wish/?fbclid=IwAR2Hl3HXUNsFOl0hzV0dMjTI1dkI8rRNnXzdtRiz1EGb2RIEEdns9GIrxow
Thank you to Hawaii News Now team!

Mikiko Ellison