Please Help Send Bryan Tonga Home to R.I.L.
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Bryan "Bry" Tonga has touched the lives of so many people. His unexpected death has left those who loved him with a heavy heart, for he positively impacted everyone who was blessed to encounter his kind and humble soul. To support his parents and immediate family still residing in the Federated States of Micronesia, we hope to raise funds for a small memorial service in Hilo, to send Bryan home for a proper traditional burial, and to relieve costs his family in Pohnpei may incur upon his arrival.
In his hometown, Bryan was raised as a fisherman and diver. His connection to the ocean instilled in him an innate responsibility of caring for our precious natural resources, which pushed him to earn his bachelor’s degree in marine science at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Although in Hawai‘i, he carried the love he had for his home with him. Through his dedication, he began his journey towards earning a Master of Science at UH Hilo and committed himself to improving marine resource management for those who depend on the ocean. Over the last two years, Bryan completed the first comprehensive water quality study for Pohnpei! He was only a semester away, with one class to go, from finishing his thesis. Last Friday, Bryan and his advisors worked on compiling all of his findings and writing to date and he was about ¾ of the way done. We intend to publish Bryan’s work to honor his legacy and all generations of traditional resource managers in Pohnpei and Hawai‘i.
The life Bryan has lived will forever be remembered by his loved ones. Those who knew him will forever cherish the memory of his respectful, humble, kind, and playful nature. He showed kindness and gratitude to everyone on the daily. Bryan’s love was always gentle, patient, supportive, and he was never boastful about anything. When he was not studying or working, he could be found enjoying every day with his hānai ‘ohana, friends, or in the ocean. His peaceful, calm, and strong soul will never be forgotten. Bryan’s dive crew looked up to him for diving the longest, deepest, and farthest. The ocean was Bryan’s second home where he found peace and moved so naturally. In his uniquely humble and quiet way, Bryan inspired and taught others to dive with the knowledge he gained over his lifetime. He truly lived a waterman lifestyle and loved to share his days catch, wisdom, and skills with those around him.
Any donation you provide is greatly appreciated. We hope to raise these funds by August 22, 2020, when he will be sent home for proper burial and cultural protocol. His girlfriend, Amberly Pigao, will be in charge of getting the expenses to his family.
Lastly, if you have any memories of Bryan you would like to share, we encourage you to do so here.
#BeHumbleBeKindBeQuietBeLikeBryan #SaltBloodLegacy
In his hometown, Bryan was raised as a fisherman and diver. His connection to the ocean instilled in him an innate responsibility of caring for our precious natural resources, which pushed him to earn his bachelor’s degree in marine science at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Although in Hawai‘i, he carried the love he had for his home with him. Through his dedication, he began his journey towards earning a Master of Science at UH Hilo and committed himself to improving marine resource management for those who depend on the ocean. Over the last two years, Bryan completed the first comprehensive water quality study for Pohnpei! He was only a semester away, with one class to go, from finishing his thesis. Last Friday, Bryan and his advisors worked on compiling all of his findings and writing to date and he was about ¾ of the way done. We intend to publish Bryan’s work to honor his legacy and all generations of traditional resource managers in Pohnpei and Hawai‘i.
The life Bryan has lived will forever be remembered by his loved ones. Those who knew him will forever cherish the memory of his respectful, humble, kind, and playful nature. He showed kindness and gratitude to everyone on the daily. Bryan’s love was always gentle, patient, supportive, and he was never boastful about anything. When he was not studying or working, he could be found enjoying every day with his hānai ‘ohana, friends, or in the ocean. His peaceful, calm, and strong soul will never be forgotten. Bryan’s dive crew looked up to him for diving the longest, deepest, and farthest. The ocean was Bryan’s second home where he found peace and moved so naturally. In his uniquely humble and quiet way, Bryan inspired and taught others to dive with the knowledge he gained over his lifetime. He truly lived a waterman lifestyle and loved to share his days catch, wisdom, and skills with those around him.
Any donation you provide is greatly appreciated. We hope to raise these funds by August 22, 2020, when he will be sent home for proper burial and cultural protocol. His girlfriend, Amberly Pigao, will be in charge of getting the expenses to his family.
Lastly, if you have any memories of Bryan you would like to share, we encourage you to do so here.
#BeHumbleBeKindBeQuietBeLikeBryan #SaltBloodLegacy
Organizer
Amberly Pigao
Organizer
Pāpa‘ikou, HI