Vernon Modesto Paler

Vernon was born at home on July 13, 1932 in Anahola, Hawai’i. His parents, Saliya
(Pacania) and Raymundo Paler, met in Koloa after both immigrating from the Visayan
Islands in 1921. Vernon’s family lived at a Moloaa plantation camp while working for
Hawaiian Canneries Company, picking and canning Pono Pineapple. He went to Koolau
Grammar School through eighth grade.
Vernon frequently reminisced about his upbringing in a plantation house, filled with cherished
childhood memories of lively weekend gatherings and festive occasions. He had fond
memories of long days spent either by the seaside, casting lines for fish, or amidst the
mountains, gathering delicious fruits like mangoes and mountain apples. He fondly
remembered trips into Kapa’a town, where he would visit the Roxy theater for a movie or go
shopping.
After graduating from Kaua’i High School, with ukulele in hand, Vernon enlisted in the U.S.
Army. He was sent to Schofield Barracks in Honolulu and later to Fort Ord in California. He
was stationed in Metz, France until being honorably discharged in 1954. He later moved to
Indiana to attend college at Indiana University, Bloomington where he graduated with a
degree in education.
On August 21, 1960, in Ligonier, he married Phyllis A. Paler. Together, they lovingly raised
their family in Elkhart, IN. In 1993, Vernon (45 years teaching) and Phyllis (34 years
teaching) retired from their positions in the public school community and moved back to the
Islands to Wailua, Hawai’i. Before retiring completely, Vernon worked for an additional eight
years as the executive director for the Kaua’i Community Senior Centers. This is where
Vernon lived out the rest of his days.
Vernon Modesto Paler, 91 years old, of Wailua, Kaua’i, passed away at 2:40pm, on
Thursday, September 28, 2023 at home.
Surviving is his wife, Phyllis Paler of Wailua, Kaua’i; his daughters, Pamela Carlson (Barry
Power) of Elkhart, IN, Vanessa (Mike) DuBois of Elkhart, IN, Michelle (George) Salvador of
Wailua, Kaua’i; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister Asuncion (Benny)
Jacinto. He is preceded in death by his parents and Pedro Viado; three sisters Leona Omo
(Guillermo Angel Donayri and Alfredo Omo), Lorencia “Loren” (Dionicio “Johnny”) Corpuz,
Rosal Paler; three brothers, Serbando “Bondoi” Raymond (Lorraine) Paler, Rudy “Dickie”
Paler, and Florentino “Poren” Paler.
Vernon treasured his extensive ohana, which included his daughters, their families, his
"school family,” and students. He will be remembered for always having a song in his heart,
deep island pride, and passion for sharing stories, advice, and ukulele music. He peacefully
departed with his beloved bride, Phyllis, and daughter, Michelle, by his side.
In his last weeks, hospice provided exemplary services and support to Vernon and his family.
A graveside military service will be held at Kaua’i Veterans’ Cemetery in Hanapepe, Kaua’i
(date pending).
The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Kaua’i
Hospice, Lihue Kaua’i.

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