The Seventeenth Annual A Touch of ‘Iolani

A Touch of ‘Iolani honors a member of the Class of 1949 with the Alumni Service Award

Clarence Taoka ’49 enrolled at ‘Iolani in 1943 at the Nuuanu campus as a seventh grader along with his younger brother George ’53. He was the middle of three sons born to Charles and Katsuyo Taoka. While a student at ‘Iolani, he was given the nickname “Clancy” by friends. 

Clancy’s older brother, Robert, would have graduated with ‘Iolani’s Class of ’45, but the high school was disbanded due to the outbreak of World War II, and he then earned his diploma from St. Louis. Charles and Katsuyo impressed upon their sons the value of a good education and instilled strong family values. 

After graduating from ‘Iolani, Clancy attended the University of Hawai‘i. He subsequently served in the U.S. Army in the Korean conflict. He returned to the University of Hawai‘i and earned a bachelor’s degree in business. In 1958, Clancy married Maui-born Beatrice Onouye and they had two daughters, Carolyn Taoka Young ’86 (Kevin) and Jenny Taoka Hilscher ’89 (Greg). Together, Clancy and Bea managed Allied Furniture and Metal Products. 

Clancy was married to Bea for 44 years before her passing in 2002. Carolyn and Jenny remember fondly the weekly ‘Iolani football game tailgate parties at their home over many years. 

“During football season, Mom and Dad had family and friends over to rehash plays of the game. Mom would prepare lots of local foods, often making family favorites. They loved entertaining,” recalled Jenny. 

Clancy’s close-knit family is his joy and his priority. “With Dad’s unwavering support and encouragement, he makes me feel like any seemingly insurmountable task is within my grasp. He sees the glass as half full and he loves unconditionally,” Carolyn shared. 

Jenny added, “Dad is the most optimistic and buoyant man I know. He is an amazingly loving and protective father and grandfather.” 

Clancy is “Papa” to grandsons David and Matthew Hilscher of Arlington, Virginia, who visit Hawai‘i every summer. His great loves remain his family, friends, football and ‘Iolani.

1. 

   Wilbert M.S. Ho on 8/3/2012 at 11:47am

   Aloha Clancy, nice to see you again, you look great. See you at the Iolani get together at the stadium. Look for me I will have black Iolani shirt and walk with a cane. I am Smilers big brother.

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