Andrew Nomura, the pride of Palolo Valley, was very involved in student activities at Kaimuki. He was a member of the pep squad in his junior year and our senior class vice president. He even had a lead role in our class play, “Once Upon a Christmas.”
Andy attended UH and later transferred to the University of Washington where he received his B.S. in civil engineering and an M.B.A. Andy worked as an environmental engineer in Washington, but he and wife, Nora (University High School ’69), his high school sweetheart to whom he has been married for 43 years, decided to return home to raise their children. In 1980, Andy began working for PRI/Tesoro/BHP Petroleum in roles that included manager of The Gas Company on Kauai and vice president of commercial marketing. His role as VP offered the opportunity to travel extensively through Asia and the South Pacific. Andy found the perfect job to fit his personality and lifestyle. He entertained VIP clients while engaging in his two favorite sports: golfing and drinking. The “stress” of playing golf and drinking (what?) led to an early semi-retirement in 2002 and he now serves as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
For the last 16 years, Andy has been a dedicated volunteer with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to the elderly. When you see Andy at our reunion you might want to make nice so he will put you on his list when you need the service. He was on the board of directors from 2004-2010, serving as board president from 2006-2010. During his term as president, he convinced classmate David Paik to donate a collection of pennies he had been saving since high school to Meals on Wheels and cajoled other classmates to match that amount, not knowing how much the total was. Turns out David had over $500 in pennies so Andy raised $3000 – an Andy hustle that worked to benefit the community.
At the 35th Reunion recap meeting, the committee was searching for someone to chair our 40th and Richard Ma convinced Andy to take that role. Andy and Richard have served as the dynamic leadership duo for our 40th and the 45th reunions, our 60th and 65th Birthday Bashes, and most recently, our 50th Reunion. Andy’s strong leadership, warm personality and arm-twisting ability have been the driving force behind the success of our class activities over the last 15 years. Hosting planning meetings, getting volunteers, working on fundraising and class recognition goals, Andy’s dedication to our class has kept us together for the last 50 years.
When Andy is not busy with serving hot meals and keeping our class together, he and Nora find the time to travel and take care of their three grandchildren: Carter 6, Zachary 3 and Britney 5 months.
Andy, a big mahalo for your service to those seniors in need of a meal and your dedicated leadership to our Kaimuki High Class of ’69. Let’s get the party started!
