Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 25, Number 6, 1 May 2008 — Anthony "Tony" Lindsey [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Anthony "Tony" Lindsey

April 20, 1929 - March 15, 2008

Abygone era of Hawaiian music shines less brightly today after the recent passing of entertainer Anthony "Tony" Yukim Lindsey, who succumbed to a brain tumor at age 78 after a long battle. Lindsey, who left an indelible mark in the fashion

and entertainment world, recorded two albums in the 1960s and '70s, "Blue Darling" and "Indebted to You," under the Hula Records Label. As part of Tony Lindsey and Friends, he performed at venues like Big K in Kalihi and Elsie's Club Polynesia in Chinatown. He penned his signature song, "Blue Darling," in loving memory of his mother, Julia Mailekini Lindsey, who died while he was away serving in the U.S. 7krmy.

As a young man, Lindsey studied fashion design and commercial art at the Ray-Vogue Design Institute in Chicago. He worked as a commercial artist in Chicago and Hawai'i, and as a garment and textile designer for Hawai'i's venerable fashion house Adfred Shaheen's. "He lived life on his own terms all the way up until his passing and left many loving family and friends who will miss him dearly," his nephew Robert Piper wrote in a letter to OHA. "His love of music, the Hawaiian culture, his family and his faith stands out as hallmarks to a life well-lived." After retiring as a housekeeping supervisor at Ala Moana Hotel, Lindsey volunteered at various organizations, including Helping Hands Hawai'i and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, where he earned OHA's Outstanding Male Volunteer award for his many years of devoted service. The U.S. Congress and state Senate also honored him for his numerous contributions to the community. He is survived by brothers Charles R. Jr., George K., Edwin N„ John E. and James F.; sisters Maile Lee, Marylane Piper and Eleanor Pietz; and many nieces and nephews. Q