In Memoriam Alvin “Al” Harrington ‘56: 1935 - 2021 Alvin “Al” Harrington, an American Samoan-born actor, showman, and businessman, influenced entertainment throughout Hawaii and the world. Like many islanders from Honolulu, Al moved to the mainland to attend Menlo College, finishing his education with a B.A. in history from Stanford University in 1958. After graduation, Al spent two years on a Mormon mission in Samoa and relearned his ancestral language. He then worked as a history teacher and football coach at Punahou, his former high school, while working in entertainment on the side. In 1972, Al made the full-time career leap into performing with the role of Detective Ben Kokua in Hawaii Five-0. Three years on the show gave him global recognition. Afterwards, Al would become a Waikiki showroom headliner and recording artist. In retirement, Al spent time in Utah and California doing film work before returning permanently to Hawaii. His film appearances included Forrest Gump, and a return to network television for the reboot of Hawaii Five-0 as a surf shop owner. In 2018, Al was recognized with the Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award. He is survived by his wife Rosa, his children Alema, Tau, Summer, Cassi, and several grandchildren.
John Nelson ‘57: 1937-2021 John Nelson’s parents immigrated from Greece to Seattle and his father died when he was six months old. John worked as a newspaper boy, elevator operator, and a grocery delivery boy through his childhood to help support his mother and nine siblings. Attending Menlo College to study art history, John went with classmates on an inspiring trip to Europe. This expedition began a lifetime of travel and art appreciation. After moving to Los Angeles, John refurbished furniture to save up funds to travel back to Europe and acquire Parisian antiques for resale. With business and life partner Robert Rounds, John Nelson Antiques was born. Starting from the side yard of a used furniture store, the business grew into a sophisticated establishment over 50 years strong featuring two showrooms - one on Melrose Place - with antiques collected from around the world. John’s career gave him a life full of travel and fun with friends across the globe. He insisted: “Keep your eyes open and observe the world. There is so much to see, never stop looking.”
53 WINTER 2022
