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.”

Mansour Akram Ojjeh '74: 1952-2021

Mansour Ojjeh lived a global lifestyle as a French Saudi Arabia-born entrepreneur. After studying at the American School in Paris, he earned a business degree at Menlo College. He would go on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Santa Clara. Ojjeh was a shareholder and leader in the McLaren F1 team from 1984. Mansour became involved in F1 Racing when TAG, his father’s company, began to sponsor the Williams team. After winning a championship title with Williams, McLaren’s team convinced Mansour to invest in them instead for what would become nearly a 40-year legacy. His teammates described him as ultra-competitive, determined, and passionate with an easygoing, warm-humored disposition. McLaren Electronics, the McLaren F1 road car, McLaren automotive, and McLaren Applied Technologies were all a result of his support. Outside of racing, Mansour carried on his father’s legacy through Techniques d’Avant Garde, a holding company which supports numerous investments. TAG acquired Heuer, a struggling watch company, and transformed it into the luxury, internationallyrecognized watch brand it is today. TAG Aviation became a major supplier of global charter jet services, and the U.K.’s Farnborough Airport was revitalized under his leadership. Mansour is survived by his wife Kathy and his four children Lana, Lia, Sara, and Sultan.

David Stouffer ‘66: 1946-2021

David Stouffer grew up in Southern California and pursued his education at Menlo College, UC Irvine, and Pepperdine’s School of Law. Afterwards, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Upon his return Dave worked in the Public Defender’s Office before pursuing a 30-year long career with Merrill Lynch, retiring as Vice President. He was a true “waterman” as an ocean lifeguard as a youth who then re-qualified at age 40. Dave scuba dived, played AAU water polo at the LA Coliseum, and went on to race Finn sailboats in the 2008 Olympic qualifying trials. He belonged to the Balboa Yacht Club for over four decades and started racing the Finn in 1964. Dave is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Lara, granddaughter Alexandra, step-daughter Dawn, stepgrandsons Park and Chauncey, and brother Richard. He will be especially missed by his fellow alumni at Menlo College. In a conversation with President Steven Weiner, alumnus Captain Michael Lilly ‘66 lamented: “... I lost my Menlo classmate and friend for 57 years last night. He passed peacefully with his family around him. One of my closest and best friends. That’s the kind of connection one gets at Menlo.”

Compiled by Michaela Haynes ‘22

We also remember:

Robert Jones ‘52: 1932-2021

Mitchell McDowell ‘52: 1928-2021

William Green III ‘59: 1939-2021