He has a picture of himself, Takayama and Harold Ige, taken on Hermosa Beach in 1963.

"These were probably two of Hawaii’s greatest shapers of longboards at the time," said Pope.  Ige passed away in January of this year.

Takayama died on Oct. 22 at age 68 due to complications from surgery.

Saturday’s memorial in Waikiki where Takayama grew up was timed with a memorial being held in Oceanside, California where he built his business.

Those who knew him say Donald put his heart and soul into each board he made.

His spirit, they said, is what will be with them at their celebration on the water and always.

"He was a great friend," Harada said, holding back tears.