Ernest Aalona Obituary (1956 - 2022)

Ernest Walter Aalona returned home to his Heavenly Father on July 11, 2022 surrounded by family. Ernest was born on April 29, 1956 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was the oldest son of Joseph Walter Aalona and Puanani Lurline Emmsley-Kama. Ernest grew up in Hau’ula, Hawaii and attended Kahuku High School where he excelled at football and had a love and pride for Kahuku that continued throughout his life. He received a football scholarship to Santa Rosa Jr. College where he met and played football with lifelong friends. While there he had his first son, Micheal Long. Ernest also received a full ride scholarship to Utah State University where he won two championships with teammates that he loved and built many memories with. Ernest met and married Jean Barrus while attending Utah State University in Logan, Utah where they had Makai Aalona. He was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was baptized during this time. They then moved to Hau’ula Hawaii in 1981 where they had Jason and Chelsea Aalona. In 1991 they moved to Taylorsville, Utah where their last two children, Alexis and Kiana Aalona were born. Ernest was sealed to his family for time and all eternity in March 1993. Ernest enjoyed coaching his kids throughout their lives. He coached baseball and football while in Hawaii. Ernest loved football the most and coached his sons throughout little league in Utah where he was known as “Coach Pineapple.” He impacted many by instilling hardwork and accountability, with a little bit of “TOUGH LOVE.” Ernest had 6 children that he loved dearly and was extremely proud of all of their accomplishments but his pride and joy were his grandchildren. Ernest had 16 grandkids that he loved and adored. He would attend all practices, games, and events two hours before it even started, sometimes even three. He carried on his coaching career from the bleachers at every one of his grandkid’s games. He was the most amazing Papa, visiting every grandkid’s household everyday with some kind of treat. He would take them on cruises through random neighborhoods and then go eat. Ernest enjoyed hanging out with Makai and Jason’s friends who most of them were coached by him in Little League. He would attend the annual boys trips where they would go to a Utah football game in another state. He would also hangout every night with them and talk story until 2 am and sometimes later. He never wanted to miss out on anything. Ernest was a mentor to many. An amazing man that would help out anyone in need. A simple man of few words that showed his love through his actions. He is survived by his children: Michael (Brandy) Long, Makai (Bridget) Aalona, Jason (Emily) Aalona, Chelsea (Suatia) Bernard, Alexis Aalona, and Kiana Aalona. Grandchildren: Mauka, Moana, Meali’i, Keaunui, Kekoa, Kahea, Kalea, Ke’alohi, Manutoa, Kapono, Nakoa, Iokepa, Makai, Oliana, Mauna, and Makani. A service will be held on Saturday, July 30th, 2022 from 5:00pm-9:00pm at the River Ridge Stake Center, 10168 South 1100 West, South Jordan, UT 84095.