Sharron Ackles, (1946 - 2015) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Sharron be with us forever

69 years old
Born on April 18, 1946 in Orange, California, United States
Passed away on August 24, 2015 in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

Sharron Ackles passed away peacefully on August 24 with Joe and her family at her side. Sharron had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer over a year ago and had fought hard to overcome it. Very few people even knew she was ill. She fought this battle with the same grace and determination that she lived life. This memorial website has been set up to honor Sharron and will serve as a memory and reminder to us all of a woman who touched us all. Please feel free to add pictures, videos, stories, music & letters to Joe and his family.

Memorial Service

Saturday, August 29, 2015
Keauhou Canoe Club at Keauhou Bay
9:00 AM

Following the service, there will be an opportunity to share stories & memories, followed by a scattering of loose flowers in Keauhou Bay and a pot-luck lunch.
We hope you will come and help us celebrate Sharron's life with her family and friends.

Joe's home address is: 75-280 W. Kawena Place
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

In lieu of flowers donations in Sharron's memory can be made through:

https://netcommunity.pancan.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=796

for furthering research in finding the cause and a cure for pancreatic cancer.

Tributes

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August 25, 2017

Time flies so quickly. Two years since we lost our friend Sharron. We remember her with the love and aloha spirit she shared with all who ever met her. Such a kind and generous person, taken from us way too soon. Aloha Sharron, until we meet again.

August 24, 2017

I can't believe it has been 2 years. I miss Sharron every day. Lavaman continues to honor her by raising money for Pancreatic Research every year. In the meantime I have lost three other friends to the same disease. Lets all work together to raise both money and awareness to help fight this terrible disease before it takes more lives as precious as Sharron's.

August 24, 2017

Sharon will always in my heart.
I lost my sweet sister-in-law to this horrible disease.
I fight back by working at our local Relay For Life each year in
Kona.
Joe, blessings to you and your family
Cheryl,

August 24, 2017

There are too many words for this page, yet not enough words to describe Sharron. My heart broke 2 years ago when she passed, and it has not healed. So many memories with her; working on IM, being silly, laughing, dancing at the finish line, a great trip to IM Germany, especially a particular train ride (!), butt dialed cell phone calls, ice cream Fridays on the pier the night before the race, director's weekends at Ko'ele and sooo much more. It's hard to believe she's not somewhere on Kona soil doing good deeds! I miss you. Aloha til we met again.

April 30, 2017

We loved Sharron and will always remember how kind and gracious she was to the many people she came in contact with.

April 19, 2017

It is such a treat to know that my mom's friends remember her on her birthday. She is a woman worth celebrating! My children and I had a party in her honor. We shed some tears and shared memories of how silly she was. We also talked about how generous and compassionate she was. The true queen of hospitality, she loved and cared for anyone who needed help and it brought her much joy. A beautiful spirit. Happy Birthday Mom. XO

April 19, 2017

Sharron's memory lives on in us. God bless her and protect her soul.

April 18, 2017

I still miss Sharron and think about her most every day. She left a void in my heart and will always be missed. Joe, I hope you are doing well and would love to hear from you. Much Aloha.
Gerry

April 18, 2017

Sharron was a cheerleader for all. She rooted for everyone. She took the time to come to my husband's funeral when she only knew us as volunteers for Ironman. It seemed she cared about all people no matter how "important." She made you feel important. She was the soul of Ironman...a caring soul.

August 24, 2016

Can't believe it's been a year since your passing sweet Sharron. I know you are now resting in peace and pain free. You will live forever in my memories.

August 24, 2016

It just doesn't seem possible Sharon has been gone a year.
Joe, I think of her so often. As a mater of fact, I thought of her yesterday when I was at the post office. Frequently, we chatted in the lobby of the post office and would laugh about meeting there.
What a great lady. I will always miss her.
God Bless, Cheryl

June 4, 2016

Sharron was a wonderful person. When joe Parham and i got Married at Kona village she and Joe came and it was beautiful..Joe passed away in May 2016...Maybe you are having a toast you two ,sorry to hear this Sharron..oxox

December 27, 2015

Sharon was a beautiful person, inside and out.

October 10, 2015

I was very pleased to see the beautiful video tribute that was presented at the Ironman E Komo Mai/Welcome banquet on Thursday, 10/8/15.. A very classy gesture from Ironman, honoring an amazing person. I have uploaded the video in the Gallery tab, Videos. Apologies for the quality, as I shot it with my camera. Sorry for the personal, emotional comments as it played.

October 9, 2015

"So sad to hear the news of Sharron's passing.
Mahalo for your passion and for sharing your bright spirit with so many Ironman athletes and fans over the years! You are truly missed Sharron!
Love and Aloha to the Ackles Family!

September 23, 2015

I knew Sharron from business over numerous years as the owner of Champion Manufacturing USA. I came to ITWC in 1998 to watch the event and to fix awards that my company made for Ironman. A number of them had arrived broken (UPS ?). The awards had always gotten there in one piece so I could only speculate why so many were broken this time.

It was a very pleasant time I got to spend with Sharron. She was very nice from the moment I got there even though she was rattled by the fact that so many awards were broken. I got them all fixed and then had a very good time going to the Carb/Welcome party and other events along with the race itself.

My condolences to the Ackles family. I always enjoyed my time around Sharron. She was always a pleasure to work with. Best to you.

September 14, 2015

Nearly a month has passed since Sharron's smile lit up this world. She will always be remembered for how deeply she loved her ohana, all things Ironman and Kona. What an honor it was to have known her.

September 8, 2015

Dear Family Sharron,

I'm sorry that you are experiencing the mourning of losing a love one. Many if not all of us has experienced this, but I would like to share a brief scripture that will may just bring you comfort.

(Revelation 21:4) And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

Thanks for reading.

September 2, 2015

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I say Good Bye to someone that had a profound affect on my life at a time when I needed it. Sharon's kindness toward me and the thousands of others that had the opportunity to meet and get to know Sharon will not be forgotten. The World has lost a gem.
Maria and I want to wish Joe and the family all the best and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 1, 2015

So saddened to hear this news of Sharron's passing. Thank you so much for all your passion for life and the Aloha that you shared with so many over so many years! You are truly missed Sharron!
Love and Aloha to all the Ackles Family!

September 1, 2015

While deeply saddened by the loss of so bright a light in this world, I, like many others am fortunate to have known and been blessed by her indomitable spirit of aloha and ohana. Sharron will be deeply missed by the thousands of people she whose lives she has touched over the years. She made the world a better place just by being in it. Sharron has left a legacy so profound that it cannot be measured.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joe and the Ackles family as well the many others who were her Ironman family worldwide.

September 1, 2015

Sharon was larger than life - to me she has always been the heart and soul of Ironman! My heart goes out to you Joe and your family.

August 31, 2015

Sharron, you are such a shining light in this world. You were a second mother to me. You mean so much to me and I will never forget you. I remember how comforting and supportive you were to me when I was down or had a problem. I loved that my parents were so blessed to spend a Thanksgiving with you and Dad. You were so gracious and welcoming to them and made their trip so special. I admire your strength, determination, warmth, and intelligence that you displayed throughout your life and to anybody lucky enough to know you. Mom, you always made me feel like I was special, important, and loved. I will love and miss you forever. Dad, I love you very much. My prayers and love go out to you.

August 30, 2015

deepest sympathy and prayers to joe and the ackles family. when i competed in my first ironman hawaii in 2002, it was sharron's last as race director. it was an incredible day, finally running down alii drive, crossing the finish line and being congratulated by sharron. i know how proud and happy she was for all the finishers and how special it was to see the big island finishers. sharron will be missed, but never forgotten in our hearts.

August 30, 2015

The happiest of my 30 years at IM Kona were Sharron's years. Her heart & spirit were reflected in the event. She is missed.

August 30, 2015

This is a story about Sharron I wrote years ago that captures the depth of Sharron's compassion and deep commitment to sharing God's grace in practical ways.
   The McCary family has a special affection for Sharron. As you may know she was Ironman Race Director for years. One year the McCary family was competing in the Keahou Half Ironman in Kona which was an Ironman qualifier.
   My son, Mike, had shared with me the tragedy of one of his fellow Aloha pilots. His friend, Greg Matson, had lost his daughter in a horrible drowning incident a few years earlier. Greg was also a triathlete and was competing in the Keahou race and hoping to win an Ironman slot. Greg wanted to do the Ironman and dedicate the race to his daughter's memory. He wanted to carry her with him in his heart during the race.
Unfortunately, Greg did not win an Ironman slot.

  Following the race food and refreshments were served as athletes milled around and talked about their experiences. As we talked Mike noticed his friend Greg with his wife walking past us. We began to talk with them about the race. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Mike becoming edgy and restlessly. Something was cooking inside of him.
He caught my eye and nodded to me that he wanted to talk to me. We stepped away for Greg and his wife as my wife Diane continued to chat with them. Mike said, " Dad, what would you think if I asked Sharron if she would let Greg into the Ironman?" Mike was about to break out of his feelings of impotence and take a risk.
   "Go for it Mike. Mom and I will keep talking to Greg and his wife." Ten minutes after Mike went looking to find Sharron he came back. He had explained the whole tragedy to Sharron. With tears in his eyes he reported. "Dad, she said YES."
    "Should we tell him" Mike said. I said, "why don't you get Sharron and let her tell him." We can then all be a part of it. He left, got Sharron and brought her back and introduced her to Greg and his wife. Sharron then looked at Greg and said "Mike has told me of your wish to qualify and dedicate your race to your daughter." I want to reserve and Ironman slot for you this year or any year you want to compete. Just let me know and I can make all the arrangements."
    Stunned would be a major understatement. The offer took time to digest for Greg and his wife. While it was being digested tears started to leak from all who were there. A very special thing had just happened and we all knew it. It was chicken skin for all of us. The spiritual essence of the Ironman was now clearly exposed. No committees, no applications, no hemming or hawing about an Ironman slot. Just a straight shot of compassion from Mike and Sharron's hearts to Greg and his wife wounded hearts.
   Greg competed the following October with his daughter in his heart. Thanks Sharron. Those precious moments can never be undone. They are eternal.
            With gratitude and love, The McCary family, Diane, Mike, Pat, Kristen, Devonee, Nathan, Austin, Autumn, Landon, Josh and Summer.

August 29, 2015

Joe&Family
The Bourne family shares in your loss. So many great memories with Sharron over the years. We will always remember her pleasant and easy to get along with attitude and personality, her hard work and tireless dedication to the IM and most of all, how she cared about the athletes, both pro and AG. She always kept the idea that we must keep the "Aloha Spirit" as a central theme of IM. She touched so may people with her energy and enthusiasm. Katy, I and the kids, will always remember her kindness and caring as they grew up. God Bless and stay strong in these coming days. Turn the page. We are all there for you. At this Sunday's Dick Evans Memorial Road Race, the peloton will observe a minute of silence prayer, prior to the start of the race

August 29, 2015

Joe,

Dan & I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers.
Sharon was such a beautiful lady. Her constant smile always brightened my day. She will be missed.
God Bless,

Cheryl & Dan Levitz

August 29, 2015

Aloha oye Sharron.... You were such an inspiration to all of us and taught me how to see life clearer through rose colored glasses. Your smile was contagious; a beacon of light from across the pier or from where ever you were standing. Thank you for all of the great memories and good times. It was always such a treat to be around you. May God hold you in the palm is His hand. My heartfelt sympathy to the Ackles family.

August 29, 2015

Sharron you where such a great inspiration to me and my family, I remember when we first became friends our boys Beandonand Chris where on the field playing soccer and that's when ce to be close, you where always their for me during my hard times and never gave up on m, I thank you for being a great friend and mom to me. I will miss you dearly I love you and fly with angels my friend! See you in heaven!

August 28, 2015

I will always remember Sharron's grace and warmth while being such an effective leader on my many visits to Hawaii when she was in charge. She was such a genuine representation of the Aloha spirit which had a positive influence on all who raced or worked/volunteered alongside her. Sorry to see her leave this earth so soon.

August 28, 2015

This is such sad news, Sharron was a remarkable woman with a heart the size of the Big Island.

I met Sharron through Ironman and worked with her on other community events for many years. I loved her passion for life and her compassion for others. She was the ambassador of Kona, the heart of Ironman, and I don’t recall ever seeing her without that infectious smile on her face.
We were the start boat for Ironman for many years. It always surprised me that Sharron would take the time to personally meet with us to make sure our t-shirts were the right size, we had the right passes and ask us, “What else can Ironman do for you?” She did this for all the volunteers!
She once asked me if I would like to volunteer for a race, in which there would be a contest for best themed aid station. We came up with the idea to do Elvis Presley, Heartbreak Hotel in front of Casa de Emdeko. I thought Sharron would think I was nuts, but she was in 100%. We built a hotel facade, cranked up the music and dressed the part. I can still see her in high heels, chasing bikes, handing out water bottles, sporting elbow length white gloves and of course that ear-to-ear smile. Oh, and we won 1st place!

Truly an amazing woman who will never be forgotten.

August 28, 2015

Sharron was a great motivator and always an inspiration to me. Whether it was from the Ironman finish line or a body pump or spin class she was encouraging, positive and a ray of sunshine. I loved her sense of humor, beautiful smile and easy teasing way with a little gleam of the devil in her eye. I was excited to hear Joe and Sharon were moving back to the Big Island I am sorry that the joy of returning to their island home did not last longer. Joe and Ohana you are in our hearts! Aloha

August 28, 2015

Joe, Brandon, Gerry, Shelley and all the Ohana.
Words can not express my sorrow in Sharron's passing. She was such an inspiration in my life and helped me in so many ways. Her compassion, love, encouragement were only a few things on her list of things she did for others. Her hugs were genuine and replenishing especially when you needed a hug. I have comfort knowing she will be in heaven waiting for us as we arrive. Her infectious smile will live forever and that is what I will always remember. Love you Sharron and bless your family and friends during this time.
I think its about time for a midnight ice cream party!! :-)

August 28, 2015

Sharron was one of a kind. Her smile could light up anyone's day. I first met Sharron when she came to my office back in 92. She was so gracious and patient with me when I asked for an application to this
"Ironman". She informed in a amused voice that you had to do more than fill out an application to get in. Her patience with my ignorance won me a friend forever. So sorry Joe for your loss. I know somewhere in heaven she is probably organizing an event even now.

August 27, 2015

I knew Sharron back in our Jazzercise Days, pre Ironman. She was so much fun to be around, people were just naturally drawn to her. It was so wonderful when she inspired others as a fitness instructor and then heading up Ironman. A truly inspirational woman. She will be missed by many. Till we meet again, Sharron...

August 27, 2015

Kona Ironman & Keauhou Triathlon was such a huge part of my life for over 15 years of training & racing and Sharron & Joe just came hand in hand. You were both always there for each other and every athlete out there. I can only say Mahalo Nui Loa for all you gave Sharron. My heart goes out to Joe & his ohana, may you find peace & strength during this sad time. We are so lucky to have had such wonderful memories of the good ole days in Kona xoxo

August 27, 2015

Beloved soul that touched many lives around the globe. An infectious smile that brightens the darkness room. An Aunty to all of our children growing up with IM. The heartbeat, the Queen and the Iron Woman of The World Ironman Triathlon. Thank you for all you've done for the communities and especially for our future (our keiki's). You've taken on the largest race in the world under your little wings and made it yours. May you fly with the Angels and rest in love. Forever loved and never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to the Ackles family. We love you all

August 27, 2015

There are no words for a lady who loved and carried so many in her heart. Sharron was the most positive and kind woman, full of love and grace. She was always giving. Always caring of others and making each of us feel as if we were the most valuable person on the earth. She was a special gift. I will always be forever grateful for her love. Joe we love you and we are praying for you and the family.

August 27, 2015

Dear Joe,

I feel for you and your family. Sharon exemplified a life well lived, and I am sure your family's return to the Big Island allowed for you all to create lasting memories and a sense of homecoming. She truly made it home.

Best,
Rob Perry

August 27, 2015

I wish that I had more time to get to know Sharron. She was a strong and beautiful woman that will be missed by our community.

August 27, 2015

Dear Joe,
Moke & I are so saddened by the news of Sharron's passing....saw her just twice while in Kona by chance & we made plans to get-together but I knew she was in a great fight....she was the best Governor's liaison ever & she made me a better person for having worked with her. We are in Colorado now helping Moke's sister after bypass surgery & won't be able to make the memorial on Saturday but know that our thoughts & prayers are with you and your ohana.....God has another angel in heaven....much aloha, Moke & Debbie Hauanio ❤️

August 26, 2015

My condolences to the Ackles Family. I will never forget doing Keauhou Kona at 16 and being very nervous about what I was about to endeavor. Sharron made a point to find me that morning and give me a big hug and say "enjoy the day and don't worry". It meant so much to me and I've her do the same for so many other athletes. Thank you for supporting every single athlete that finished all of your races! You truly were the Aloha Spirit of Ironman and will be missed.

August 26, 2015

Linda and I are very sorry for your loss. We have always been gratefull for the start you gave us in Ironman in 1994. We enjoyed your company for all the years we shared Kona with you. May God bless you and give you the strength to work your way through this difficult time. I will pray for Sharron and you.

August 26, 2015

Mahalo Nui Loa to Sharron and Joe for all of their love and support of Ironman athletes, especially those from Hawaii. Sharron always made the race special and I will forever be honored and grateful to have been a part of Kona when Sharron was at the helm. RIP. Joe, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

August 26, 2015

Such a beautiful person with caring ways and thoughts for everyone that came into her life. Always there for everyone. So sorry Joe.

August 26, 2015

Joe, I am so sorry for the deep grief you bear right now. May you find some measure of comfort in knowing how much Sharron was loved and admired. She was a gracious lady, with such a sweet smile and a kind and generous heart. May God grant you grace sufficient for the difficult days ahead and peace at the end of your sorrow.

August 26, 2015

My dear friend.. I gave thought of you a number of times over the years. You was such an inspiration in my life. I will always treasurer the times we worked together at the chamber. You taught me a lot. You will be dearly missed by all those whos lives you touched. Aloha Sharon fly with angels!

August 26, 2015

1995 when i was in Kona it was special and she simply made it special for every single athlete there ,you could tell , i never forgot that . Thank you and rest in please

August 26, 2015

Sharron was a true lady - gracious, kind, giving and full of fun and love.
She helped thousands fulfill a wonderful memory in their lives! She was a sister and friend and she greatly blessed my life. Thanks you Joe for sharing her with us. Much love to you and your family.
Joyce Taylor

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today

Some people never realize how much they are loved by another until it is too late to reciprocate. I came to that realization when I was 16 and my favorite person in the world was removed from my life by circumstance that neither of us could have ever imagined. I continued to dream that we would someday be together again.

That dream did come true, as my angel appeared before me one day without notice. From that day forward we expressed our love for each other in every way possible. We enjoyed a love language that most are clueless of. A special touch, a brief look with a smile, a spontaneous hug, an over-the-top gift, each containing a silent love message that words couldn’t express.

When God chooses who will join him, he is drawn to the prettiest flowers in his garden first.

We that remain, will continue to celebrate our great fortune of having been loved by Sharron during her time with us. She was more than a very special lady, and is lovingly missed !

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today

Happy Heavenly Birthday dear Sharron. I think of you often, and the love you gave to so many.

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We always start talking about moms bday about a week ahead of time. We often ponder how much better our life would be if she was stillI here. I had no clue how much she held us all together, even if thousands of miles apart. Strange these realizations come to mind only after she is gone. I wish she truly knew how much she meant to us. My fault for not expressing it more often i suppose. Losing my mom has taught me not to take anything in life for granted. We miss you terribly mom. We wish you were still here so danged badly. Theres so much i need to tell you. Maybe someday... happy birthday Mommy.

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Forever grateful for our friendship. Happy 74th Birthday in heaven my friend.

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The Sharron I remember

September 5, 2015

The coolest thing about our memories is that we get to choose what we keep in the front of our minds. I chose two to remember Sharron by.

The first year we worked together, 1992, is one of my favorite years. During race week she called me and asked if I was busy (of course!) but not too busy to give her whatever time she needed. She told me to come down to the hotel entrance and she'd pick me up. She sounded very serious, almost grim. I got in the car and she drove away from the hotel. She was chatting about inconsequentials. I finally asked where we were going and she said, "Well, we are much too recoginizable so we are going to get diguises." We spent the next half hour in Longs going through their Halloween stock. We came away with false mustaches. We wore them all day and many of the volunteers joined in the fun and would come up and ask us if we'd seen Robin or Sharron!

a few months later, we were coming back from lunch, riding in the back of a convertible. We were laughing and saying it was like being in the parade. I said yes, only we'd be sitting up on the back of the seats. She looked at me and said, "I will if you will." We spent the rest of the trip back to the office waving at whoever we passed.

Sharron loved to laugh and it was always good to laugh with her. She will always make me smile.

No shame in front!

August 28, 2015

I had been one of Sharron's coordinators for a few years when one day I was in her office talking about business and shared with her my fustration of my added weight gain. With a gleam and sparkle in her eye and a smile that went on for miles she said "have you tried spinning at The Club?". Needless to say it took her very little time to convince me to come try and I thought, why not.....I hang out in the back and no one will even really notice me. She comforted me and said to just show up and she would have everything ready to go. I reminded her, now don't forget, put me in the back. YA, RIGHT!! Sharron had me set up in the first row, dead center. I was like noooooooooo Sharron! The people behind me will lose their eye site if you put me if front, enrolment will drop, this is not good.

Even with my heart racing with the fear of "being in the front row", within seconds Sharron had calmed me and I was actually at ease getting on the bike. My butt wasn't so happy with me for the next month but if it wasn't for Sharron I would have not have joined the Club for which I am still a member today. Sharron also got me into body-pump for which I knew not to waste my breath telling her I wanted to start in the back. Sharron always had the way to calm and ease people when most stressed or get us over that hump and make us comfortable out of our comfort zone. You will be forever missed Sharron but I wil never, ever forget your love, comfort, compassion and hugs!!

Rest in peace and watch over us till we meet in the Heavenly spin class, and no worries, I will hang in front with you!

A Song for Aunty Sharron

August 27, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF0VZXPyHAk

This is one of Kya's original songs that we wanted to share in hopes that it brings uncle Joe and family comfort. Auntie Sharron is found in His love!

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