August 26, 2015
August 26, 2015
Rocky & I feel truly blessed to have had Sharron in our lives . She was an incredible loving nurturing person "MOM" who will be remembered forever in our hearts.
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
Leave a tribute
August 26, 2015
August 26, 2015
Joe, words are not adequate to express how very sorry I am to hear of your loss. Sharron touched many lives, may you find peace and comfort.
August 26, 2015
August 26, 2015
Such a warm, sweet friend who reflected the love of Jesus to everyone she met. She was a woman of class, elegance and grace and let us all know how much she loved us. I will miss you, sweet one!
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Joe, Terry and I wish you peace and comfort. We are so very happy to have known Sharron. She taught me to "never let them see you sweat"
And that has served me well over the years. Ahui Ho to our dear Sharron and much love to you dear friend.
Tina Clothier and Terry Cisco
And that has served me well over the years. Ahui Ho to our dear Sharron and much love to you dear friend.
Tina Clothier and Terry Cisco
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Sharron was such a contributor to the Big Island community, especially Kona. She always worked for positive change. Her stewardship of Ironman was amazing....and she created a very positive aura around the event for the entire Kona community. I'm so sad for all who loved and cared for her, and especially you, Joe, and the rest of the family. Warmest aloha.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Dearest Sharon: you were a star guiding so many competitors and volunteers alike towrd a common goal. My world is dimmer with your passing, but your patience and smile will always be a beacon in the IronWorld. Aloha!
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
With deepest sympathy to Joe and the Ackles Ohana. Thank you Sharon for all the memories. God bless you!
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Mahalo Sharron !!!
We had the best time at all the finish line during Kona Ironman .
Thanks for your dedication, to be a wonderful person and all the contribution to our sport .
Mahalo for the aloha !!!
The triathletes ohana will never forget you .
God bless you and your family .
Fernanda Keller - triathlete Brazil
We had the best time at all the finish line during Kona Ironman .
Thanks for your dedication, to be a wonderful person and all the contribution to our sport .
Mahalo for the aloha !!!
The triathletes ohana will never forget you .
God bless you and your family .
Fernanda Keller - triathlete Brazil
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Sharon was such a kind and lovely lady. I didn't know that she was sick when I ran into her a little while ago. She was always gracious. My husband,Don joins me in sending the family our Aloha and sympathy. We also left the island and moved back. So happy that she was here in our gorgeous islands at the last. Prayers and good wishes.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Sharron was one of the kindest people it was my pleasure to know. She was always so kind to Brad, Hunter and myself while we lived in Kona. She was a great Ironman director and truly cared about all of the athletes and the entire West Hawaii community to make the Ironman experience a wonderful and meaningful experience. She always had a smile. The smile was true. She was true. No hidden agendas. I will remember her fondly always and thank Joe and all of her family for sharing her with us. Rest in peace Sharron. Aloha Oe.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Sharron was a rare, unique lovely spirit and will remain in my heart forever. She embraced a sense of grace like no other person I have EVER met. Sharron had the soul of a friend, sister and was the Mom to all of us at the same time. She gave me strength during some challenging times and I will always be thankful that I had the honor to benefit from her wisdom in life and love. My deepest sympathy to Joe and the family.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Sharron was a true light in my life. I rarely got as close to an employee as I did with Sharron and her family, but how could I not? She was a true professional at all she did, and a Godly lady who looked first to help others. As a Race Director, she was awesome. I knew if I gave her something to do, I didn't have to think twice about it. My family will always love her. The way she handled her sickness is the way she handled life. With class....Prayers to Joe, Brandon and the entire family.....
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Joe, my deepest sympathies for the family's loss. Sharron was a graceful woman who always brought a smile to my face. She will be missed by everyone and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken Murrah
Ken Murrah
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Dear Joe and Gerry,
How well I remember those good old days when Ironman was so special surrounded by so many special people many of whom have become lasting friends. Thank you for the "aloha" spirit that exuded from you personally and electrified the atmosphere. Sharon is, indeed, in her paradise now. Fondest of memories!
How well I remember those good old days when Ironman was so special surrounded by so many special people many of whom have become lasting friends. Thank you for the "aloha" spirit that exuded from you personally and electrified the atmosphere. Sharon is, indeed, in her paradise now. Fondest of memories!
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
For more than she would ever have acknowledged - thank you, thank you, thank you, Sharron. Respect, Admiration, Love always.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Sharon was a wonderful and loving lady. Her dedication to her family and friends was a beautiful tribute. Sharon will be missed by many but we will all have our wonderful memories of how she touched our lives. I will always be grateful for how she touched mine.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
I've known Sharon since I was 2yr I'll be 30yr next year. She was like a second mother to me. I used to go to her house to play with Brandon everyday since I was 2yr. She was my neighbor since I could remember. I have so many memories of her with Uncle Joe and Brandon. Those were the good days and the moments that I will never forget. She was an amazing woman and human being with a big heart. She will forever be missed.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Sharron,
Mahalo for everything you did for our wonderful ironman-ohana. It was one of my best times working for you and my hawaiian mom Gerry october 2002.
you will live forever in our hearts and our memories..... I think of the Ironman-Ohana in Kona - sending you thousands of hugs from Switzerland.....
A special hug to Joe and Gerry - love, Susanne
Mahalo for everything you did for our wonderful ironman-ohana. It was one of my best times working for you and my hawaiian mom Gerry october 2002.
you will live forever in our hearts and our memories..... I think of the Ironman-Ohana in Kona - sending you thousands of hugs from Switzerland.....
A special hug to Joe and Gerry - love, Susanne
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
This is sad news indeed. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting her in person, Sharron was generous, kind and more inspirational to me than words can express. Rest in peace gentle woman, may her ohana find comfort in treasured memories.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
I'm so sorry and sad to hear this, its too short. Last I heard you were moving back to Kona : (..May you rest in peace. I remember the days at Waterfront Row, and the years of Ironman. I will always remember your Smile the most! A Hui Hou!
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
I met Sharron in 2000 when I volunteered for the Hawaii Ironman Organization. I was there for 2+ weeks and had the opportunity to work in the race office. Sharron was a source of inspiration and a really nice person. I am very sorry for your loss and I send my thoughts to you in this sad moment. I just lost my boss to pancreatic cancer this year. Cancer is just mean. Take Care.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
August 24, 2015 was celebrated in Hawaii as the 125th anniversary of the birth of The "Ambassador of Aloha", surfing legend and Olympian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. Sharron as with Duke, was the epitome of this aloha spirit, Grace, love of the Hawaiian people, and caring for her community. I first met Sharron some 15 years ago and she always wore an infectious smile and shared a kind word. Her spirit will live on forever in Kona. Mahalo nui loa
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
This news leaves my heart heavy. Gerry introduced us in Kauai @ an IM function and we became instant friends. And off we went to workout, Sharon even became a fitness instructor and inspired many!!! Watching her @ the IM finish line with that great smile and positive attitude will be remembered by many. You will go down in History as the best IM Director ever. So glad our paths crossed. I still tell my clients today your success story's. You will continue living in my heart. Prayer to all family and friends.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Dear Joe,
It is with a heavy heart that I share in this memorial to Sharron. You were both so wonderful to me througout the time we shared. In a myriad of ways the love you shared together and the strength of character you both brought made life in our Kona community that much better, that much brighter. These words do not adequately express the loss of such a beautiful human being as Sharron. I know your heart is full, as is mine. Aloha to a dear Sharron. My love to you, Brandon and family.
It is with a heavy heart that I share in this memorial to Sharron. You were both so wonderful to me througout the time we shared. In a myriad of ways the love you shared together and the strength of character you both brought made life in our Kona community that much better, that much brighter. These words do not adequately express the loss of such a beautiful human being as Sharron. I know your heart is full, as is mine. Aloha to a dear Sharron. My love to you, Brandon and family.
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Sharron was, simply put, one of the very best individuals I ever had the pleasure to work with, know, and be associated with in Hawaii. She was so infectious with her life. She could get you to do things no one else could! For the love she shared with so many...and the smile she always carried....Missing you! Carboman ;)
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
My mom was always there for us. Every baseball game. Every football game. She even supplied the entire team with gatorade for the season. When I first moved out on my own, whenever I needed a hand, I knew I could always count on mom. I will always remember the camping trips. her peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies that she would make to eat on the way . Even the music that we listened to back in our camping days still brings a tear to my eye . She was an amazing lady, & a very strong woman. You know, sometimes family members lose track of how important they are to each other. Sometimes we all take a family member for granted. I know im guilty of that..Let me tell you, every chance you get, you tell your mother you love her with all your heart. I Love You Father. I'm so sorry for you. You will both be in my heart forever and always.
August 24, 2015
August 24, 2015
Joe
The news re Sharron is quite distressful to me ever though you, she and I have not had contact for years. She and I are of the same era both age wise and Ironman era wise. She was the kindest most empathic person I know. Her personality became the Ironman personality during the many years she served as director. Her years as director were congruent with mine as executive director of USA Triathlon so we were soul mates.
Sharron's personality permeated Ironman. I don't think we see that today. She will remain the hearts of those of her era forever especially mine. My best to you Joe and to Sharron!
Steven Locke
The news re Sharron is quite distressful to me ever though you, she and I have not had contact for years. She and I are of the same era both age wise and Ironman era wise. She was the kindest most empathic person I know. Her personality became the Ironman personality during the many years she served as director. Her years as director were congruent with mine as executive director of USA Triathlon so we were soul mates.
Sharron's personality permeated Ironman. I don't think we see that today. She will remain the hearts of those of her era forever especially mine. My best to you Joe and to Sharron!
Steven Locke
August 24, 2015
August 24, 2015
Sharron is the most kind loving person I've ever met. She expresses her aloha spirit in all she does, and all she did when I met her in 1999 in Kona, the first time I raced there. Her legacy lives on in all of us that met and worked with her over the years. Love you Sharron, and we will miss you.
August 24, 2015
August 24, 2015
I met Sharron in Kona in 2002 when i was trying to become the first person from Gibraltar to complete an Ironman Distance event. Sharron took the time out to come and find me and let me know what a challenge it had been for her to find the Gibraltar National Flag as she was determined to make sure it was flying equally alongside all of the other Nations. Amazing insight to recognise how important this was for me and that 30 second meeting is as memorable as the race. Thank you!
August 24, 2015
August 24, 2015
Sharron was a cheerleader for everyone, with a big heart and enthusiasm for life. She really cared about people. I knew her from Ironman Kona. My late husband, Bruno & I were one of the thousands of volunteers. When he died, she came to his memorial. I was touched and honored. I sang "Amazing Grace" at his service and she asked me to sing it at the Pre-race event which was called Carbo load at that time. It was the first international sports event after Sept 11. They turned out the lights and gave everyone candles. I'll never forget it or her. Heaven is a brighter place because she is there! A hui hou and Aloha, Sharron.
August 24, 2015
August 24, 2015
In the dog-eat-dog world of elite triathlon, Sharon showed us kindness and empathy when the for-profiteers dissed her aloha. What a graceful woman. Fair winds, Sharon.
August 24, 2015
August 24, 2015
So many memories of what Sharron has meant to me, but the common thread through all of it was her willingness to give her time, energy and love to me. I am a better person for having known her.
August 23, 2015
August 23, 2015
Ironman Lanzaarote first year was 1992 and we have to thanks Sharron for all the help she gave us, here on Lanzarote.
Sharron will still live in our heart.
Sharron will still live in our heart.
August 23, 2015
August 23, 2015
Sharron and I first served together on the USAT Board of Directors in 1997. We became fast friends. In the years that followed Ester and I would come to Ironman and work for Sharron. I was with Joe working the swim transition and bike finish. Sharron was a good friend who treated everyone with decency and respect. She made Ironman Hawaii a warm and fun place to be with her personal touch. Ester and I will miss her dearly.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
April 18
April 18
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 !
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 !
April 18
April 18
Happy Heavenly Birthday dear Sharron. I think of you often, and the love you gave to so many.
April 18
April 18
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.
Gallery
Missing you on mothers day mom❤️
My 2 favorite ladies of all time.
Forever grateful for our friendship. Happy 74th Birthday in heaven my friend.
FB_IMG_1468802243954
Processing...
This may take up to an hour.
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Error:
click to contact support.
Sharron Ackles Tribute
Wendy, Sharron & Riley...so precious!!
The Ironman girls!!
Recent stories
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
by Kristy Foth
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!