Dusty Tadao Chinen
Obituary
Dusty Tadao Chinen, Retired Veteran Chief Petty Officer serving the United States Coast Guard, peacefully passed away on June 9, 2026 at the age of 95. Born in Kekaha, Kauai Hawai’i on May 20, 1931. Dusty served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 21 years and was proud to serve in the Korean War and Vietnam War as well as being one of a few chosen to be a lighthouse keeper for the Kilauea Point Lighthouse in Kilauea, Kauai Hawai’i the island he was born on. Upon his retirement Dusty chose Kirkland, WA to settle down in.
After military service, he continued his work as a welder and other forms of metal work. He coached his youngest son in the Peewee league football in Kirkland with his eldest son. He spent several years attending the Asian American Community Church then to the Living Hope Bible Church. Dusty will be remembered for his beautiful smile, and his kind, giving heart.
Dusty was married to Yoshimi Seta for 57 years until her passing in 2012. They had 3 children all born and raised mostly in Hawai’i and is survived by his son Paul, wife Kellie., grandchildren Emylie, Aki, Hayden and Ashlie. 2 great-grandchildren Sam and Mia. Daughter Anuenue. Son Darryl, wife Elizabeth, grandchildren Justin, Melissa and Victoria.
Services with military honors will be held on July 25, 2026 at 2pm at LIVING HOPE BIBLE CHURCH. 205 Mountain Park Blvd SW, Issaquah, WA 98027. (425) 587-1232
***Dusty loved to wear his collection of Hawaiian shirts and we encourage all attending to wear festive Aloha/Hawaiian attire for his Celebration of Life!
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Curt Bartnes
(Posted: July 22, 2026)
Dusty, you were one the nicest people I've ever known. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you all those years at Northwest Motor Welding. I hope you enjoyed the plum tree. Thank you for your 21 years of service in the Coast Guard. -
Dennis Hammond and family
(Posted: July 21, 2026)
Uncle Dusty was a tremendous blessing to our family. He was always a gracious and generous host when we came to visit. He also was a source of encouragement to our mother, his sister, Mitsue, after the passing of our father, Bill Hammond. He will be missed but will always be alive in our hearts. We look forward to seeing him again in eternity. -
Vince
(Posted: July 21, 2026)
Always a warm smile and a good word. A valued co-worker and a cherished friend. -
Dianna Hardy
(Posted: July 20, 2026)
I didn't have the honor of knowing him personally, but I know his wonderful daughter Anuenue, and that alone tells me what a meaningful legacy he leaves behind. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May his memory live on in all the lives he touched. -
Randy Chinen
(Posted: July 20, 2026)
Was great to see uncle Dusty couple years ago at the place he was living! Thank you Anuenue for bringing us there! Uncle graduated to Heaven! What a blessing he was! Definitely enjoyed staying with the ohana in Kilauea and seeing the lighthouse at night! Also the visits he made with the fam to Kauai! Praying for a successful celebration of life service! Love and blessings to you all! -
Anne Pizarro Nobleza
(Posted: July 20, 2026)
Mr. C, you always had the sweetest smile and surpringly remembered me when I came to visit. You loved my banana bread. We will miss you dearly. You are forever in our hearts! -
Paul Chinen
(Posted: July 12, 2026)
Dad rest in peace. You will truly be missed by all of us. - Leave a Comment