It is with a heavy heart that the family of Rex Matsunaga announces that on Oct. 8, 2020, with his family at his side, Rex left to be with our Lord and Savior. Rex was born on May 14, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He moved to Santa Maria with his wife, Nadine, in 2000.

Rex was a loving and devoted father and husband, a talented chef, an avid fisherman, and a bass ukulele player. He also loved archery, learning new things, taking on challenges of all sorts, and living each day to the fullest.

Born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii, Rex graduated from Kalani High School and was known for being one of the state’s best trombone players, representing Hawaii in the bands that participated in the Macy’s and Rose Bowl parades.

Rex grew up in Kaimuki and was a skilled softball and baseball player. He also started his career at Hy’s Steak House in Honolulu and worked at other various businesses before relocating to Santa Maria where he was a cook at the Holiday Inn, Blacklake Golf Course, Chumash Casino & Resort, and Sunset Ridge before founding his own restaurant, Zoe’s Hawaiian BBQ and Catering.

Although departing so unexpectedly, Rex truly lived life to the fullest. He loved to go fishing with his many fishing friends, or just with himself and Jesus; playing the bass uke with his best friend Aylett; and managing his business and team at Zoe’s Hawaiian BBQ.

We are so blessed with the many memories he created with the people he met and who became friends and part of our ‘ohana (family). He had a great passion for everything he did, always trying to make or do things better, and never ceased to share the Hawaiian culture he grew up in with the community.

The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone for their kindness, generosity, time and support shared during this difficult time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Rex is survived by his wife Nadine and daughter Zoe; brothers Stewart (Faye) and Robin (Tammy); mother-in-law Sylvia Malilay; brothers-in-law Jarrett and Mitchell (Karen) Malilay; sister-in-law Renee (Paul) Ogawa; and his nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Nancy Matsunaga.