Honoring the Life of Jeff "Mana" Walthall

Honoring the Life of Jeff "Mana" Walthall #FeelTheMana

October 22, 2015

To know Jeff ‘Mana’ Walthall is to love him. He was a beautiful soul filled with the welcoming ‘aloha spirit’ the Hawaiian Islands are known for. Mana, as his friends know him, was a truly generous being and protector of the ‘aina (Hawaiian word for land) who went above and beyond to help any living soul that he could. Be it in the water or out, he was sure to lend a helping hand. He always paddled out with a wealth of knowledge ready to share it with the world and would swim in with trash other beach goers left behind. He really was a one of a kind, and will forever be remembered as a legend.

Mana discovered his eye for photography in the late 80’s and quickly found himself absorbed in his passion. His love for capturing the moment and sharing his view with everyone around him allowed him to touch lives all over the world. His spirit can be felt whether you knew him in person or through the work he shared with the world.

What made him such an incredible person was how he never failed to greet you with a big smile. You were immediately put at ease in his presence. His many years as a photographer allowed his name to make a worldwide statement, as he was always so willing to share his knowledge and point of view with those around him. His love of life and passion for living it to the fullest can be found in every one of his beautiful images.

On October 13^th, Jeff ‘Mana’ Walthall caught his last wave in. It was only by chance that he was the one being photographed and not behind the camera. Above you can see his last wave, standing tall on the nose of the board, with his hands in the air doing his classic pose. That photo will forever be immortalized as his best friend, Henry Greenspan, captured it just moments before he passed away. “You know, when he came up, he kind of just… Something happened and that was his last wave,” said Dave Kuwada, his cousin. “It was like a storybook finish in a way. I mean, I couldn’t imagine a better way to depart this world. You know, it’s sad, but he went out like a hero.”

It is crazy to think we wont physically see him when we get in the water anymore, but we will always be able to #feeltheMANA no matter where we go. On behalf of Mana's family, we would like to thank everyone, near and far, for all the continuing support. Without a doubt, Mana was loved by all. We know he is stoked to see all the words of love, support and encouragement for his family & friends. He left an incredible legacy behind and touched more lives than he ever knew. What a way to be remembered: loved by all and missed every single day…

It is with a heavy heart that we say Aloha ‘Oe on October 24^th to a legend that Hawaii lost far too soon. Please join us in celebrating Mana's life and legacy....

Makaha Beach

Saturday, October 24, 2015

7am-12pm

Swim out at 11am

We started a Go Fund Me account on behalf of the Walthall family, who we are in close communication with. Mana has positively influenced so many lives during his time on this beautiful planet and we would like to get together and show our support for his family during this tragic time. We have set up his mother with the only access to draw the funds directly from this Go Fund Me page to help her with expenses left behind. This will include but is not limited to medical costs, mortuary expenses and memorial service arrangements.

Please donate. Any help is greatly appreciated: https://www.gofundme.com/ec6ftdws

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