October 7th, 1965 - August 12th, 2024
Kalani Parnell, age 58, was welcomed home by the Heavens on August 12th, 2024. With a twinkle in his eye, he often reminded others that his name meant "from the Heavens" and would always ask, "What does your name mean?"
Born on October 7th, 1965, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kalani was given his name by his birth mother, Joan Rego. Two days later, he was adopted by Donald and Doris Parnell, beginning a story his mother affectionately called her "Tupperware Baby" tale. While hosting a Tupperware party, Kalani's grandmother mentioned that her daughter was about to give birth and planned to give the baby up for adoption. Doris was soon called, and he became part of the Parnell family, officially named Donald Edward Kalani Parnell, though to everyone who knew and loved him, he was simply Kalani or Lani.
The Parnell family spent a short time in Hawaii before Don's military service took them to California, and it was there that Kalani's sister Debbie joined the family. In 1973, the family settled in Enid, Oklahoma, where Kalani's roots truly took hold. In Enid, he formed lifelong friendships, creating a chosen family he cherished deeply. Kalani attended McKinley Elementary, Waller Junior High, and Enid Senior High, graduating with the class of 1983. Known for his charismatic leadership, Kalani was the Student Council President and a proud member of the All-State Chorus during his junior and senior years. After high school, Kalani attended Oklahoma State University and Phillips University.
Kalani joined the United States Navy in 1986. His primary occupation was Hospital Corpsman. Kalani was a trained Navy SEAL, where his duty occupation was Special Operations Technician and UDT/SEAL team during Operation Desert Storm. Kalani served until 1992, and continued in the Naval Reserve until 1994, when he lived in Virginia and worked at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Kalani's career in healthcare eventually led him to Alaska in 1998, where he began working at Providence Alaska Medical Center, as the Director of Supply Chain management.
In 2004, Kalani took on the role of Manager of RSSC at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, where he showcased his talent for leadership and teamwork. By 2006, he transitioned into Organizational Development and served as the Director until his departure in 2023. An expert in process improvement, Kalani earned his Black Belt in Six Sigma, becoming a master of streamlining and efficiency. His skills and engaging personality made him a natural choice to emcee and facilitate numerous events, where he thrived in any situation thrown his way. Known for his versatility, he took on several interim assignments over the years at ANTHC, including Director of Contracting and Procurement and even Interim CEO. Regardless of the role, Kalani was always ready to step in and fill any vacancy, earning a reputation as a dependable and capable leader. Through his work with the ANTHC, Kalani was introduced to the rich cultures, traditions, and villages of Alaska Native peoples. He fully embraced these experiences, cherishing the connections he made and holding them close to his heart. The relationships he built went beyond the workplace-his work friends became his family.
In the fall of 2023, Kalani embarked on a new journey as a Student Success Coach at Knik Charter School. He was passionate about working with the students and found immense joy and fulfillment in their achievements. He was excitedly looking forward to the start of this school year, eager to continue making a difference in their lives.
In his youth, a trip to Yellowstone sparked Kalani's love for nature, a passion that deepened during his time in Alaska. Alaska became his second home, where he found a sense of belonging while hiking, carving, and camping in its vast wilderness. Despite his connection to Alaska, Kalani never forgot his Hawaiian roots and always searched for his birth family. He also remained grounded in his Oklahoma upbringing, holding on to the values and friendships that shaped him and always passionately cheering for the Sooners.
Over the last decade, Kalani embraced a new tradition of spending time in Montana living out his cowboy dreams each year. During this time, he formed deep bonds and created an extended family within the Montana ranching community. He displayed his own cattle brand proudly as a symbol of this connection.
But above all, Kalani's first and most important job was as a father. His life changed forever in 2007 when his daughter Selah was born. In his own words, he wrote, "I cried the first time I saw my daughter's face as it looked like mine, and it was the first time I had seen my own likeness in someone else I was related to. It was a powerful moment for me. One I don't think someone can understand unless you've experienced it for yourself from a perspective like mine."
Kalani is survived by his daughter, Selah Parnell and her family (Susan, Chris, Sarah, Mason, Isaac, Jacob), his sister, Debbie Vassar (Mark), and his nephew, Ian Vassar.
Kalani's legacy of love, friendship, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
There will be two Celebrations of Life for Kalani.
In Oklahoma, on September 22 from 1-3pm, in Enid, at the Enid Brewery.
In Alaska, on October 26th, from 3-6, in Anchorage, at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation for the continued care of his special needs daughter Selah, C/O her mother Susan Ess. 2100 S Sea Biscuit Ln, Palmer, Alaska 99645
