In October, HHHRC said aloha to three pillars of our community: Dr. Cyril Goshima, Rev. Jeffrey Lilley, and Dr. John Casken. Dr. Goshima was one of Hawaii’s first HIV physicians, Rev. Lilley served as Board President of the Life Foundation and navigated our merger with The CHOW Project in 2018, and Dr. Casken served as our longest-tenured Board member, first with CHOW and then with HHHRC. Their contributions to HHHRC and the communities we serve have had a resounding impact that will be felt for generations. We will continue to walk in their footsteps and take solace in knowing that the depth of their care is realized daily throughout the community.
Remembering Dr. Cyril Goshima
Dr. Cyril Goshima passed away on October 1. He dedicated his life to serving those living with HIV, providing compassionate and groundbreaking care during a time when stigma and fear were widespread. As Chair of the Hawaiʻi Medical Association’s Infection Control Committee, he was one of the leading medical voices on HIV/AIDS in Hawaiʻi. In 1987, he was appointed to Governor Waihee’s Committee on AIDS and later served as Chair.
For over a decade, Dr. Goshima was a key member of the Pacific AIDS Educational Training Center, where he shared his extensive knowledge, mentored countless healthcare professionals, and advocated for quality care for all individuals affected by HIV. His leadership and dedication were instrumental in ensuring that healthcare providers across the Pacific were well-equipped to support people living with HIV with both expertise and empathy.
HHHRC’s Raymond Alejo, R.N., offered the following short remembrance: “Dr. Goshima’s gentle spirit was life-affirming, and the happiness and health he cultivated through his professional care live on in so many. I am among those privileged to receive the gifts of his knowledge and his love, and he will forever inspire my work with patients.”
Lei Pua ‘Ala, Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi, has a page dedicated to Dr. Goshima that features an hour-long audio interview from May 2024.
Remembering Rev. Jeff Lilley
Reverand Jeffrey Lilley passed away unexpectedly on October 13, preparing to do what he loved – give his sermon at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu (LCH), where he had served as pastor since 2007. Jeff, as he was known to friends and loved ones, was instrumental in supporting the merger of Life Foundation and The CHOW Project in 2018 as Board President. He often hosted meals for people living with HIV at LCH and was known to donate an afternoon of sailing on his boat as part of the Honolulu AIDS Walk. Rev. Lilley did not shy away from robust debate and walked his talk of fair, equitable, and inclusive treatment, with LCH being incredibly welcoming to all. Jeff is survived by his wife, Jean, two children, three grandchildren, and hundreds (if not thousands) who are inspired not just by his words but by his actions.
HHHRC’s ED Heather Lusk shared, “HHHRC would not be here if it were not for Rev. Lilley. As the President of Life Foundation’s Board and then the first Board President of HHHRC, Jeff walked alongside us every step of the way and provided support and guidance during the transition and helped shape the vision of our new organization.” HHHRC is grateful to Rev. Lilley and the entire congregation of LCH for the love shared with our community. For more information, visit LCH’s website.
Remembering Dr. John Casken
Dr. John Casken passed away on October 27 at age 84, surrounded by his family in his Kailua home. Dr. Casken, born in Thetford, England, was a longtime member of The CHOW Project, which provided syringe access services across the state, and served on the board of HHHRC until he stepped off due to illness earlier this year. Dr. Casken was a professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s (UHM) School of Nursing (now known as the Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing) and served in many capacities there, including as Chair of the Department of Nursing’s Faculty Senate and Representative with the University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly. After earning his master’s in public health, he served for five years on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, which informed his work with UHM’s Health Careers Opportunity Program. In 2000, he received the UH Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Casken encouraged his nursing students to explore public health policy and served on the Board of the Community Health Education and Evaluation Program (CHEEP). Memorial services will be announced by his family in the coming weeks.
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