Our Friend, Bob: A Loving Husband & Devoted Friend

Bob Melton was born in Tennessee and before moving to Hawaii in 1985, he spent some time in Anchorage, Alaska. While in Alaska, Bob established himself as a valued professional in the food and beverage industry. After having a conversation with some friends who were moving to Hawaii, Bob made the decision to move to Oahu.

Bob began his career in Hawaii as a bartender working at Rose & Crown and Moose McGillycuddy's in Waikiki. While working at the Rose & Crown, he was offered a position at Chuck’s Steakhouse Waikiki, where he ended up working as a bartender for 29 years. Through his hard work and dedication, Bob was promoted to Bar Manager. He soon became one of the best- and well-known bartenders and bar mangers in Waikiki and was recognized for his speed at making cocktails along with his ability to remember every face and drink his customers ordered when they walked through the doors. Bob’s warm southern charm, hard work, and professionalism earned him the respect of colleagues and admiration of his patrons. He made and maintained friendships with many he served from all over the world.

Bob left Chuck’s in 2017 to become a Certified Home Inspector with Diamond Head Home Inspections. He has been instrumental as a leader, mentor, and trainer in helping the company grow to what it is today. Bob completed more than 1,150 inspections during his time with Diamond Head and earned the designation of Certified Master Inspector. Bob is certified with InterNACHI and has passed the National Home Inspector’s Exam.

A client favorite, Bob worked diligently as a home inspector until he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in December of 2021. The news was devastating to Bob, his wife Gaynell, and their family. For two years, Bob has been fighting vigorously to defeat this terrible disease.

In order to get the best care possible, Bob and his wife traveled back and forth to the top-rated Cancer Center in the country, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas for treatments. Bob has undergone countless chemo treatments, tests, trials and more. It wasn’t until October of 2023, after two years of fighting, that his doctors gave him the horrible news that there were no further treatments that could be done for Bob and the cancer.

Now, it’s all about Bob trying to maintain his quality of life through pain management and supportive care. He has faced a number of challenging medical conditions over the past few months, but he continues to fight with all he has. Thankfully Bob has medical insurance, but with the care he has needed, his lovely wife has had to take medical leave from her job as a flight attendant for United Airlines to help care for Bob and transport him to and from treatments to Houston from Honolulu and various other appointments, ER visits, and multiple hospital overnight stays.

With this, the bills and financial obligations have continued to mount, becoming an increasing burden on Bob, his wife, and their family. As the days go by, Bob will need more specified care that is not covered by insurance. Any help or assistance you can offer or provide would be greatly appreciated to help with the rising costs of medical bills for Bob’s care.

Your contribution, no matter its size, will make a meaningful difference in Bob and Gaynell's lives. Together, we can help support his family through this difficult time.