Robert Garlinghouse Obituary

September 11, 2025 a bright light was extinguished way too soon.
Robert (Rob) Garlinghouse passed away from a sudden heart attack, leaving family and friends shocked and heartbroken. He leaves behind his wife Dawn, her family on the mainland, their multitude of furbabies, his mom Lori, brother David, sister Victoria and his nieces and nephews.
Raised in Southern California he moved to Washington State in 1987 where in 1992 he met the woman that would in 1999 become his wife, Dawn. 10 years ago they made their dream of living in Hawaii a reality and moved to Waikoloa on The Big Island. He joined the Ohana at Hilton Grand Vacations where he had the most fun he ever had at work. Famous for his colorful aloha shirts, crazy socks and matching shoes, he loved bringing a smile to the face of everyone he met.
An animal lover since childhood, it wasn't until he saw the homeless cat crisis in Hawaii that he got involved in advocacy and became the crazy cat man, a title he wore proudly.
A strong supporter of spay/neuter, TNRM and adoption, his house is the purrrfect example of that.
In lieu of flowers, he'd love donations to Catsnip Hawaii's spay/neuter program PO Box 87 Kapa'au, HI 96755 OR Abaykitties TNRM program PO Box 383002 Waikoloa, HI 96738 Both have Venmo & PayPal
A celebration of Rob is planned for October 21, 2025 5:00-8:00 pm at the Waikoloa Village HOA Community Room, located at the Waikoloa Village golf course. We'll talk story, have some pupus and lift a glass to the man we love and miss.
Please no black, wear your brightest, happiest colors, make him smile.