John "Mango Man" Cruz

[LikaNui]

Re: Mango Man

That's great news, Burl! Thanks for letting us know. I've been wondering ever since the other thread.

[1stwahine]

Re: Mango Man

That's great news! For those who don't know Mango Man, the thread that started it all: http://hawaiithreads.com/showthread....ighlight=mango

Auntie LYNN

[buzz1941]

Mango Man

Spotted in Kailua — John "Mango Man" Cruz, alive and well, but using a walker to get around. Got a new cammo jacket but the same old dreads. Rumors of his demise appear to be exaggerated!

[buzz1941]

Re: John "Mango Man" Cruz

Overheard on the bus today, a couple of folks discussing Cruz in the hospital, as if Mango Man is still with us. Cross your fingers.

Also in the Kailua area, there are still a number of determinedly homeless folks — the Petticoat Lady on Keolu, the rather pretty girl who talks to herself all day long behind the bike shop, and that guy who's mean to his dog ....

[poinographer]

Re: John "Mango Man" Cruz

If Cruz is still alive, well, the life of a homeless AMPUTEE is not going to be pleasant...

What a sad story, either way.

[1stwahine]

Re: John "Mango Man" Cruz

One thing I learned when my kids were in Iraq the same time...

"Rumors are worst than the enemy!"""

Auntie Alyn

[LikaNui]

Re: John "Mango Man" Cruz

Of course, one of my kids today heard that Cruz actually pulled through.

So the report of his passing may have been premature?

[cezanne]

Re: John "Mango Man" Cruz

Oh my goodness. He passed away? Like Pomai, I remember him roaming Kaneohe since the mid 70's.

My condolensces to his family.

[Menehune Man]

Re: John "Mango Man" Cruz

Oh He died, I'm very sorry. He'll be missed by many people that knew him and all the bystanders that just knew of him.

[buzz1941]

Re: John "Mango Man" Cruz

When he lived up the coast, Cruz was known as the "Kaneohe Walker."

The word is that he was struck by a car and suffered a broken leg. He refused help, and the bone splintered over the next couple of days, causing massive internal trauma to the limb. Finally taken to the hospital, the limb was taken off, but it was too late and he died.

I got this from a store owner who often talked to him. They often discussed Vietnam.

Cruz was intimidating looking -- all that dreadlock! -- but spoke perfectly normally, if a little reserved, the times I bumped into him. He knew he was odd but didn't much care.

Of course, one of my kids today heard that Cruz actually pulled through. Either way, he was a tough old bird.

[Pomai]

Re: "Mango Man" is make

John "Mango Man" Cruz, supposedly a Vietnam vet with issues, and who was a familiar sight on Kailua streets for the last couple of decades with his tattered Army jacket and long dreadlocks, died last week. He was the victim of a hit-and-run.

Sorry to hear this.

Growing up in Kaneohe, we frequently saw "Mango Man" at various locations along Kamehameha hwy. Sometimes he'd be seen along Likelike Hwy. walking towards town.

"Mango Man" is an obvious derogatory nickname probably made up by a bunch of kids because of his appearance. But I've never heard of anyone getting into a confrontation of any kind with him. I once gave him some fast food at a bus stop and he was very appreciative with a nod of happy approval in return. He was very TALL indeed, usually wearing a camouflage jacket, dark long pants and dark shades.

I'm sure Mr. Cruz is in a much better place now. Deepest sympathy to his family. Rest in peace.

[Menehune Man]

Re: John "Mango Man" Cruz

I've spoken with him over the past few years a few times and a very pleasant man is he. He lived this way by his choice, be it brought on by previous trauma or whatnot. I hope he's okay.

[Palolo Joe]

Re: "Mango Man" is make

That is messed up.

Any truth to the rumor that he was thrown in a dumpster following the incident?

[LikaNui]

Re: "Mango Man" is make

Damn. What a shame.
Thanks for checking that story for us, Burl.

[Glen Miyashiro]

Re: "Mango Man" is make

Ai-yah.