Tiwanak left boxing shortly after he married his wife, Vivian. He worked for Pan American Airways as a mechanic and retired in 1982. He devoted his retirement to teaching karate in the karate club Central Hawaiian Activities-3 Kenpo Brotherhood Association in Aiea. He walked, talked, ate and slept karate. Tiwanak died after going into cardiac arrest following open-heart surgery to replace a valve.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Scattering of ashes to follow. Call after 8 a.m. Burial to follow. Call after 10 a.m. Services on the mainland. Born in Hanalei, Kauai, she is survived by brother Ralph Kawano.