PROLIFIC SHOWMAN WATERSON DIES

Al Waterson, a prolific veteran in Hawaii’s entertainment community, died from cancer Sunday night (April 21) at his Moili‘ili home, with his wife Nancy Bernal at his side. He was 77.

They have been partners and teammates in work and life for 46 years, Waterson as a versatile, beloved singer, recording artist, host, emcee, voice-over specialist and wedding officiant, appearing in such varied events Bernal was promoting, including fashion shows, circuses, and TV programs and commercials, collaborating with her role as a talent  manager of such show biz personalities as jazz man Michael Paulo and Miami-based TV anchor Jordan Segundo.

Bernal called Waterson “the best husband in the world”  and “the love of my life.” In preparing and releasing details for his obituary, Bernal said: “This is the most emotional press release that I have ever written and I never thought I would need to do this.” 

Al Waterson, consummate entertainer, has died at age 77.

Waterson was born in Honolulu on Aug. 30, 1946 and launched his entertainment career in his early 20s here, initially as a vocalist and continued performing last year, till his cancer worsened. He lived in the Midwest for some of his teen years, but otherwise resided in Honolulu for his entire life.  He served in the Marine Corps in 1966.

The couple met years ago at Opus 1, a nightclub at the Ilikai Hotel, where he was subbing for a vacationing Rene Paulo. “He was sitting at the bar, and my eye caught him, and I became a regular watching him perform,” said Bernal, who came to Hawaii from Chicago. They finally met and were together for 22 years before tying the knot, becoming lifetime friends and supporters of the Paulo family because of their significant role in their meeting.

Waterson performed nationally and internationally, bringing his voice and talent well beyond the reefs of the islands he loved. He was the featured singer for iconic band leaders like Del Courtney and Willie Barton at the icon Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and he was a card-carrying member of SAG-AFTRA, enabling him to land principal roles before the CBS cameras of “Hawaii Five-O,” the original with Jack Lord and the reboot with Alex McLaughlin, and other locally-filmed shows as “Magnum P.I.” and “North Shore.”

His hosting ledger included scores of pageants, galas, festivals, craft fair shows and corporate conventions, including the likes of the Hawaii Woman Expo, Honolulu City Lights tree-lighting and Christmas parade, and “The Celebrities and Their Pets Fashion Show.”

He loved pets, especially dogs, and for 20 years, owned a food service/food truck called “The Singing Chef Munch Wagon.’

A skilled handyman, Waterson also worked on renovation projects for homes and apartments in-between entertainment jobs.

He was also a passionate videographer and enjoyed filming restaurants, parades, and other events to create and edit for viewing on his YouTube channel.

Waterson’s and Bernal’s entrepreneurial ventures included their “Al Waterson and You” talent competition for singers at old Fisherman’s Wharf for 11 years and at Don Ho’s Island Grill for 10 years.  They supported mentored, and managed aspiring artists.

A skilled handyman, Waterson also worked on renovation projects for homes and apartments in-between entertainment jobs.

He was also a passionate videographer and enjoyed filming restaurants, parades, and other events to create and edit for viewing on his YouTube channel.

Al Waterson and wife Nancy Bernal: Work and life partners.

The couple supported non-profit organizations by emceeing their events and Waterson was the sole emcee for The Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii Annual Gala for years. They were saluted for their charity work in 2019.

“Al always had a smile and a joke to share,” said Bernal. “It brought him so much joy to see people laugh at his jokes and enjoy life.  His positivity was contagious.”

Funeral services are pending.