Company's Sweet Gesture Goes Long Way For Late Pittsburg Man's Family

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The days following the death of a loved one can be a series of ups and downs and in-betweens. Anyone who has lost someone knows the grieving process can be cruel but also bittersweet.

Across the country from Contra Costa County in North Carolina, Jennifer Naylor, director of marketing for several brands, including Hawaiian Shaved Ice ® , received an email containing the obituary for Pittsburg man Duane "Chuck" Hood.

Chuck died May 20 at the age of 93 after a long life that included serving in the U.S. Air Force, coaching Little League in Concord, co-founding the Mount Diablo High School Booster Club and owning a business in Central Costa County. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and was a friend to many.

• Obituary: Duane 'Chuck' Hood — Beloved Husband, Father And Friend

"He loved bowling, bocce ball, the outdoors (especially Yosemite), camping, and traveling," Chuck's son, Gary Hood, wrote in Chuck's obituary published on Patch."When visiting Hawaii, he always looked forward to a Hawaiian shaved ice snow cone."

Those three words triggered the obituary to be emailed to Naylor, as she follows all things online about Hawaiian shaved ice.

"To be honest, we receive alerts weekly (sometimes daily) and multiple at a time, see email thread below," Naylor wrote in an email to Patch. "But this time, it was different. It is different. This time, Google Alert has led me to an obituary of a gentleman that has made his mark in the world; through business, athletics, supporting the community, and more."

Naylor decided to track down the editor who posted the obituary (me).

"We would love to honor him, his memory, and his love for Hawaiian Shave Ice by sending his family a Hawaiian Shaved Ice® machine, premium syrups and accessories," Naylor wrote. "Our company's vision is to create 'Sweet Smiles and Sunshine' using our products to bring nostalgic memories, while making memories with family and friends."

"We offer our sincere condolences to the family, and hopefully they can always share moments with their kids, grandkids and others — talking about the memories and love Mr. Hood had for them, his travels to Hawaii, and for shave ice."

She asked whether I was able to help connect her with a family member or provide an address where she could have the product delivered.

I reached out to Gary and he quickly wrote back with his mother's home address in Pittsburg.

"Your email has brightened my day," he wrote.

I wrote back: "What was his favorite shaved ice flavor? What do you think he would say about this gift?"

"Root beer, cola and banana," Gary wrote back. "He wouldn't believe it. He would probably say it was a mistake or what's the catch?"

Wednesday, Gary wrote that his mother, Dorothy Hood, received a surprise package in the mail that put a smile on all their faces. She received a snowcone machine along with all the accessories.

"My mom still can’t believe they sent it to her. It’s a story she has shared will all her friends. It has definitely put a smile on her face and has caused her to think about all the memories and good times we had in Maui over the years. Now, when we get together at my mom’s house, we can reminisce about our times in Hawaii while cooling off with a nice cold snow cone, thanks to Hawaiian Shaved Ice."

Following a well-attended and very moving funeral service last Friday in Dixon, the gesture came at a bittersweet time for the family.

"It gives me hope in the human race that people and companies still care about others," Gary wrote. "Their reaching out to my mother was sincere after reading about my father’s passing. Recognizing my dad’s sincere like of their snow cones was very special and thoughtful. The handwritten card that my mom received from Jennifer Naylor was wonderfully worded and she deserves a big shout-out for her caring and thoughtful gesture."