Dr. William Byrnes "Bill" Wenner, 79, of Volcano, Hawaii, a retired Kona surgeon and Kaiser Medical Center doctor, died at home. He was born in Toledo, Ohio. He is survived by wife Cynthia "Cynee" Gillette-Wenner, sons Bill Jr. and Henry, daughter Julie, hanai daughter Cathy Lynch, a grandchild and a hanai grandchild. Private celebration of life. Donations suggested to Hospice of Hilo, Kona Hospital Foundation or American Cancer Society.

Dr. Bill Wenner passed away at his home in Volcano on the Big Island on Thanksgiving Day. Bill was a former board member of the Drug Policy Forum of Hawai`i. He received the Ho`omaluhia Award at their Annual Dinner in 2002.

He was without a doubt the Hawaii physician most knowledgeable about medical marijuana and was a passionate advocate for legal access. Before he became ill in recent years, he certified hundreds of patients on the Big Island, spoke publicly about mmj, testified at the legislature and did his best to educate his peers in the medical profession. He was a truly dedicated and caring person.

Mahalo for your compassion and good works, Bill.