Labor expert Michael Nauyokas, who handled thousands of mediation cases in Hawaii and was a nationally recognized lawyer, died at his Diamond Head home on Monday night or Tuesday morning.

A friend who spoke to Nauyokas’ girlfriend and asked not to be identified confirmed the death. Nauyokas is recognized by Best Lawyers, a national, peer-review publication of the legal profession.

“We’re all in a state of shock,” said Tracey Wiltgen, executive director of the Mediation Center of the Pacific, which recognized Nauyokas with a lifetime achievement award in May. “This was somebody who gave a lot. It’s a real loss.”

Wiltgen said Nauyokas navigated the nonprofit through the weak economy as board president last year and pushed to make mediation accessible to everyone.

Friend Jim Rudosky said Nauyokas went to Cambodia last year and donated $8,000 to build a school library in a village. “He was really a tender-hearted guy, really cared a lot about the other person,” Rudosky said.

Jim Bickerton, a friend and civil trial lawyer, said Nauyokas devoted his life to developing his skill of being a peacemaker and taught many people the value of mediation, helping to establish its widespread use in Hawaii.

No matter how difficult the case or how entrenched the parties, Nauyokas pushed on, believing every dispute could be resolved amicably, Bickerton said. He had the ability to allow both sides to keep talking without appearing to weaken.

“There are many, many people today who can thank Mike for having saved them long, costly battles,” he said. “Many lawyers think they could do what a mediator does. It’s a rare talent and Mike had it in abundance.”