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Obituaries: Year 2006, Last Names I-R
IGARASHI, KAN JAMES, 84, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2006. He was born on October 22, 1921 in San Francisco. Kan is survived by his sister Mary (Hiro) Okada, sister-in-law Kaoru Igarashi and niece Patti Igarashi of Danville, cousins Keiko and Hitoshi Ota of Sacramento and niece Denice Nakano of Hercules. He was preceded in death by brother Joe Igarashi. A private memorial service was held on July 19 for family members. Kan Igarashi
Posted August 15, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 17-23, 2006.
IIYAMA, ISAMU JACK, passed away at home on October 11, 2006. He was 90 years old and was very active until the end -- loved driving, gardening, and taking walks through the neighborhood. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Matsuyo; his children, Alice Iiyama, Carl Iiyama, and Ann Francisco; his daughter-in-law, Diane Iiyama; his grandchildren, Jon and David Iiyama, Michael Francisco and Michael's wife, Sophie; his great grandchildren, Ethan and Emmalene Francisco. Isamu is also survived by his sister in So. California, Sakae Sugiyama; her son, Shigeru and his family, her daughter, Shizue Koyama and her family; his sisters and brother in Kanagawa, Japan, Yaeko Jimbo, Suzuko Takahashi, Ineko Matsushita, and Kumeo Iiyama. Private services were held on November 3rd. Per Isamu's wishes, his ashes will be scattered at sea. Donations may be made in his memory to Kimochi Home, 1531 Sutter St., S.F. 94109. Isamu Iiyama
Posted on Nov. 15, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly November 16-22, 2006.
IKEDA, RICHARD TSUNEO, 82, passed away on August 7, 2006 in San Mateo, Calif. He was born on November 30, 1923 in Alviso, Calif. Ikeda is survived by his brother Edwin Ezaki; sons Richard Jr., Daniel and Kenneth Ikeda; daughter Donna Ikeda; granddaughters Rochelle, Andrea, Allysa and Kristyn Ikeda and grandsons Kyle and Robert Ikeda. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 16 at 7 p.m. at Sneider, Sullivan & O’Connell’s, 977 El Camino Real in San Mateo. Richard Ikeda
Posted August 8, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 10-16, 2006.
IKEDA, ROBERT M. “BOB,” age 81, of Leesburg, VA, formally of Richmond, VA, died on October 2, 2006. He was born on February 4, 1925 in Tracy, CA to the late Rihachi and Machiko Ikeda. Bob was the beloved husband of Yasuko M. Ikeda, loving father of Richard A. Ikeda of Fairfax, VA, Paul J. Ikeda of Seattle, WA and Joanne I. Jaeger of Ashburn, VA, proud grandfather of five grandchildren. Bob was a United States Army Veteran of World War II and retired after 26 years of service from Philip Morris. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Capital Hospice, 6565 Arlington Blvd., Suite 501, Falls Church, VA 22042 or California Alumni Associate Scholarship, #1 Alumni House, Berkeley, CA 94720-7520. Arrangements by Adams-Green Funeral Home, Herndon, VA. Robert Ikeda
Posted on Oct. 2, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly October 5-11, 2006.
INOKUCHI, DEAN TSUTOMU, 66, passed away on January 29, 2006 at the Kaiser Medical Center, Hayward. A longtime resident of Pleasant Hill, he worked for the Contra Costa Company in Public Works for 35 years. Inokuchi was a graduate of California State University, Sacramento in Civil Engineering. He served in the U.S. Army and was active with the Japanese American Religious & Cultural Center in Concord. Inokuchi is survived by his wife of 36 years, Reiko, son Glen and daughter Vicki. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4 from 4 p.m. at the Japanese American Religious & Cultural Center, 3165 Treat Blvd. in Concord. Dean Inokuchi
Posted Jan. 30, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Feb. 2, 2006.
INOUYE, MASAYO, 88, passed away on August 26, 2006 at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. She was born on September 23, 1917 in Los Angeles. Inouye is survived by her husband Kunio G. Inouye, sons Tom Inouye and Allen (Esther) Inouye, grandchildren Jeanette Inouye and Catherine Inouye, sister Michiye (Hiroyoshi) Goishi, brother Henry (Cora) Goishi and many nephews and nieces. She was a member of the San Francisco Kokusei Shigin Kai and the Buddhist Church of San Francisco. A funeral will be held on Thursday, August 31 at 1 p.m. at Ashley & McMullen, 4200 Geary Blvd. in San Francisco. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 30 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Masayo Inouye
Posted on August 28, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2006.
ISHII, JACK TOGO, 84, passed away on February 1, 2006 at his residence. Ishii is survived by his sons Art (Kyoko), Ken (Debbie) and Robert (Arlene) Ishii; daughter Arlene Iwamoto; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his sisters Kiyo (Frank) Abe and Sumi Koda. Other nieces, nephews and relatives also survive him. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 S. Central Ave. in Los Angeles, under the direction of Fukui Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 4940 Van Nuys Blvd., #301, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 – in memory of Jack Ishii. Jack Ishii
Posted Feb. 3, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Feb. 9, 2006.
IWASAKI, FRANK MINORU, 87-year-old Sacramento-born resident of Los Angeles, passed away on August 29, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Kazuko; son, Dr. Donald; daughters, Christine (Eugene) Oba, Pauline (Wayne) Shimizu, grandchildren Kirk and Jill Iwasaki, Staci and Erik Oba; brothers, Robert (Susie) Iwasaki, Tom (Marilyn) Iwasaki; sister, Janet (Frank) Koide; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. A private funeral service was held on Sunday, Sept. 3 at Fukui Mortuary “Chapel” with Rev. William Briones of Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple officiating. Frank Iwasaki
Posted on Sept. 5, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Sept. 7-13, 2006.
JACOBS, JITSUE (MAI ONO), 70, a longtime resident of the Bay Area and a native of Japan, passed away on August 20, 2006 at her home in Oakland. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Jerry; daughter Midori; brother Masaji Ono and sisters Yoshiko Sugimoto and Nanae Yamauchi. Jitsue (Mai) enjoyed practicing Shodo, Shigin, Nihon-Buyo, flower arranging, tea ceremony, koto, shamisen, kimono instruction, and an array of Japanese fine arts. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 28 at 10 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, 2407 Dana St. in Berkeley. The service will be followed by a Japanese shinobukai at 11 a.m. in the reception room. Jitsue Jacobs
Posted August 25, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 24-30, 2006.
KAKIUCHI, KIYO, 92, passed away on January 31, 2006 at CPMC Pacific Campus in San Francisco. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Keiko Kakiuchi, sister Grace Ohama of Minnesota, nephews Richard Ohama and Duffy (Kathy) Ohama, nieces Katheleen (Dave) Koch and Pat (Robert) Lynn, sister-in-law Rose Shioya of Colorado, and cousins Kazuo (Irene) Tsujimoto, Shoji (Ryoko) Tsujimoto, Sumiko Ino, Miyoko Yamauchi and Kiyoko (Masaro) Matsuura. Kakiuchi was a member of the Buddhist Church of San Francisco Women’s Association. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 2 p.m. at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco, 1881 Pine St. in San Francisco. Kiyo Kakiuchi
Posted Feb. 15, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Feb. 16, 2006.
KATAYAMA, HIROMOTO passed away on January 12, 2006. He was born in Oakland on June 23, 1915 to Taroji and Matsuno Katayama and was a graduate of UC Berkeley and Eden Seminary. He is survived by his daughter Carol Araki, sons David Katayama and Ted Katayama and six grandchildren. Hiro touched the lives of many with his amazing faith, compassion, love and wondrous spirit. A celebration of life will be held on January 21, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the Sycamore Church, 1111 Navellier St. in El Cerrito, CA. Hiromoto Katayama
Posted Jan. 16, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Jan. 19, 2006.
KAWAGUCHI, KAY YOSHIKO, 84, passed away unexpectedly on January 6, 2006 in San Jose. She was born in February 1921 in Chico, CA. Kawaguchi was the beloved wife of the late Joe Kawaguchi and the daughter of Kanzo and Hamayo Nakamura. Loving mother of George Kawaguchi and wife Ann, Gerald Kawaguchi and wife Susan, Patricia Kawaguchi, Joanne Iwamiya and husband Jim. She was the loving sister of Mary Sawasaki, Anna Niiya and brother-in-law Ted. Devoted grandmother of Christopher, Nicole and Alisha Kawaguchi; Jonathan and Gregory Iwamiya and Koji Yamaguchi. Known as Aunty Kay to numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces and one great-great niece. For much of her life, she had different careers in the dry cleaning and floral industry, but the career she loved most was being a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Kawaguchi loved to travel, cook traditional Japanese foods and visiting with family and friends. She recently moved to Plaza Del Sol Retirement Apartments in San Jose. Friends are invited to attend funeral services on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 1 p.m. at the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church, 32975 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City, CA. Following the Service, friends are invited to attend a reception at the Church Hall. Kay Kawaguchi
Posted Jan. 11, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Jan. 12, 2006.
KAWAGUCHI, TAEKO, 92, passed away on March 8, 2006 at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. She was born on March 5, 1914 in Lompoc, Calif. Kawaguchi is survived by her sons Keiji Kawaguchi and Yoshimi (Barbara) Kawaguchi, daughters Sakiko Kawaguchi and Mamiko Kawaguchi, grandchildren Robin (Ricki) Kawaguchi and Erick (Nicole Inoue) Kawaguchi and great-grandchild Christopher Kenji Kawaguchi. She was a member of the Pine United Methodist Church. The family held a private memorial service on March 13 at Ashley & McMullen in San Francisco. Taeko Kawaguchi
Posted March 13, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly March 16, 2006.
KAWAHATA, HARRIET SHIZUYO, passed away on August 19, 2006 in Roseville, Calif. She was born on November 8, 1913 in Suisun, Calif. She is survived by sons Harry Jr. (Gerrie) and Richard; granddaughers Julie (Brian) Sakai and Cindy Kawahata. Also survived by sisters Gladys Fukushima and Rosie Tanaka; brother Yoshio Tsukamoto; sisters-in-law Arlene, Betty and Toyoko Tsukamoto and Kathrine Kawahata; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Harry Kawahata in 2001; her parents Kanekichi and Hatsu Tsukamoto; sister Katsuko Kawamura; brothers Sam, Isamu, Masashi, Bill and James Tsukamoto. A resident of the Loomis/Placer County area for over 71 years except for the 3 years spent at the internment camps in Tulelake, CA and Topaz, UT. She will be remembered as a quiet, reserved, caring and hard working person who never complained and was always able to smile. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 25 at 3 p.m. at the Placer Buddhist Church, 3192 Boyington Rd., Penryn, CA 95663. Arrangements made by Chapel of the Hills in Auburn. Harriet Kawahata
Posted August 21, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 24-30, 2006.
KAWAMURA, DR. YUKIO passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 in El Cerrito, at 82 years of age. He was a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, and 40-year resident of El Cerrito. Dr. Kawamura is survived by his daughters, Debbie Izumizaki and her husband, Henry, and Suzi Tawa and her husband, Ronald; son, Keith John Kawamura and his wife, Cindy; sisters, Mae Takiguchi and Nancy Inouye; grandchildren, James, Eddie, Melissa, and Brianna; and step-grandchildren, Brian and Eddie. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Tamaki Kawamura, in 2001. Dr. Kawamura served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a physician for Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, and volunteered at Asian Health Services, Oakland, and Sakura-Kai, El Cerrito, after he retired. He was an active member of Sycamore Congregational Church, El Cerrito. Friends and acquaintances are cordially invited to attend memorial services on Saturday, February 4 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Sunset View Mortuary, top of Fairmount Avenue in El Cerrito; reception immediately following at Sycamore Congregational Church, 1111 Navellier St. in El Cerrito. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Glaucoma Research Foundation, 251 Post St. 600, San Francisco CA 94108, or to Asian Health Services, 818 Webster St., Oakland CA 94607. Yukio Kawamura
Posted Jan. 27, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Feb. 2, 2006.
KIMURA, SHIGERU, 91, passed away on July 26, 2006 at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. He was born on March 25, 1928 in San Francisco. Kimura is survived by his wife Hatsuno and his brother in Japan, Hideo Kimura. He was a member of the San Francisco Kanagawa Kenjin Kai. A private service was held. Shigeru Kimura
Posted July 31, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 3-9, 2006.
KITASHIMA, TSUYAKO "SOX," passed away on December 29, 2005 of an apparent heart attack at a San Francisco care home. She was born on July 14, 1918 in Hayward, Calif. Kitashima was preceded in death by her husband Tom. She was the loving sister to the late Nobuko, Lillian, Masao and Hisao. She is survived by her son Alan (Sylvia), grandson Aaron, and her brother James (Boe). She was also the aunt to many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, 4:30 p.m., at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter St. in San Francisco's Japantown. Sox Kitashima
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KIWATA, ROSALYN, 83, passed away on October 12, 2006 at home. She was born in Stockton, CA on May 22, 1923. She was a Sunday School teacher at the San Francisco Buddhist Church for 30 years and was involved in Ikebana International. She is survived by 2 sons and 5 grandchildren. At her request, private services were held in San Francisco on October 20, 2006. Rosalyn Kiwata
Posted on Nov. 15, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly November 16-22, 2006.
KOBARA, REV. SEIJI, 81, passed away at California Pacific Medical Center hospital in San Francisco on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 with his immediate family by his side. The first son of Miyorenji Buddhist temple in Shimane, Japan, Rev. Kobara came to the U.S. in 1950 to serve as minister of the Seattle Buddhist Temple and received a BA degree from the University of Washington. In 1954 he became head minister of the Buddhist Church of San Francisco until 1960 when he joined Japan Airlines and retired as Public Relations Manager in 1991. Rev. Kobara continued to share and spread traditional Japanese culture through his teachings in the arts of Japanese Calligraphy and Urasenke Tea Ceremony. He is survived by wife Kazuko, son Shiz (Kathy), daughters Rumi Kobara (Tatsuro Mohri) and Mari Kobara Chong (Wesley) and two granddaughters. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 6 at 2 p.m. at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco, 1881 Pine St. in San Francisco, (415) 776-3158. Seiji Kobara
Posted Jan. 4, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Jan. 12, 2006.
KOBATA, HARUE, 83, passed away on August 17, 2006 at Lawton Health Care Ctr. in San Francisco. She was born on February 22, 1923 in Gilroy, Calif. She is survived by son Rev. Ken Ronald (Sayoko) Kobata, daughter Cheryl (Patrick) Bailey, brother Masao Okamoto, sister Kimiko Toriumi, five grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. Kobata was a member of the S.F. Buddhist Women’s Association and the S.F. Buddhist Church. A funeral was held on August 23 at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Harue Kobata to the Buddhist Churches of America, 1710 Octavia St., San Francisco, CA 94109; or Kimochi, Inc., 1715 Buchanan St., San Francisco, CA 94115. Harue Kobata
Posted August 21, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 24-30, 2006.
KOBAYASHI, TSUNEHISA, 82, a 12-year resident of Albany and prior resident and native of Japan, died on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at his home. Kobayashi attended the Sycamore Congregational Church and enjoyed playing Mah Jong, watching baseball and reading. Kobayashi is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Norihisa and Akiko Kobayashi and his grandchildren Yuka, Kana and Yumi Kobayashi Private internment will take place at Sunset View Cemetery in El Cerrito, CA. Memorial gifts may be made to the Sycamore Congregational Church, 1111 Navellier Street, El Cerrito, CA 94530.
Sunset View Mortuary (510) 525-5111 Tsunehisa Kobayashi
Posted May 31, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly June 1, 2006.
KOYAMA, KIKUE, passed away on July 2, 2006 in Oakland, California. She is survived by her husband Ben, son Robert (Carol) Koyama, daughters Marian (Dean) Endo and Carol Koyama and five grandchildren. Family services have been held. Kikue Koyama
Posted July 13, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly July 20-26, 2006.
KUMAGAI, SHINICHI, 98, passed away on May 20, 2006 at Seton Hospital. He was born in Iwaki city, Fukushima prefecture, Japan. Kumagai is survived by sons Yoshio (Machiko) Kumagai, Tetsuo (Yukiko) Kumagai of Brazil, Seishi (Chieko) Kumagai and Yoshihisa (Sayoko) Kumagai; daughter Chieko (Yasuhiro) Nakai; daughter-in-law Hisako Kumagai and son-in-law Touei Waragai. He was preceded in death by son James Kumagai, daughter Tomiko Waragai of Brazil and daughter-in-law Shigeko Kumagai. Kumagai was a member of Souka Gakkai and Hokka Fukushima Nikkeijinkai. The family held a private memorial service on June 11 at Halsted in San Francisco. Shinichi Kumagai
Posted June 13, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly June 15, 2006.
MATSUMOTO, GEORGE SHIGERU, 98, passed away on March 4, 2006 at the Sacramento Methodist Hospital. He was born in Newcastle, CA. Matsumoto is survived by his sons Robert (Linda), Marvin and Gary (Terrie) Matsumoto; seven grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister Gladys Kazuki; sister-in-law Ella Kuroe and friend Mickey Tanaka. He was a member of the Sacramento JACL, Riverside Tanoshimikai, South Sacramento Shinwakai, Hokka Kumamoto Kenjinkai, Sacramento Hiroshima Kenjinkai and the Sacramento Betsuin. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 10 at 2 p.m. at the Sacramento Betsuin, 2401 Riverside Blvd. in Sacramento. George Matsumoto
Posted March 6, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly March 9, 2006.
MATSUMOTO, NOBORU, 101, a longtime resident of Acampo, passed away on August 29, 2006. He is survived by his wife Kikuyo, sons Ralph Matsumoto and Tad (Kinu) Matsumoto, daughters Norma (Sam) Yamauchi and Erma (Kent) Takeda, daughter-in-law Kathy, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Phil Matsumoto. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 9 at 2 p.m. at the Lodi Buddhist Church, 23 N. Stockton St. Noboru Matsumoto
Posted on Sept. 5, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Sept. 7-13, 2006.
MINAMIDE, RONALD K., born November 20, 1943, passed away December 10, 2006 in his home. Always an avid sports fan, he had the honor of playing football for the U.C. Berkeley Golden Bears in the ‘60s. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy; two sons, Jeffrey and wife Sheri, and Douglas and wife Evonne; four grandchildren, Jordan, Neil, Megan and Rachel; mother Masako and sisters Joanne Haleem and Dianne Mizutani. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation Thursday, December 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. held at Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, December 17 at 3 p.m. at Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church, 32975 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City, CA. Ronald Minamide
Posted on Dec. 12, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei TImes Weekly Dec. 14-21, 2006
MIYAMOTO, KAMESO KAY, 88, passed away on September 5, 2006. He was born in Lodi, Calif. He is survived by daughters Carol Thunen and Janis Miyamoto-Mills and five grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Buddhist Church of Oakland, 825 Jackson St. in Oakland. Kameso Miyamoto
Posted on Sept. 11, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Sept. 14-20, 2006.
MIYOSHI, KANEO, 87, passed away on September 8, 2006 at Kaiser Permanente in South San Francisco. He was born on June 2, 1919 in Berkeley, Calif. Miyoshi is survived by his wife Chieko Miyoshi, son Paul Kaneo (Misty) Miyoshi and nephews Yoshiaki Miyoshi and Masayoshi Urayama. He was a member of Christ United Presbyterian Church and Hokka Seicho No Ie. The funeral will be held on Friday, September 15 at 1 p.m. at Ashley & McMullen Funeral Home, 4200 Geary Blvd. in San Francisco. Kaneo Miyoshi
Posted on Sept. 11, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Sept. 14-20, 2006.
MORIMOTO, DORIS CHIYE, 95, passed away on March 25, 2006 in San Francisco. She was a native of San Francisco. Morimoto was preceded in death by her husband George M. Morimoto. She is survived by sister Kinue Tabata, son Glenn (Ayako) Morimoto, daughter Sandy (Dennis) Dineen, grandchildren Gina (Eric) Reys, Stacy (Ford) Hirata, Garner Morimoto and Amy Sujishi and great-grandchildren Kristianne and Jaquelyn Reyes. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 31 from 2 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 1 at 10 a.m. at Halsted N. Gray-Carew & English, 1123 Sutter St. in San Francisco. Doris Morimoto
Posted March 27, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly March 30, 2006.
MORITA, MIYEKO, a 10 year resident of Contra Costa County and prior long-time resident of Berkeley, died Wednesday, August 30, 2006 in Concord; she was 91 years of age. Survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Warren Yamato; son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Rebecca Morita; brother and sister-in-law, Tadashi and Yoshiko Yamamoto of Chicago; brother, Masuo Yamamoto of Japan; and grandchildren, Jennifer and Kimberly Yamato, and Drew Morita. Preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Henry Noboru Morita, in 1991. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Sunset View Mortuary, top of Fairmount Avenue, El Cerrito. Private interment, Sunset Mausoleum. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Japanese American Services of the East Bay (JASEB), 2126 Channing Way, Berkeley CA 94704.
Sunset View Mortuary
(510) 525-5111 Miyeko Morita
Posted on Sept. 14, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Sept. 14-20, 2006.
MURAKAMI, TOKUO, 82, passed away on October 5, 2006 at C.P.M.C. Davies Hospital in San Francisco. He was born on February 8, 1924 in Minden, Nevada. Murakami is survived by his wife Shirley Shigeko Murakami, daughters Lory (David Chan) Murakami and Janet (Stanley) Wong, son Douglas (Jenny) Murakami and grandchildren Max Tokuo Chan, Mika Akemi Chan and Emi Wong. A memorial service was held on October 14 at Ashley & McMullen in San Francisco. Tokuo Murakami
Posted on Oct. 16, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly October 19-25, 2006.
NAGAO, KINUKO, 89, passed away on January 22, 2006 at South Sacramento Kaiser Hospital. She is survived by her sons Ed Masaaki (Setsuko) Nagao, Fred Takahiro (Chizuko) Nagao, Harry Hiroshi (Karen) Nagao and Ronald Tsutomu (Mary) Nagao, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Nagao was a member of the Sacramento JACL, Ikenobo School of Ikebana, Sacramento Hiroshima Nikkeijin Kai, Sacramento Betsuin Fujinkai and the Sacramento Betsuin. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 30 at 2 p.m. at the Sacramento Betsuin, 2401 Riverside Blvd. in Sacramento. Kinuko Nagao
Posted Jan. 25, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Jan. 26, 2006.
NAKAE, HOWARD K., 87, of Newcastle, California, passed away on June 1, 2006. Nakae is predeceased by wives, Spring Nakae and Barbara Nakae. He is survived by 10 children Carol (Ken) Iwasaki, Russell (Patricia) Nakae, Glenn (Nancy) Nakae, Jan Lee, Shelia (Raul) Enriquez, Georgia (Bill) Wright, Arlie (Mary) Capps, Reynold Capps, Joseph (Robin) Capps and Ramona Turbovsky and three siblings, Takuro (Louise) Nakae, Chiyo (George) Kakehashi, Miyo (Marvin) Uratsu and sister-in-law Masako-wife of predeceased brother Tatsuya. He has 34 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Services for Nakae will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 6414 Brace Road, Loomis, CA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Loomis Building Fund. Funeral arrangement made by Lambert Funeral Home Roseville, CA. Private inurnment. Howard Nakae
Posted June 6, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly June 8, 2006.
NAKAMURA, DONALD C., son of the late Ikuzo and Helen Nakamura, passed away on January 20, 2006 with all of his family and friends by his side. Donald had been fighting a long illness. He was born on April 2, 1948. He leaves two sons, Christopher and Nicholas, as well as a brother, Charles Nakamura and three sisters, Marion Masada, May Morgan and Earlyn Nakamura and many nieces and nephews. His brothers Robert “Bobby,” James and Harry Nakamura preceded his death. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 3 p.m. at Wesley Methodist Church, 556 North 5th St. in San Jose. Donald Nakamura
Posted Jan. 26, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Feb. 2, 2006.
NAKAMURA, KAMEO, 87, passed away on February 14, 2006 in Alameda County. He was born on March 16, 1918 in Niles, CA. Nakamura is survived by his wife Shizuko, son Arthur Nakamura, daughter Lucille (Jeff) Billingsley, granddaughters Michelle Shizuko, Victoria Aubrey and Marissa Yaeko Billingsley, sister June Yamamoto, brother Frank (Adeline) Nakamura and several nieces and nephews. Nakamura was a member of the East Bay Landscape Gardeners Association, Sakura Kai, Contra Costa JACL and Berkeley Buddhist Temple. The family held a private memorial service. Kameo Nakamura
Posted Feb. 21, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Feb. 23, 2006.
NAKAMURA, KIKU, 77, born on October 15, 1929 in Tokyo, Japan, passed away on December 1, 2006 in San Mateo, Calif. She is survived by husband Jimmy, sons Ken and Gene and daughter Joanne Elliott. Nakamura was a member of the Gedatsu Church. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell, 977 S. El Camino Real in San Mateo. Kiku Nakamura
Posted on Dec. 4, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei TImes Weekly Dec. 7-13, 2006
NAKASHIMA, ARTHUR K., 90, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2006. He was born on April 27, 1916. Nakashima is survived by his loving wife Mary; sons Gary (Sandy) and Brian (Sue); grandsons Kyle, Reid, Alec and Davis; and sister Joan Fukuhara. He was a co-founder of Stockton's Save-Mart Grocery Stores and Pacific Avenue Bowl. He was also a member of JACL, People to People International, Sister City, Stockton Bowling Association, Calvary Presbyterian Church and numerous other organizations. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. at Frisbie-Warren and Carroll Mortuary, 809 N. California St. in Stockton, CA. Arthur Nakashima
Posted on Nov. 27, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly November 23-29, 2006.
NAMEKAWA, PATRICIA FUSAKO, 82, the widow of a former Nichi Bei Times chairman, president and Japanese section editor, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2006 in San Francisco.
Patricia NamekawaClick to view the full-length article
NII, SHIZUE, 93, passed away on June 13, 2006 at her home. Nii is survived by her daughters Fusae Miyamoto, Yukie (Sid Masashi) Okazaki, Fumie Noble Yoshida and Teruko Terrie Masuda and son Richard Tadao Nii. She was a member of the Placer Buddhist Church Fujinkai and the Placer Buddhist Church. A funeral was held on June 17 at the Placer Buddhist Church in Penryn, Calif. Shizue Nii
Posted June 20, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly June 22, 2006.
NISHIMURA, GEORGE YASUHIKO, 85, passed away on March 3, 2006 in Fresno, CA. He was born in Sanger, CA on March 31, 1920. Nishimura was preceded in death by his wife Mary and his sisters Grace Okamoto and Amy Taniguchi. He is survived by daughters Patti (Tom) Tyner and Donna (Les) Ishii; son Irwin (Arlene) Nishimura; sisters Alyce Taniguchi, Dorothy Tazumi and Dora Ando; brother Eddie Nishimura; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Nishimura was a member of the Sanger JACL, Sanger Howakai, Fresno Buddhist Temple and Sanger and Calwa Lions Clubs. A funeral was scheduled for Thursday, March 9 at 11 a.m. at the Fresno Buddhist Temple Annex, 825 “E” St. in Fresno. George Nishimura
Posted March 7, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly March 9, 2006.
NISHIKAWA, TAMIKO, 86, passed away on August 26, 2006 in San Jose, Calif. She was born on March 8, 1920 in Watsonville, Calif. A memorial service will be held on Sat., Sept. 16 at 1:30 p.m. at San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. Fifth St. in San Jose. Tamiko Nishikawa
Posted on Sept. 8, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Sept. 14-20, 2006.
OHATA, REV. SHOBO, 71, passed away on August 5, 2006 at his residence in Stockton, Calif. He was born on March 31, 1935 in Wakayama, Japan. Rev. Ohata is survived by his wife Tomoko, son Mitsuaki (Kiriko) Ohata, daughter Miki (Tae) Shin, grandson Brian Makoto Shin and granddaughters Aleesa Miaki Ohata and Mika Shin. Rev. Ohata was a Minister Emeritus with the Buddhist Churches of America. A BCA/San Jose Betsuin sponsored funeral will be held on Saturday, August 12 at 3 p.m. at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St. in San Jose. Shobo Ohata
Posted August 8, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 10-16, 2006.
OKA, KOSUMI YURI, 88, passed away on March 13, 2006 at the California Pacific Medical Center East Campus in San Francisco. She was born on November 29, 1917 in Sacramento, Calif. Oka was preceded in death by her daughter Michimi Mizokami. She is survived by her son Dr. Hideki Oka, daughter Satomi Gail (Pierre) Morin and grandchildren Kyle and Casey Mizokami and Nicolas (Anna) and Alex Morin. Oka was a member of the Buddhist Church of San Francisco. A funeral will be held on Sunday, March 19 at 3:30 p.m. at Ashley & McMullen, 4200 Geary Blvd. in San Francisco. In lieu of okoden, the family requests that donations be made to the S.F. Kimochi Kai. Kosumi Oka
Posted March 15, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly March 16, 2006.
OKADA, HAROLD T. passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2006. He was born in Sacramento on May 7, 1927. Okada is survived by brother Eugene and sister Agnes of Osaka, Japan. He is also survived by nephews Yukio and Kazuo in Japan. Okada attended local schools. He was interned in the Tule Lake internment camp in 1942. Relocated to New York City in 1944 and returned to Sacramento in 1946. Okada served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge, he joined his brother to operate the Japanese gift shop, The Yorozu on Riverside Boulevard. He enjoyed bowing, fishing and Mah Jong in his younger days. Okada earned a Master’s rating in the game of bridge. He was a member of the VFW Nisei Post #8985 of Sacramento. The funeral will be held on Thursday, February 16 at 2 p.m. at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, 2401 Riverside Blvd. in Sacramento. Harold Okada
Posted Feb. 14, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Feb. 16, 2006.
OKAMURA, REESE TAKEO, 55, passed away on July 30, 2006 in Walnut Creek after a long illness. He was born on December 20, 1950. Okamura is survived by Sally Okamura, his daughter Wendy Okamura, mother Sue Okamura, brothers, a sister, nieces and a nephew. He was the son of the late Hippo Okamura. A memorial will be held on Friday, August 11 at 7 p.m. at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco. Reese Okamura
Posted August 4, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 3-9, 2006.
OKIMURA, SHIZUKO, born March 7, 1914, in Watsonville, Calif., passed away peacefully at home on August 21, 2006 in Roseville, Calif. She is survived by husband of 73 years, Takeo; sons Ron and Lane; daughter Carol (Ben) Seo; grandsons Mark (Kerry) Seo, Gregg (Jana) Seo and Scott Seo; great-grandchildren Stephen, Emily and Jackson Seo; brother James Mitsui of New Jersey; sister Fumiyo Sagara of Westminster, CA. and numerous nieces and nephews. At her request, private services were held on Aug. 23. Shizuko Okimura
Posted on August 31, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2006.
OKIMURA, TAKEO, born September 1, 1906 in Yamaguchi, Japan passed away peacefully on December 1, 2006 in Roseville, California. He was preceded by his wife of 73 years, Shizuko. Survived by sons, Ron and Lane; daughter Carol (Ben) Seo; grandsons, Mark (Kerry) Seo, Gregg (Jana) Seo and Scott Seo; great-grandchildren, Stephen, Emily and Jackson Seo; numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held Friday, December 8 at 1 p.m. at Placer Buddhist Church, 3192 Boyington Rd., Penryn, CA. Takeo Okimura
Posted on Dec. 4, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei TImes Weekly Dec. 7-13, 2006
OKASAKI, YOSHIHIRO, 89, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2006 in Sunnyvale, CA. Okasaki is survived by his son Kent, daughters Robin and Wren, and two granddaughters. A memorial service was held at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple. Yoshihiro Okasaki
Posted May 31, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly June 1, 2006.
OKITA, MAKOTO, 65, passed away on January 28, 2006 in his own home. He was born on April 3, 1940 in Tokyo, Japan. Okita is survived by his wife Yumiko, his son Ken (Kyoko) Okita, his daughter Mai Okita (Ronald Leavasseor) and grandchild Kai Okita. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 11 a.m. at Ashley & McMullen Funeral Home, 4200 Geary Blvd. in San Francisco. Makoto Okita
Posted Jan. 31, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Feb. 2, 2006.
ONO, KIYOSHI, 88, passed away on March 9, 2006 at the San Francisco Community Convalescent Hospital. He was born on December 8, 1917 in Oakland, Calif. Ono is survived by his niece Patricia M. Ono (Tom Yokomizo) and sister-in-law Rose Ono. A funeral was held on March 16 at Ashley & McMullen in San Francisco. Kiyoshi Ono
Posted April 4, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly April 6, 2006.
ORIMOTO, FUSAYE “FUZZY,” 75, passed away on August 18, 2006 in San Francisco. She was born in Gilroy, Calif. Orimoto is survived by her brother Kaoru Orimoto and sisters Kimiko Ohara and Taeko (Gary) Orimoto Howorth. Contributions may be made to Pine United Methodist Church (Nichigo, ABC School or the Elevator Fund). Fusaye Orimoto
Posted on August 31, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2006.
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Japanese American Redress Activist Tsuyako 'Sox' Kitashima Dies
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| photo by Isago Isao Tanaka |
By KENJI G. TAGUMA
Nichi Bei Times
She was a diminutive lady, yet a passionate and emotional force who became the grassroots face of the Japanese American Redress Movement.
Tsuyako "Sox" Kitashima, a community icon who helped countless numbers of Japanese Americans gain redress from the U.S. government for their wartime incarceration in concentration camps, passed away on Dec. 29, 2005 of an apparent heart attack at a San Francisco care home.
San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi, who called Kitashima "an incredible friend and mentor," last saw Kitashima on Christmas Eve. She was "in good spirits" and "looked well," he said.
"She was a woman of action," added Adachi. "She liked to talk, and was very articulate about her passions, but her actions defined her."
"Sox was one of a kind," added Carole Hayashino, herself a Japanese American redress activist who now serves as a vice president at California State University, Sacramento. "I often referred to her as the "Godmother of Japantown" because she looked over so many of us. But her influence went beyond San Francisco's Japantown.
"She inspired us with her intense passion for justice during the redress campaign and her unconditional love for the community as a daily volunteer for Kimochi and JCCCNC (Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California)," added Hayashino.
Kitashima had been in Ada"s Care Home in San Francisco"s Richmond District from Jan. 2, 2004.
The beloved Nisei, whose impassioned pleas for justice won over the hearts and minds of so many, was recognized far and wide with various local and national awards and honors.
"There is no one in the Japanese American community who does not owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude for her advocacy on our behalf," said former San Jose Democratic Congressman Norman Mineta in the foreword of "Birth of an Activist: The Sox Kitashima Story," a biography penned by Kitashima and Joy K. Morimoto and released in 2003.
While in Congress Mineta witnessed the signing of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 " which granted Japanese Americans a governmental apology and $20,000 in reparations for their wartime incarceration in American concentration camps.
"Her drive, her energy, her persistence and her dedication won some tremendous victories for us, and for the nation," Mineta added.
"She was a rare Nisei who was willing to stand up and speak her mind," said community leader Allen Okamoto. "She was a person who talked the talk but also walked the walk"The community has lost a great one."
Birth of an Activist
Tsuyako Kataoka was born on July 14, 1918 in the East Bay city of Hayward, Calif., the second youngest of six children born to Masajiro and Yumi Kataoka, immigrants from Japan"s Yamaguchi Prefecture who worked as truck farmers. She was raised in the small town of Centerville, which is today part of the city of Fremont.
She earned her famous nickname because her non-Japanese friends found pronouncing the "Tsu" in her name difficult. She was called "Socko" and other variations before it was shortened to "Sox."
The simple life gave way to a loss of innocence with the aftermath of the Dec. 7, 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Kitashima was 23 when she and some 120,000 persons of Japanese descent were forcibly relocated from the West Coast to wartime concentration camps, an experience that would later both define and motivate her community activism.
After four months in the Tanforan Assembly Center " a temporary camp at a horse race track in San Bruno, Calif. " she was sent along with others to the Topaz (Central Utah) concentration camp.
She married Tom Kitashima on Aug. 11, 1945 in Salt Lake City after a nine-year courtship. They had one child, son Alan, in 1949.
Kitashima worked at the local VA Hospital until forced to retire in 1981, and then devoted herself to community work.
Because she wanted to be a part of the struggle to right the wrong done upon the Japanese American community, Kitashima joined the National Coalition for Redress and Reparations in 1980, the year it was founded.
"I wanted most of all to educate the general public about the truth of what happened during the war, even though each time I spoke about my experience, it brought back dark memories," she wrote.
Inspired by the determination and commitment by the younger Sansei, Kitashima decided to testify at the San Francisco hearings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, held on Aug. 11-13, 1981.
"I spoke about the humiliation of being fed discolored cold cuts, overcooked Swiss chard and moldy bread," she wrote. "I told of my brother"s losses as a farmer, the horror of being placed in a horse stall with manure on the floor, hay-filled mattresses that served as our beds, the lack of privacy, the terrible sanitation, and the irony of holding memorial services for our Japanese American soldiers while behind barbed wire fences."
Helping Applicants Get Redress
Sox Kitashima became the face and voice of the redress program, particularly in the Bay Area, helping potential applicants obtain their due redress.
"For Sox, the Redress Movement represented an opportunity to right a sad chapter in American history," said Adachi. "She was tireless in her efforts, and brought a level of grassroots organizing to the Redress Movement that was unprecedented in the Japanese American community.
"Many would have rested on laurels after the redress legislation passed, but Sox continued her advocacy for those internees who were excluded from the redress guidelines," Adachi added.
Adachi said Kitashima traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with the assistant attorney general at the time to advocate on behalf of the Latin American refugees. "I remember that she began crying when she began presenting her points," Adachi said.
She helped the Office of Redress Administration (ORA), the government agency set up to distribute redress, locate those who were eligible.
She would often call the ORA in Washington, D.C. in the wee hours of the morning on the West Coast, knowing that they were just coming into the office.
"When I think of redress, I think of Sox," wrote former ORA Administrator Robert K. Bratt in Kitashima"s biography. "She really made a difference."
Bratt described Kitashima as a motivator who makes everyone around "want" to help.
"No sooner had we expanded our regulations to include another group of individuals who were overlooked, when Sox would present another compelling case for redress," said Bratt. "She was one of the reasons I believe we left no stone unturned."
One of those in the expanded groups that Kitashima helped get redress was Allen Okamoto.
"Under the initial guidelines it appeared that I didn"t qualify, but with the help of Sox and Jeff Adachi I was able to get the check," said Okamoto.
"I was born in Boulder, Colorado as my mother and father were instructors of Japanese at the Naval Language School at the University of Colorado," Okamoto explained. "Since it was shown that we were under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy, we qualified for redress. Sox and my wife went all the way to Washington, D.C. to fight for not only my family but for many other Japanese Americans."
Kitashima even visited a Japanese American in prison to inform him of his eligibility for redress for his wartime incarceration.
To get into the prison, she called on Adachi"s help.
"Because I was a lawyer, I could obtain access," Adachi recalled. "I brought Sox with me, and we went into the prison and met with this man who was a complete stranger to us."
The man, in his 50s, told them that he ran away as a child and had not communicated with his parents since.
"When Sox told him of the $20K he was eligible for, he was extremely grateful," Adachi said. "Sox told the man that he could take the money and turn his life around. He was eventually released, and hopefully, Sox"s efforts helped him find a new life."
According to Adachi, Kitashima helped many who were confused about the redress legislation and what it meant, particularly the elderly and infirm.
"Sox helped them fill out the necessary paperwork to speed the process along, and then pressured the ORA to make sure it happened," he remembered.
Teaching History
Kitashima not only played an active role in redress, but would eventually talk to numerous schools about the Japanese American incarceration experience.
"It is critical to educate our young about the past so that they can help mold a better future," she wrote. "I tell them we must remember what our Constitution stands for and to make sure that our rights are always protected and safeguarded, so that no group will ever experience what we did."
"She believed that people needed to know the story of the camps, and she realized that she had the ability to talk about her experience in a way that young people understood and related to," said Adachi.
"In all her talks at high schools and groups, she would speak with such emotion to her audience " in her own words " the angst, agony, and humiliation of the Japanese American incarceration experience as if it just happened yesterday," said Rosalyn Tonai, the executive director of the National Japanese American Historical Society.
Community Volunteer
As respected as she was for her work in redress, Kitashima was also appreciated for the countless times she willingly volunteered for community organizations.
"I don"t think that she ever turned down a request for help," said Okamoto. "She had so much energy and passion."
"She would make hundreds of sushi for events, from JACL community film premieres at the AMC Kabuki to community events at the JCCCNC, social events, community fundraisers, often footing the costs herself and refusing to accept any payment," Adachi revealed.
Kitashima was a fixture at the Kimochi Nutrition Program, volunteering everyday for more than 20 years in the kitchen to help prepare meals for seniors.
"She felt this was her way of giving back to seniors," said Sandy Ouye Mori, director of development at Kimochi, Inc. "She had a commitment to helping the Issei and the Nisei."
According to Mori, Kitashima, who served on the Kimochi board of directors for more than 12 years, was instrumental in efforts to raise more than a half-million dollars to build the Kimochi Home for seniors in 1983.
Kitashima was also involved in numerous other community organizations, including the Nihonmachi Legal Outreach (now Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach), the San Francisco chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, the National Japanese American Historical Society, the Asian Law Caucus and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California.
Supporter of the Arts
In 1995, Kitashima joined with Adachi to launch the Asian American Arts Foundation (AAAF) to both honor and support Asian American artists.
"She was the driving force behind the foundation," recalled Adachi, the chair of the organization. "She was truly my "partner in crime" in making the Arts Foundation what it was."
The organization would host three to four major events each year, Adachi said.
The AAAF produced the "Golden Ring Awards" " dubbed the "Asian American Oscars" " which honored established artists such as Asian American jazz band Hiroshima, actor Chow Yun-Fat, the cast of "Flower Drum Song" and movie director John Woo. The programs also highlighted Asian American talent, and funds raised from the Golden Ring Awards were turned into grants for emerging artists.
According to Adachi, Kitashima"s desire to be an artist influenced her support of the arts.
"She had aspirations to be an artist when she was young, and her involvement in the Arts Foundation reminded her of that," he said.
"Sox firmly believed that artists, because of their sacrifices, deserved the support of the community, and she was visionary in her support of the arts," said Adachi.
Final Battles
With much of redress behind her, Kitashima turned her passions to other issues in recent years.
She brought attention to pedestrian safety measures in San Francisco"s Japantown " particularly for seniors crossing the busy Geary Boulevard " and was an outspoken advocate for senior recreation in the attempt to save the Japantown Bowl, which has since closed.
And, consistent with her calls for justice, she also advocated for redress for victims of Japanese military atrocities, serving as a steering committee member of the Rape of Nanking Redress Coalition (RNRC) and encouraging support from other Japanese Americans.
"I distinctly remembered how she moved everyone in the room when she shed tears for the victims of Nanjing as she spoke about justice and the need to acknowledge Japan"s war crimes," said retired San Francisco Superior Court Judge Lillian Sing, who served as founding co-chair of the RNRC along with the late human rights activist Dr. Clifford Uyeda.
"She was always a fighter for the underdog and was never afraid to do the right thing," Sing added.
Devoted Mother
Son Alan Kitashima last saw his mother the day before she passed away.
"On Wednesday, she looked real good," he said. "I was surprised"It was her time to go."
While many may know the public persona of Sox the captivating activist, her son painted a picture of a devoted mother.
Every year while he was in grammar school, his mother would visit his class with four to five dozen cupcakes for his birthday party.
"Everyone wanted to be in my class," Alan reflected.
As a den mother for his Boy Scout troop, she would cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for troop leaders at the Camp Royneh campgrounds.
Later, while Alan was playing in a Nikkei softball league, his mother would come every week, make lunch for the whole team, and even give instruction to the team from the stands.
He remembered that his mother loved the San Francisco 49ers football team, and possessed a "real good" singing voice.
Her husband Tom passed away on April 4, 1975, which really hit her hard, son Alan said.
"When my dad was alive, they were inseparable, joined at the hip," he said.
She found similar joy when grandson Aaron was born in 1983. The arrival of Aaron "kept her going," said Alan Kitashima, who noted that his son became an Asian American studies major at San Francisco State University after being inspired by his grandmother.
While confined to the care home, unable to walk, and suffering from various ailments such as the onset of dementia and diabetes, Kitashima looked forward to Sunday visits from her best friend, Mako Nishimura.
Kitashima was well-prepared for her death, son Alan said, even putting together an envelope in 1994 to be opened only upon her demise. In it, details of her memorial service, including a thank-you note to be read at the service.
The Power of One
Those whose lives she touched remember Kitashima fondly.
"Sox has been the driving force behind the Redress Movement, an inspiration to women, a role model for our daughters, and a true San Francisco treasure," said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) in a comment on Kitashima"s biography.
"As a friend, I"ll remember her distinctive laugh, her generous heart and her signature closing line, "I love you all,"" said Hayashino.
"Sox was a great symbol with her great voice and hair and was one of the most recognized Japanese Americans across the country," added Okamoto.
"Since camp days, Sox, as block manager, has always been involved helping people to better their lives," said Tonai of the National Japanese American Historical Society. "She instinctively saw that through her direct efforts, things got done. She never boasted of her deeds, she"d always start off with "we."
Tonai said Kitashima will be remembered for her "dogged persistence" and "smart networking" that "made things happen."
"My admiration for Sox"s integrity and strength of character came easily," wrote Joy K. Morimoto in the introduction to Kitashima"s biography. "She has absolutely no facades. What you see is what you get."
Morimoto called the local and national attention that Kitashima garnered " from the media, the federal government, community organizations and others " as "well deserved."
"Sox is a role model for us all, exemplifying the power of one person to impact the lives of so many for the better," Morimoto stated in Kitashima"s biography. "She is an extraordinarily ordinary woman graced with enormous compassion and generosity. Her transformation into a grass-roots community activist has been nothing short of inspirational."
"Let us keep her in our hearts," encouraged Hayashino. "Whether it"s at Sansei Live! or at the JCCCNC annual dinner, think of Sox. As we commemorate the Day of Remembrance, think of Sox. And, when you grab a cup of coffee at Benkyodo or May"s Coffee Shop, think of Sox.
"Her spirit will be found all around us in Japantown," Hayashino said.
* * *
Kitashima was preceded in death by her husband Tom. She was the loving sister to the late Nobuko, Lillian, Masao and Hisao. She is survived by her son Alan (Sylvia), grandson Aaron, and her brother James (Boe). She was also the aunt to many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, 4:30 p.m., at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter St. in San Francisco"s Japantown.
Posted Jan. 8, 2006. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Jan. 12, 2006
Patricia Fusako Namekawa, Widow of Former Nichi Bei Times Chairman, Dies
Patricia Fusako Namekawa, the widow of a former Nichi Bei Times chairman, president and Japanese section editor, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2006 in San Francisco, at the age of 82. As she would always say, “I had a great life!”
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Iwao Namekawa, her brothers Tosh and Yosh Umemoto, her sister Bobbie Hirota, and her granddaughter, Danielle Wong. She is survived by her daughter, Marilynn Namekawa Wong (Jack), her granddaughter Michelle Wong, her brothers Mas (Ruth) and Harry (Kiyo) Umemoto, her sister Sunnie Umemoto, and many nieces and nephews.
Patricia Namekawa was born on March 29, 1923, the first of seven children to Moto and Mantaro Umemoto, in Wapato, Washington. Her parents were first-generation Japanese immigrants, who were hard workers that sent their seven children not only to American public schools, but also to Japanese language school for their education.
In the 1930s, her father saved enough money to lease an 80-acre farm and buy farm equipment. He ran the farm with the help of his wife and their seven children. The seven children would help out on the farm everyday after school and also during the summer months.
Due to the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, her family lost everything that they worked so hard for. By the Executive Order of 9066, in June 1942, her family was sent to the assembly center in Portland, Oregon and was later relocated to an internment camp in Heart Mountain, Wyoming.
Namekawa described Heart Mountain as a desolate place, surrounded by barbed wire fence, watchman with guns, and barracks to live in. She first worked in the mess hall and later was moved up to the finance department as a stenographer.
After two years, she passed a civil service test and took off to New York City, not knowing anyone and leaving her family behind.
In 1947, she returned to Wapato, Washington to visit her parents and siblings. She moved to San Francisco to be closer to her family, and was hired as a stenographer-typist by the Bank of America.
In 1948, Namekawa was a hostess at the Buddhist Churches of America’s 50th Anniversary in the United States, where she met her future husband, Iwao Namekawa, who was covering the event as a reporter for the Nichi Bei Times. Iwao proposed to Pat on their third date and they were married on Feb. 6, 1949.
Pat and Iwao were happily married for 50 years, until Iwao’s death in 1998. She continued to miss her soul mate and reminisced about their life together until her death. They attended many Japanese community functions together, and she especially enjoyed traveling with him to Europe, Asia, North and South America.
She returned to the work force once their daughter entered nursery school and worked at TRW for more than 12 years until the company moved to Oakland, CA. In 1967, she got a job as the deputy clerk of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and stayed there for 25 years, until her retirement in 1992.
Along with being a wife, mother, and career woman, she actively participated in the S.F. Buddhist Church Junior/Senior Funjin Kai, S.F. Kokusei Shigin, S.F. Suiseki Kai and the California Hosei Kai, which she held many different positions, such as president, vice president, and treasurer in these organizations.
She was also a member of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern CA and the Japanese American Citizens League, as well as an honorary board member of the Nichi Bei Times.
In 1974, Namekawa was co-chairman of the 5th World Buddhist Church Conference in San Francisco. One of her enjoyments was singing Japanese classical songs, which she formally trained for and later, received her certificate to teach.
“She is now singing in the skies and thanking all of her dear and loving family and friends for sharing a wonderful life with her,” said a family spokesperson.
Namekawa’s family wishes to thank Dr. Jeffrey Fessel of S.F. Kaiser Hospital, Dr. Jonathan Zaroff at UCSF, the Electrophysiologists at UCSF, staff at Coming Home Hospice, staff at Crossroads, and to her many loving friends and relatives, who visited, sent cards and called her.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2006, 1 p.m., at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco, 1881Pine St. (at Octavia Street), in San Francisco. The Inurnment Service and the 7th Day Service will follow at 3 p.m. at the Japanese Cemetery, 1300 Hillside Blvd, Colma, CA. A dinner will follow this event.
The family would appreciate that donations be made for research related to congestive heart failure by the UCSF Electrophysiology Service (Dr. Jeffrey Olgin) and Dr. Jonathan Zaroff. Please make checks payable to “UCSF Foundation (Electrophysiology/Zaroff)” indicating in the memo, Memorial gift: “Patricia Namekawa” and send them to Dr. Jeffrey Olgin, UCSF Cardiac Electrophysiology, 500 Parnassus Ave., Rm. MU438 East Tower, SF, CA 94143-1354.
Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly March 30, 2006.
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