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Obituaries: Year 2008, Last Names S-Z

SATO, HISAKO, 68, passed away unexpectedly on March 20, 2008 in Oita, Japan. She was born on April 9, 1939 in Salinas, California. Hisako is survived by her husband Yorikazu Sato, daughter Sheelah Gott, son-in-law Greg McLaughlin, sister Rose Tsunekawa, brother-in-law Tats Tsunekawa, and brother Roy Ito. Due to her unexpected passing funeral services were held for her in Oita-ken, Japan. There will be a memorial service held for her on Saturday, Apr. 12 at 3:00 p.m. at the Center for Creative Living, 1460 Koll Circle, Suite C, San Jose, CA 95112.Hisako Sato

Posted April 3, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly April 3-9, 2008.

SHINKAI, JOHN HIKARU, 86, passed away on May 28, 2008 at home in San Francisco, Calif. He was born on August 23, 1921. John is survived by his nephew Philip Hikaru Shinkai, nieces Susan Emiko Shinkai and Janet Yoko Shinkai-Langit, and grandnephew Kyle Daniel Langit. He was a member of the National Japanese American Historical Society, the American Chemical Society, the American Pharmacist Association Foundation, Lowell High School of San Francisco Alumni, the University of Wisconsin Alumni, and Professor Emeritus from Rutgers University. A memorial service will be held for him on Saturday July 12, at 1:00 p.m. at Pine United Methodist Church, 426 33rd Ave., CA 94121. John Shinkai

Posted July 10, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly July 10-16, 2008.

SUGIMOTO, ROBERT T., 88, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 27, 2008 in Walnut Creek. A native of Watsonville, and long-time resident of Berkeley. Survived by his son, Stanley Sugimoto and his wife, Beverly, of Pacific Palisades; daughters, Laura Fast and her husband, Terry, and Diane Soper, all of Walnut Creek; sisters, Mieko Sugimoto of Yamaguchi-ken, Japan, and Carrie Kiyo Machida of San Jose; and grandchildren, Andrew, Scott, Spencer, Jennifer, Christopher, Daniel, Trevor, and Tess. Preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Keiko Matsubara Sugimoto, in 2004. During World War II, Mr. Sugimoto served in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service (MIS). After the War, he owned and operated Bob’s TV in Berkeley for 50 years; long-time member, Berkeley Methodist United Church. Friends and acquaintances are cordially invited to attend memorial services Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Berkeley Methodist United Church, 1710 Carleton Street, Berkeley. Private graveside services have already been held, Sunset View Cemetery, El Cerrito. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to National Japanese American Historical Society, Military Intelligence Service (MIS/640 Project), 1684 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115, Tel. 415 921-5007. Sunset View Mortuary Tel. 510 525-5111Robert Sugimoto

Posted May 8, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly May 8-14, 2008.

SUGIYAMA, ICHIRO, 91, passed away on May 16, 2008 at his home in San Francisco, Calif. Ichiro is survived by his son Glen (Joanne) Sugiyama, daughters Julia (Dr. Stanley) Chew and Rita (William) Hanamoto, and grandchildren Jason Chew, Jeffrey Chew, Jennifer Chew and Robert Sugiyama. His wife Naoko Sugiyama preceded him in death. He was a member of the Nikkei Lions Club, and the Christ United Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will be held for him on Saturday, May 31 at 2:00 p.m. at CUPC, 1700 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to CUPC or the Nikkei Lions Club. Ichiro Sugiyama

Posted May 22, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly May 22-28, 2008.

SUKEKANE, HAYATO, 96, passed away on January 4, 2008 at Dominican Oaks Retirement Living in Santa Cruz, California. Hayato is survived by his wife Chiyoko Sukekane, daughters Michiko (Susumu) Matano and Karen Yoshiko (Calvin) Nakagawa, and two grandchildren. He was a member of the Watsonville JACL Senior Center, and the Watsonville Buddhist Temple. He was also a long time member of the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple. A funeral service will be held for him on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 1:00 p.m. at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, 423 Bridge St., Watsonville, CA 95076.Hayato Sukekane

Posted Jan 10, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly January 10-16, 2008.

SUMI, MASUKO, 90, passed away on February 4, 2008 in Buena Park, California. She was born on November 20, 1917 in Salinas, California. Masuko is survived by her daughter Yoko J. Seko, sons Richard (Meiko) N. Sumi, Gary (Kazumi) N. Sumi, grandchildren Kenneth (Crischelle) Seko, Karen Sumi, Yukari Seko, Jeffrey Sumi, Mari Sumi, Andrew Sumi, Sean Sumi, Kaylie Sumi, and great grandchildren Jessica Sumi and Garret Seko. She was a member of the Wakayama-Kenjinkai A private service will be held in her honor.Masuko Sumi

Posted March 6, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly March 6-12, 2008.

SUZUKI, MARY, 76, passed away on May 11, 2008 in Berkeley Calif. She was born on June 26, 1931 in Chicago, IL. Mary is survived by her husband Iwao Lewis Suzuki, son Masao Suzuki, daughter Fumi Suzuki, sisters Trudy Chastain and Pat Gregory, brother Richard Bonzo, and grandchildren Maya and Sequoya Daniels, and Mei Suzuki. A memorial service will be held for her on Sunday, June 22 at 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Friends Church, 1600 Sacramento St., Berkeley. Donations may be made in Mary’s name to: Middle East Children’s Alliance, 1101 8th St., Suite 100, Berkeley, CA 94710. Mary Suzuki

Posted June 19, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly June 19-25, 2008.

TAKAHASHI, KUWAKO KUSUNOKI, 91, Kuwako Kusunoki Takahashi died unexpectedly at age 91 on Jan. 24 at her home in the San Francisco Towers. Takahashi was a prominent figure in the cultural life of the Japanese American community for many decades and was widely respected for her scholarship as a creative artist both here and in Japan. In 1996 the Consul General of Japan awarded her the Japanese government’s prestigious kunsho, or medal of honor, celebrating her work promoting cultural exchange. Through her scholarship, industry and dedication, thousands of San Francisco Bay Area residents of all ethnic backgrounds have achieved a deeper understanding, appreciation and enthusiasm for Japanese art and cultural traditions. Born in Nagoya, Japan, Takahashi was a graduate of Tokyo Joshi Daigaku. She and her late husband, Yasundo Takahashi, moved to the United States in 1954. After a year in Boston, they moved to Berkeley, where her husband taught for many years at the University of California, Berkeley. Takahashi was an active member of the Foreign Student Committee of the university’s Section Club. She also hosted many newly-arrived university families, especially those from Japan, and was a primary organizer of Yukali Kai at the university. Takahashi possessed extraordinary artistic abilities coupled with organizational skills and an engaging personality. With these she was instrumental in creating several groups promoting understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture in this country. Through her efforts, a large chapter of Ikebana International flourishes in San Francisco, teaching and exhibiting ikebana, the Japanese art of floral design. She served as its founding president and in 1969 she organized a project which grew to include more than 1,000 donated cherry blossom trees planted in Golden Gate Park. She was a lifelong student of the Sogetsu school of ikebana and helped to establish a branch locally. She held Sogetsu’s highest teaching rank of Riji. In addition she was the founding president of the Ikebana Teachers Federation, which is dedicated to the teaching of ikebana at the highest artistic standards. These groups grew and flourished under her leadership and are now important assets to the cultural life of the San Francisco Bay Area. Throughout the years, she continued to teach and demonstrate ikebana and to participate in countless exhibitions and flower shows, some of which she chaired. In addition to teaching and writing books about ikebana, Takahashi was a superb cook. She taught Japanese cooking classes in her home. Her classes included lessons about Japanese art, history, protocol and tradition. At the urging of her cooking students she wrote a popular cookbook, “The Joy of Japanese Cooking.” She followed this with “East Meets West Table Setting.” She also was one of the few certified teachers in this country of the art of bonseki (Japanese sand painting). Takahashi was invited to demonstrate this rare art in Washington D.C. during this country’s bicentennial celebrations in 1976. A remembrance gathering of her friends, family and colleagues will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, 3 p.m., at San Francisco Towers (Van Ness Avenue and Pine Street in San Francisco). Her son-in-law, James Earle Canfield of Michigan, and granddaughter Maya from London, as well as other family members from Japan, will be present. Kuwako Takahashi

Posted Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2008.

TAKAHASHI, YOSHITO, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, in the comfort of his family and the care of Hinds Hospice. Yosh was born on the family farm in Clovis on June 16, 1920, and lived there his entire life. Yosh is preceded in death by his parents Yoshibei and Shizuyo Takahashi and by his sisters Ida Imai, Tomiko Claus, Dr. Mae Takahashi and Mickie Takahashi. Yosh is survived by his wife Yoshiye, son Chuck (Alyce) Takahashi, daughters Lorraine Takahashi and Brenda (Dan) Treadwell, and three wonderful grandchildren Brian Treadwell, Elizabeth Takahashi and Claire Takahashi, all of Clovis. Yosh is also survived by his brother Ted (Irene) Takahashi of Madera, sisters Sue Okada of Gardena and Sally (Tom) Matsumoto of Torrance, as well as 15 nieces and nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews. A private family funeral service was held at the Fresno Buddhist Church on June 9. A “Remembrance” was held on June 14 at the Fresno Buddhist Church. Yoshito Takahashi

Posted June 19, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly June 19-25, 2008.

TAKAOKA, GEORGE Y., of Corte Madera passed away peacefully at Kaiser Hospital in San Rafael on Tuesday, May 27, 2008. He is survived by his wife Eiko Jeri and his dog Lucky. The memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, June 21, at 2:00 p.m. at the Konko Church of San Francisco, 1909 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94115. George Takaoka

Posted June 5, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly June 5-11, 2008.

TANAKA, MICHI, 91, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2008 in her home in San Francisco. Michi was preceded in death by her husband Osamu. She is survived by her sons Dennis (Yukiko), Roger (Marilyn) of San Francisco and her daughter Audrey (Victor) Iwamura of San Mateo, grandchildren Wesley, Roland, Bryan, Gregory, Jeffrey, Yumi Tanaka Hu, Dina Iwamura-Sakai, Alyson and Todd Iwamura, and great grandchildren Madelyn, Jayden, Evalyn, Emma and Noah, Alex and Benjamin. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, June 28 at 11 a.m. at Christ United Presbyterian Church, 1700 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115. Michi Tanaka

Posted June 19, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly June 19-25, 2008.

TAKEFUJI, SAKAYE, passed away with peace in her heart on June 13, 2008 at 97 years of age. She last resided at the The Terraces of Los Gatos. Born on March 28, 1911 in Berkeley, Calif. Married to Robert Takefuji on December 12 1937. They were married for 67 years at his passing in 2004. A truly devoted and caring parent who sacrificed to put her family first. Sakaye is survived by devoted daughters Joyce Inouye and Katherine Tamai and son-in law Wes Tamai, and by grandchildren Robert Inouye, Paul Inouye, Keith Inouye, Sarah Tamai Shepard and Rachel Binns, and by great granddaughters Avery Aiko Inouye and Sutton Sakaye Inouye. A memorial service will be held for her on Saturday, July 12, at 11 a.m. at the Berkeley Methodist United Church located at 1710 Carleton Street, Berkeley, CA 94703. We love you and will miss you dearly. Koden can be made to Sakaye Takefuji Trust. Sakaye Takefuji

Posted July 3, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly July 3-9, 2008.

TATEYAMA, UMEKO (MIKI), 92, resident of Stockton, CA passed away peacefully on January 18, 2008, with her daughters by her side. Umeko is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Sumi (Tetsuo) Unno, Kiyomi (Joe) Morimoto and Masako (Gene) Mori, sisters Joyce Terao and Yoneko Yamauchi, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held for her on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stockton Buddhist Temple, 2820 Shimizu Dr., Stockton, CA with Reverend Charles Hasegawa officiating.Umeko Tateyama

Posted February 7, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly February 7-13, 2008.

TONDO, JOE, 86, of San Francisco passed away peacefully on January 18, 2008. Joe was born and raised in San Francisco’s Japantown and was very active with Troop 12 and other sports activities until he and his family were incarcerated to the Tanforan Detention Center and then later to the Topaz Concentration Camp. It was in camp that he met his wife Yaeko Yoshifuji and they would eventually marry in 1948. Joe volunteered for the armed forces during World War II and was part of a Military Intelligence Service unit that was shipped to Japan to first interpret and then to assist in locating live bombs. However, Joe is best known in the community for his forty plus years of service in running a Signal and a Exxon gas station and then his own station right before his retirement. He was a friend and mentor to so many people during his business career that many considered him to be an integral part of their own family. Joe was also very active in helping with his church, Sei Ko Kai and an avid bowler until his stroke a few years ago. Joe could also be seen on a regular basis at one of his favorite Chinese restaurants or hanging out in Japantown at May’s. Today Joe is survived by his wife Yaeko, son Jerry (Carol), daughter Sharon Kato (Gary) and grandchildren Scott, Alyssa, Jessica and Jonathan. He has three sisters Dorothy Okamoto of Michigan (deceased), Fumi Kasai and Penny Fujii. Extended family members consist of his brothers-in-law Kaoru Yoshifuji and Tony Matsuda, sisters-in-law Hideko Kawahara of Fukuoka Japan, Mary Yoshifuji, Mineko Takata and Noriko Matsuda, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m. at Cypress Lawn located at 1370 El Camino Real, Colma, CA. A reception will immediately follow at the same location.Joe Tondo

Posted January 24, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly January 24-30, 2008.

TOWATA, LEE M, 95, passed away on December 24, 2007 in Alameda, California after 95 years of perfect health and being surrounded by friends and family. Born on October 28, 1912, in Cupertino, California, Lee grew up in the South Bay city. At the age of 23, she married Richard “Cy” Towata, a baseball star at Alameda High School and who played semi-professional baseball in the Japanese American league in California. They raised two daughters, Carol and Judy, in Alameda and between 1942 and 1943, being of Japanese ancestry, the family was forced to relocate from their home in Alameda and live in the internment camps in Topaz, Utah during World War II. Lee and Richard remained married for 66 years. Lee survived by her loving daughters, Carol Towata and Judy Wiener, her son-in-law, Art Wiener, and a loving grandson, Mark Wiener. She is also survived by her sisters and brothers: Dr. Wesley Ota, Jack Fujino, Ruby Nomura and Doris Saito. For 25 years, Lee worked for USF&G in San Francisco and volunteered for 14 years at the Oakland Museum helping out where needed at the café restaurant and the White Elephant. She also joined the fundraising group at Oakland’s Knowland Zoo. A memorial service will be held at the Chapel of the Chimes on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland on Saturday, Jan.19 at 11 a.m. Gifts and donations in Lee’s memoray can be made to the following organizations: the Oakland Museum, the Oakland (Knowland) Zoo, or Extending Connections in Alameda.Lee Towata

Posted January 17, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly January 17-23, 2008.

TSUCHIYA, JEAN HARUKO, 93, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2008. She was born on June 2, 1914. Jean was the third child born to Saburo and Katsu Kanki of Mill Valley. She Married Stanley Takashi Tsuchiya on Sept. 15, 1940 and had two sons, Dennis and Keith. She worked for Takahashi Imports for over 40 years retiring when she was 80. Jean was full of life, independent, energetic and loved to laugh. She was always willing to share and help others in need, particulary her son’s friends who enjoyed her cooking and company. In later life, she enjoyed meetings with the Hamilton Seniors, watching sports on TV, going to casinos and trying new restaurants. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Stanley, brothers Mitsuru and Mamoru, and sister Yoshiko. Jean will be missed by many especially her sons, Dennis and Keith, daughter-in-law Stacey, many nephews nieces, cousins, and dear friends. As Jean wished there will be a Celebration of Life at Pine United Methodist Church on Mar. 15 at 2:00 p.m. Contributions to her memory may be made to the JCCCNC, Kimochi, Pine United Methodist Church or charity of choice.Jean Tsuchiya

Posted March 6, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly March 6-12, 2008.

URATSU, SACHIE SATO, 86, passed away peacefully in San Leandro, Calif. on May 25, 2008. She became a widow twice with the untimely death of her first husband James Sato in 1963 and then with the passing of her second husband Rusty Uratsu in 1999. She is survived by her three sons Ken, Ron and Gary Sato, and her three stepchildren Rod and Gary Uratsu, and Sharon Walden. She had eight grandchildren and one great grandson. She was born and raised in San Francisco to Tomoye and Saizo Mizota and is survived by her sisters Fumie Satake of Mt. View and Asaye Mizota of San Francisco, and her twin brothers Yukio Mizota of Redwood City and Jitsuo Mizota of Hawai`i. We will all miss her dearly and relish the fond memories of her wonderful annual New Year’s Day celebrations where she would cook for weeks by herself, the many traditional Japanese dishes to serve to all her dear friends, relatives and neighbors. A memorial service will be held for her on Thursday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Buddhist Church of Oakland, 825 Jackson St. Oakland, CA 94607. Sachie Sato Uratsu, Sachie Sato

Posted May 29, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly May 29 - June 4, 2008.

URIU, KIYOTO “KAY”,90, a long-time Davis resident, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2008, in Davis. Kay was born on May 25, 1917, in Berryessa, Calif.. As the eldest son of a family of 12 children, his dream of earning a college degree was long delayed, first by the need to help maintain the family farm, and then by the relocation of Japanese-Americans during World War II. After the war he worked his way through college, eventually earning his Ph.D. in Pomology at UCD in 1954. Kay worked as a researcher and professor at UCD where he remained for 32 years until his retirement in 1987. Kiyoto’s research focus was fruit nutrition and irrigation, with emphasis on cherries, prunes, apples, walnuts, almonds and peaches. He is known as one of the pioneers in the development of drip irrigation technology. He also helped develop the Chilean fruit industry. Kay is survived by Alice, his beloved wife of 59 years; children Don and Keiko Uriu, Margie & Jon Paul Nocifera, Jan & Tom Adams, and Bob & Noriho Uriu; five grandchildren, Daniel, Masato, Steven, Kazuto and Michiko; and five siblings, Fumiko, Masashi, Dale, Stanley, and Clarence. Kay also leaves behind a long list of colleagues and friends built over a lifetime. He enjoyed trips with Alice and the family to visit friends and former students in Chile, Japan, Mexico, and Italy. He was fond of saying that seeing old friends was more important to him than seeing new places. Kay had the kindest, most gentle character and disposition imaginable. He will be greatly missed. The family will hold a memorial service on Sunday, May 25, 2008, which would have been his 91st birthday. The service will be held at 1:30 in the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis, 203 E 14th Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, or a charity of your choice. Kiyoto Uriu, Kay Uriu

Posted May 22, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly May 22-28, 2008.

YABUMOTO, TADA, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2007. He was born in Newcastle, California and was a long time resident of Stockton. Tada is survived by his loving wife Tomiko Yabumoto, brother Shigeru Yabumoto, children Linda (Mark) Lyons, Kent (Veronica) Yabumoto, Bobby (Annie) Yabumoto, and grandchildren Michael Lyons, Kimberly, Kristine, Bobby and Allisa Yabumoto, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Tada retired from his gardening business and as a City of Stockton parking meter technician. Funeral services will be held on Sunday Jan. 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stockton Buddhist Temple, 2820 Shimizu Dr., Stockton CA 95203. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin 3888 Pacific Ave Stockton, CA 95204.Tada Yabumoto

Posted January 10, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly January 10-16, 2008.

YOSHIO BOB YAMADA, 94, passed away on February 24, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital in Stockton, California. He was born in Courtland, CA. Bob is survived by his daughter Michiko Yamada (Dr. Ron) Oye, brothers Clarence (Doris) Yamada, Carl Yamada and Sid Yamada, sister Laverne Kinuko (John) Yamaguchi, and grandchild Kenta Oye. He was a member of the Walnut Grove Buddhist Church, the Stockton JACL, the Tracy Nisei Club, the Tomo No Kai, the Stockton Aichi Shinboku Kai, and the Stockton Buddhist Temple. A funeral service will be held for him on Wednesday, Mar. 5 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stockton Buddhist Temple, 2820 Shimizu Dr., Stockton, CA 95203. Reiko Fukunaga

Posted February 28, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly Feb. 28 - Mar. 5, 2008.

YAMAMOTO, HARUKO, a long time resident of Sonoma County, passed away peacefully amidst family in her home near Graton in the early morning hours of Wednesday February 20th. Haruko was born in Kahaluu, Oahu, Hawaii in 1915 and, after living 14 years in Japan, moved to the USA in 1934 at age 19. Shortly thereafter, she became the devoted wife of Charles Yamamoto (now deceased) and the caring mother of daughters Chiyono Inouye, Emie Kaida (husband Kaz), Marie Totman, Billie Kimura and Margaret Kimura (husband Ben) and sons Glenn (wife Nancy) & Greg (wife Margaret). She is the adored grandmother of 16 and great grandmother of 20. Balancing her time as a seasonal worker and homemaker, she resourcefully provided for her family’s needs with determination and dignity. As a vibrant member of the Enmanji Buddhist Temple, she could often be seen working along side close friends at church activities. Haruko also held memberships in the Buddhist Women’s Association and the Japanese American Citizens League. She is remembered most for her tireless dedication and her loving kindness to family and friends. At her request, a private family memorial service was held at Pleasant Hill Memorial Park & Mortuary, Sebastopol, CA. Donations in memory of Haruko Yamamoto, all of which are respectfully appreciated, may be directed to a favorite charity, Enmanji Buddhist Temple or Sutter VNA & Hospice.Haruko Yamamoto

Posted March 6, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly March 6-12, 2008.

YAMAMOTO, JOE SHOICHI, 89, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2008 at the VA Hospital in San Francisco after 89 years of good health and being surrounded by his loving family and friends. Joe was born on December 29, 1918, in Watsonville, California. He graduated from Salinas High School in 1937. After graduation, he worked on the Oak Grove Strawberry Farm owned by his family, driving trucks and shipping strawberries to San Francisco. He loved playing basketball and baseball as a youth. In 1942, he was drafted in the Army and went to Fort Warren for basic training. The remainder of his family was relocated and forced to live in the Internment Camp in Poston, Arizona. He was then sent to cooking and baking school in Omaha, Nebraska. From there he transferred to Camp Shelby and became part of the famous all Japanese-American 442nd RCT Unit better known for their motto “Go For Broke”. He became the mess sergeant for F Company and was sent to Europe. He fought numerous battles in the liberation of Italy and France. He was one of the few survivors of the 442nd that rescued the 200 Texas soldiers of “The Lost Battalion” in the Vosges Mountains in 1944. He was awarded the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and an Honorable Discharge. After the war, he returned to Berkeley, California, then to San Francisco in 1947 and worked as a private chauffeur and gardener for the George Wagner family. In 1951, he married Masa Sugioka of Petaluma. He is survived by his wife Masa, daughters, Robin Jo Fujinaka and Dana Jill Takahashi both of Alameda, California, son-in-law Glenn Fujinaka, and beloved grandchildren, Lindsay, Marisa, Trevor, Kyle and Taylor. His two sisters, Fumi Kita of Salinas and Kiyo Yoshida of Seaside, and many nieces and nephews also survive him. His greatest passions were his family, especially his grandchildren, and sports. He was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers, Giants and the Golden State Warriors. He bowled for many years and took up golf in his 60’s. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, strength, courage, underhand free throw technique in basketball and always being one hour early to any event. He will never be forgotten and always in our hearts. Honoring Joe’s wishes, no service was held. However, donations in his name may be made to the 442nd Veterans Club, 933 Wiliwili Street, Honolulu, HI 96826 or to the Go for Broke National Education Center, P.O. Box 2590, Gardena, CA 90247 (earmarked for Scholarships).Joe Yamamoto

Posted January 24, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly January 24-30, 2008.

YAMASAKI, SHIGEYO, 98, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 30, 2007, in Auburn, California. She was born on December 25, 1909 in Tropico, California to Tomitaro and Shige Fujitani. Shigeyo is survived by her beloved husband of 81 years, Muneichi George Yamasaki and 7 children and 2 brothers, Shiro and Tak (Jeanne) Fujitani and sister-in-law Kiyoko and Hasuko Fujitani, sons Ray (Irene) Yamasaki and Don (Chere) Yamasaki, daughters Jean (Sam) Kaneko, Tomiko Yabumoto, Evelyn (Herb) Umeda, Betty (Eddie) Nishikawa and Edith (Robert Snapka) Yamasaki, 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her son, Junichi, parents Tomitaro and Shige Fujitani, sister Kitayo, brothers Saburo, Sam, Frank and Mat, sister-in-law Katsuko, son-in-law Tada Yabumoto and granddaughter Lauralee Nishikawa. Shigeyo moved to Auburn and married George Yamasaki in 1926. She was the tireless force behind the Yamasaki Nursery and fruit ranch, bedsides raising her 7 children. She loved flowers and plants and was seen tending to them in her garden until recently. A good cook, she canned fruits and vegetables and made wonderful jams and preserves during her spare time. After retirement, Shigeyo and George traveled to many places in the United States, Cancun, Europe and Japan in addition they took many spontaneous day trips throughout California. Shigeyo will be remembered by her family and friends for her loving kindness, quiet strength, courage and gentle spirit. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Placer Buddhist Church, 3192 Boyington Rd, Penryn, California 95663.Shigeyo Yamasaki

Posted January 10, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly January 10-16, 2008.

YONEMOTO, FRED TSUNEZO, 95, passed away April 5, 2008 in Sunnyvale, Calif. Born in Colma, CA in 1912. He was sent to live with his grandparents in Wakayama, Japan after his mother’s death. He attended grammar school and high school both in Japan and Sunnyvale, where he graduated from Fremont High School in 1933. Soon he began working full-time at the family carnation nursery, Yonemoto Nurseries in Sunnyvale (founded in the 1920’s). Just before war-time relocation, Fred married his sweetheart, Yukiko Udo, of San Francisco. His family was interned at Heart Mountain, Wyoming, where he taught classes in English for the older generation. After the war, he returned to the nursery until his retirement in 1974. Fred was a co-founder of the Mountain View Buddhist Temple. He helped lead a fund-raising campaign which resulted in the purchase of the current site in 1954 and was the president of the temple for 4 years. He was a teacher of Shigin (classical singing) with the Mountain View Kinyukai. He was also active in the Japanese Speaking Society and the Sunnyvale Rotary Club. He was an avid golfer, gardener, and fisherman. His generous, gentle spirit was admired by all. Fred’s wife, Yukiko, passed away in 2001. He is survived by his children, Kazuyo (Harold) Wright, Katherine Sachiko, Fred Kiyoshi, David (Annette) Yonemoto, Arthur (Lynda) Yonemoto, and Leslie (Holly), and five grandsons, Kenji, Michael, Matthew, Grant and Tyler. A memorial service sponsored by the Mountain View Buddhist Temple will be held on Saturday, Apr. 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the Temple at 575 N. Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View. Guest book at www.cusimanocolonial.com.Fred Yonemoto

Posted April 17, 2008. Published in the Nichi Bei Times Weekly April 17-24, 2008.

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