NikkeiWest--Northern California Japanese American Newspaper

Yayeko Shoji passed away peacefully in her Richmond home on April 21, 2010 at 87 years of age. Born in Oakland, California, Yayeko loved music and learned to play the violin, participating in high school and other local orchestras. Traveling to Japan to meet relatives after high school graduation, she was unable to return to the U.S. when World War II broke out. While there, she played in Japanese orchestras as a means of support. She obtained passage back to California by working for the U.S. Army in postwar Japan. Returning to the SF Bay Area, she was a secretary at Photo and Sound, Inc. and at a local probation department, while becoming an active member of the Berkeley Methodist United Church. Yayeko was predeceased by her husband of over 47 years, Joji; and is survived by her son Joseph, and daughter Linda. She was a devoted wife and mother, and her children are especially grateful for her sensitivity, acceptance and support. The family wishes to thank: Yayeko’s longtime doctors Benjamin Fong and Leslie Campbell; the wonderful team from Pathways Hospice for their guidance and support the last 10 months; and all the caregivers at Yume Assisted Living where Yayeko spent most of the previous five years. There are no services at Yayeko’s request. Donations in her memory may be made to Pathways Hospice Foundation, 585 N. Mary Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085.

Brett Shoji Uchiyama, resident of Santa Cruz, 43, born Sept. 9, 1966, drowned on April 29, as a result of an abalone fishing accident off the Sonoma coast. His life was sadly cut short while enjoying one of his many passions, fishing. Brett had a tender and generous heart and will be remembered for his bright smile, spiritual nature, great humor and his zest for the outdoors, good health, and new fatherhood. Brett grew up in Saratoga and loved baseball, fishing, surfing and snow boarding. He was a born teacher and enjoyed rearing two stepsons. He was equally triumphant over his own toddler’s rapid development. Brett was a graduate of Saratoga High School and San Diego State University and had earned a degree in finance. After working several years as a credit manager, he preferred self-employment and working with his hands as a building contractor. He and Sue lived near the beach in Santa Cruz. Brett’s freedom allowed him to care for their children, and their home soon became a neighborhood hang out. Even the neighbors’ children will sorely miss “Camp Brett.” Memories of Brett’s generous life will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. Brett is the son of Helyn and the late Dr. Raymond Uchiyama. Brett is survived by his beloved wife Sue; daughter Kiana (2), stepsons Reilly (11) and Rory Stone (8); brother Kurt Uchiyama; sisters Audrey Gleason, Karen Uchiyama, Lynda Biner (Dominique), Lisa Bailey (Dana); and his enormous extended family.

Hideo Oshiro former resident of Oakland, was born on Feb. 5, 1922 in a plantation camp in Waipahu, Hawaii. He passed away peacefully in Roseville on April 30, from pneumonia with his family by his side. He was a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who served with the 442nd Infantry during WWII. While he was in the military, he served in Japan, Italy, and Germany. He began his career as an EEG Technician in the Army. As a civilian, he worked at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA for 17 years. On June 14, 1952, he married Harriet Ikehara and they were married for 45 years. He was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to classical music. He was preceded in death by his wife Harriet; his brothers, Kenneth, Joe, Ronald, and Laurence; by his sisters, Edith Oshiro and Doris Kaneshiro. He is survived by his children, David Oshiro (Merle), Sandra Tajima (David), and Glen Oshiro; grandchildren, Matthew and Danielle Oshiro, and Nathan Tajima; brothers, William, Len, and Frederick; sisters, Grace Sato and Carol Matsumura.

Etsuko Kondo passed away peacefully on May 1 in Berkeley. She was born in Berkeley on Oct. 7, 1921 and spent all of her life there except for four years during World War II when her family was interned in a relocation camp for Japanese in Topaz, Utah. She is survived by her sister, Fumiko Kondo, with whom she lived for the whole of her life. Other members of her family are: Chie Kondo, wife of her brother, George, who, along with her older sisters, Eiko Morishita and Mitsuko Takefuji, predeceased her. Her nephew and nieces, James Takefuji, Helen Henry, Anne Takefuji, and Jeanie Weigl. Her grand nephew and nieces, Thomas, David and Sam Cantrell, Brian Takefuji, Michael (who passed away last October) and Kimi Anne Henry, Andrew and Hanh Kondo. Etsuko had a beautiful smile and joyous laugh that will be remembered by all who met her. She had an amazing sense of humor and a sparkle in her eye that charmed everyone whose path she crossed. She will be dearly missed.

Barbara Arita was born in Acampo, California on Nov. 18, 1917, to Frank Tsuyuki and Shin Sone Tsuyuki. She passed away unexpectedly at Sierra Kings Hospital in Reedley on May 4, where she had undergone routine procedures. She was a resident of Palm Village Skilled Nursing Facility for over five years after moving from Sanger and the home and ranch she shared with her husband, Masami Arita, since 1955. Her marriage to Masami in Wayne County, Michigan lasted 60 years until his death in 2005. They had many adventures with family, friends, animals, travels, gardening, and running Star Restaurant in Sanger. She loved her home, and especially the view of the vineyards, mountains and hummingbirds at the feeder from their kitchen window. She felt it was the most beautiful place on earth. She was especially proud when their ranch was chosen as Sunmaid Raisin’s Ranch of the Year. Barbara taught school, was a member and officer in local flower clubs, was a member of the JACL, was a Christian and attended religious retreats and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother, Aiko Tsuyuki; sister, Ruby Miura; and her brothers, Geary Sone, Larry Tsuyuki, Tom Sone, and Ted Tsuyuki. Barbara is survived by her sisters-in-law, Mary Tsuyuki, Monica Sone, and Sadie Tsuyuki; and by many nieces, nephews, and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at the First United Methodist Church. WALLIN’S SANGER FUNERAL HOME 1524 9TH Street Sanger, California (559) 875-6555.

Shigeru 'Shig' Suyeishi, resident of San Jose, Chief Warrant Officer W4, US Army retired, entered into rest in San Jose, CA on May 8, 2010. Family Services were held on May 15, 2010. Loving husband of Teruko Suyeishi, devoted father of Scott & Craig Suyeishi, Leslie Blum. Loving brother of Tatsuye & Mitsuko Suyeishi, James & Fumi Suyeishi, & the late Masayuki Suyeishi & the late Asako Nakamura. Devoted grandfather of eight and proud great-grandfather of four.

Kiichi Kay Shiga, 94, a former Stockton resident, presently a resident of Walnut Creek, California, passed away on May 12, after a brief bout with pneumonia and complications of emphysema. Kiichi was born in Los Angeles on May 27, 1915. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Irene Yoshiko Shiga; sisters, Tayeko Sakai of Los Altos, and Keiko Kuramoto of Parlier, CA, a brother-in-law, Victor Honda of Walnut Creek; many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. Kiichi was a veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which fought during WW2. He was a PFC, and served in Italy and France, and was honorably discharged from Fort Logan, Denver, Colorado on Dec. 9, 1945. Kiichi had met Irene, his wife-to-be prior to entering the service in 1941 and they were married on May 3, 1942 in Desha County, Rohwer, Arkansas before being deployed to Italy. After the war, Kiichi and Irene resided in Stockton and farmed for many years before saving enough money to build their dream home in Lincoln Village, Stockton. He had quit farming and went into his own gardening business. As a pastime, Kiichi and Irene enjoyed the art of classical poetry reciting, and Kiichi quickly became the master instructor of their organization, the Kinyu-Kai, Delta Shigin Branch. He was a member of the Stockton Buddhist Temple. He was highly revered by many of his colleagues. They traveled extensively from Northern, Central to Southern California doing recitals.

Yoshiyuki “Uncle Yosh” Maruyama resident of San Lorenzo, passed away on May 14 at San Ramon Medical Center after a short illness. He was 80 years old. Yosh was born on Feb. 22, 1930 in San Jose. He was a resident of San Lorenzo for over 65 years. Yosh and his family were interned at Topaz, Utah during World War II and later served as a medic in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was an avid sports fan who attended a majority of his nephews and nieces games over the last 50 years. He retired from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory where he service as a mechanical designer for 35 years. His hobbies included 50+ years of league and tournament bowling, golfing, and attending sporting events. He was an avid domestic and world traveler. He is survived by his two sisters, Sanaye Negi and Mitsy Tanisawa and an older brother, Sam Maruyama. He had 12 nephews and nieces who loved him very much. In addition he is survived by 20 great nephews and nieces. He will be missed by all.

Emiko Arata, 89, of Stockton passed away on May 14 in a local hospital. She was born in Stockton on April 10, 1921 to Shinichi and Kikuno Kaneishi and was the eldest of three daughters. She married Frank Arata in 1947 and had three daughters. Her hobbies included Ikebana, gardening, sewing and baking. She was also active at the Buddhist temple. She is survived by her two sisters, Sayeko and Chizuko Kaneishi and her three daughters, Kathy Arata of Stockton, Ellen Karel (Steven) of Saratoga and Jacklyn McGrattan (Colin) of Stockton along with her three grandsons, Alex Karel, Ian McGrattan and Owen McGrattan.

Shigeru ‘Shig’ Suyeishi, resident of San Jose, Chief Warrant Officer W4, U.S. Army retired, entered into rest in San Jose on May 8. Family Services were held on May 15. Loving husband of Teruko Suyeishi, devoted father of Scott and Craig Suyeishi, Leslie Blum. Loving brother of Tatsuye and Mitsuko Suyeishi, James and Fumi Suyeishi, and the late Masayuki Suyeishi and the late Asako Nakamura. Devoted grandfather of eight and proud great-grandfather of four. Interned in 1942 at Heart Mountain Relocation Center, Wyoming. In Sept. 1944 was drafted for Military service in the US Army. A Veteran of World War II, and a member of the Occupation forces in Japan. A Veteran of the Korean War, and a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, World War Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nationals Campaign Ribbon with 3 battle Stars. Presidential Citation unit with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster, and also the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Most recently a recipient of a Letter of Appreciation from the President of the Republic of Korea together with the Korean War Service Medal. Also, in 2003 he received a Certificate of Recognition if service during the Cold War from the United States Secretary of Defense. Successfully completion of Army Service Schools such as the MISLI, Fort Snelling, MN, CIC School, Fort Holabird, MD, CIC School Tokyo, Japan, Ballistic Meteorology School, Fort Sill OK, Military Personnel Offices School, Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, Senior Warrant Officer Courses.

Sumiko Kaku, resident of Palo Alto, loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister passed away on May 16 at the age of 89. She is survived by daughter Joyce Tsunoda, son Henry (Phyllis), daughter-in-law Alice, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sister Chieko Takemoto and “adopted” grandson and caregiver Darwin Brucal. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Keige, her son Stanley, brothers Kingo and Gengo Tajii, and sister Kikuye Takai. Born July 1920 in Brawley, CA, Sumiko had been a resident of Palo Alto since 1956 and worked for Ford Aerospace for over 25 years. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed Bunka, Ikebana and traveling around the world with her family.

Louise Yamamura of Sanger passed away peacefully on May 16 with her family by her side. She was born in Fresno in 1927 to Naojiro and Misao Oku. She was a devoted wife who enjoyed working with her husband tending their vineyard. They enjoyed bowling and the out-of-doors and spent many hours fishing. She is survived by her brother, Toshio Oku from Sanger; her cousins, Mary Takahashi and Betty Hochi (Martin) from Lindsay and her many nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Louise was predeceased by her husband Frank in 2006. She was a gentle, loving person and will be greatly missed by all.

Kern Kono born Dec. 30, 1923, a long time resident of Sacramento, passed away on May 18. He will be dearly missed by his wife Grace of 58 years, daughter Charlene, son Brian, grandsons Joseph and Collin, and family. As a Sacramento High School graduate, he earned business degrees from Sacramento City College and Heald College. After serving in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Service during WW II, he owned a grocery store with his wife in Florin for 11 years, and retired from the State of California after 28 successful years of service. He was also active as a church member of the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church for over fifty years, SJUMC’s Garden Angels, the Florin Japanese American Citizens League, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Robert M. Matsuoka, resident of San Jose, passed away suddenly on May 18. He will be remembered as a fun loving, sociable and generous family man. Robert (Bob or Mino to his friends) was born in Santa Ana California on Feb. 1, 1933. He was the eldest of five children. After serving in the military and attending college, he worked as a civil engineer for Mac Kay and Somps for over 40 years. Robert married Yukie Kuramoto of Hilo, Hawaii and they raised their family in the Almaden area of San Jose. He enjoyed golf, traveling and socializing with friends. Robert is survived by Yukie, his wife of over 50 years, his children Cheryl Cavanagh (Dave) of Sacramento, Denise Matsuoka, Eric Matsuoka (Yvonne French) of San Jose and grandchildren Tim Caton, Ayme Dickson, Daniel Dickson, Keelin Matsuoka, and great-grandchildren Gabriel Talavera and Jayme Cavanagh. He is also survived by his brothers, Stan, Norm (Arlene), and Ron Matsuoka, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joyce Midori Ikeda, 68, passed away at home surrounded by family on May 20. Shortly after her birth in Gilroy on Oct. 17, 1941, she was relocated with her family to Tule Lake Relocation Center. The family stayed there until they were allowed to move to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1944. After three years, they returned to the family home in Gilroy where she graduated from Gilroy High School in 1959.

Donald Kazunobu Yamabe, 91, passed away May 20 peacefully in his sleep. He retired after working more than 30 years at Campbell Soup Co. He was preceded in death by his wife Lillian in 1985. He is survived and greatly missed by his daughter Carol (Kenji), his son Ronald (Sandi), daughters Arlene, Nancy (Jon), and Jean (Martin); grandchildren Lisa (David), Erin (Chris), Carri, Mitchell, Brittany, and Kristen; and great-grandchildren Donny, Shelbie, and Olivia. He also leaves behind two brothers, a sister in Japan, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Donald and Lillian, along with many other Japanese Americans, were relocated at Tulelake Internment Camp.