NikkeiWest--Northern California Japanese American Newspaper

Chizuko Rose Shinkawa was born in Florin to parents Tamaichi and Fusa Ochiai. She married Hideo Shinkawa in 1950. The family wishes to thank Dr. Dennis Nakata, Dr. John Telles, the Staff at Vintage Gardens, and the doctors and staff at St. Agnes Medical Center for the wonderful care given to Rosie. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hideo Shinkawa; brother, Richard Ochiai; and sister, Clara Ochiai. She is survived by her sons, Kenneth Shinkawa and his wife Vivien, and Gerald Shinkawa and his wife Sandra; her grandchildren, Adam and Nicole Shinkawa; her brother, Stanley Ochiai; and her sister-in-law, Sachi Ochiai.

Donald Nakano, resident of Fremont, passed away June 14 in Fremont on his birthday at the age of 82. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Rumi; sister Jean Nomura of Castro Valley; brothers Yosh Nakano of Lafayette, Mas Nakano (Georgia) of Sunnyvale and Sunao Nakano (Sandy) of San Francisco. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Donald was a lifelong resident of California except for the time he spent at the Gila River internment camp during World War II. He graduated in 1947 from Castlemont High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, during the Korean War. Donald studied industrial art at the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland and utilized those skills as a commercial graphic artist for numerous manufacturing organizations. He finished his career at the Alameda Naval Air Station in Alameda, California. He was a member of the Oakland Buddhist Church and Eden JACL for many years.

Midori Akiyama, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on June 18. She was born on Feb. 14, 1928 in Japan. Midori is survived by her daughters Yoshiko Akiyama and Ikuko Kay Fong (Jeff); her son, James Akiyama; grandchildren Robyn and Greg Fujii, Keiko and Kenji Fong; and her brother-in-law Shiro Akiyama. Preceded in death by her husband, Taneo and grandson Konner Fong.

Sumi Ogita Brown
Oct. 19, 1924 - June 28, 2010 
Left this life peacefully for her next adventure. Wife to Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Willie Lee Brown (dec.); beloved mother to Michael (dec.), Anthony (Martha), Frederick, and Andrew; cherished grandmother and great-grandmother to Tyrell, Sumi Simone, Dante, Alex, Julian, Aiko Georgia, Alexis, Nico, Julius and Jiana. Sumi was born in Tokyo, Japan and enjoyed a loving and happy upbringing despite WWII and the difficulties of the times. She met her husband at a USO nightclub in post-WWII Tokyo, where she and her girlfriends, being too shy to venture inside, would gather outside after work to listen to American music and dance the jitterbug. Willie, who helped managed the club, heard some noise outside the kitchen window, and looking outside and seeing this lively group of beautiful women, said later that he thought he’d died and gone to heaven. He invited them in, and told his friends when Sumi passed by that she was the girl he was going to marry. The rest is Brown family history! She traveled with her career-military husband around the world, living first in San Francisco and later in Okinawa, Japan, southern California, Missouri, and Germany, raising four boys and creating a nurturing home for her family. Sumi and Willie settled near Savannah, Georgia when he retired after 35 years of active service; she moved to San Francisco’s Japantown after Willie’s death in 1997. She loved to travel, socialize, play bingo and poker, volunteer in the community, and spend time with her family.

William Norio Sakakura, resident of Walnut Creek, the youngest of three boys, was born Feb. 17, 1935 to Kenji and Kiyome Sakakura in San Francisco. At the age of 23, Bill received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of California Berkeley in 1958. He would go on to work for Sumitomo Bank, rising to vice president and Oakland Branch Manager. After trying retirement for a year, Bill returned to work as a manager at Gateway and then Metropolitan Bank in Oakland Chinatown. On Sept. 21, 1969, William Sakakura was married to Yukiko Hirasawa from Japan. Bill and Yuki have three children, Lani, Derek, and Greg, and were blessed to have 40 years together. William Norio Sakakura passed away in peace July 1, surrounded by his beloved wife and children.

Tsutomu Hironaka, passed away peacefully on July 3, at the age of 87 in Sacramento. Beloved husband for 51 years to the late Fumiko Hironaka and is survived by devoted son Bryan and wife Joni Hironaka, loving daughter Linda and husband Jim Ficenec; grandchildren Michael and Janie Hironaka, and Caroline, Laura and Joseph Ficenec; brother Mitsuji (Tokie) Hironaka, sisters Tayeko (George) Ogawa and Teruko Carol (Jim) Matsui; brothers/sisters-in-law Rose Hironaka, Mary Kawamoto, Tak (Elsie) Kawamoto, and Bob (Teri) Kawamoto. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Tsuto was preceded in death by his parents Kiyoichi and Satsuyo Hironaka; brothers Yoshito, Moriyuki and Kuni Hironaka; sister Yukie (Yoshito) Koshimizu; and brother-in-law Shig Kawamoto. Tsuto served in the army and then spent over 25 years farming at the Hironaka Brothers Farm at Folsom and Bradshaw. After the farm was sold in 1972, Tsuto continued working another 30 years as a highly respected gardener. He will be remembered for his serene temperament, contagious smile, enjoyment of bowling and video poker, and love for his family.

Sam M. Kajitani, 56, passed away July 5 in Marina.

Thomas K. Tsubota
December 26, 1935 ~ July 6, 2010
Thomas K. Tsubota, a long-time resident of the Peninsula and most recently Gustine, died at the age of 74 from cancer. He served in the U.S. Army for 24 years and retired as Command Sergeant Major at Fort Ord. He went on to a 30 year career in banking and volunteering in his community. He is survived by his second wife, Irmgard Tsubota; companion, Aida Whetton; sons, Tom and Jonathan Tsubota; daughter, Sonja Isakson; grandsons, Alexander and Nicholas.

Minoru Nagareda, resident of San Jose, born June 6, 1918 in Gilroy. At rest on July 7 in San Jose. Minoru is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Amy Lee Nagareda. Survived by daughters, Arlene (Ray) Santiago and Ellen (Bob) De La Cruz, grandson, Michael Santiago, grand-daughters, Nancy (Rick) Santos, Kelly De La Cruz-Duhon, and Erin De La Cruz.

Henry Tetsushi Nabeshima, resident of San Jose, entered into rest on July 7 in San Jose. Born on July 6, 1927, in Moneta, California. Survived by his wife Elsie of 54 years, his daughter Allyson Kwon and son-in-law Jeffrey, grandchildren Garret, Julie and Lisa. Brother of Edith Uyeno and Nori Tsutsui and number of nieces and nephews. Received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineer from University of Colorado. Served in US Army during the Korean War. Worked at Lockheed Martin for 11 years, was a Real Estate Broker and employee of US Postal Maintenance Department prior to retirement. He was a Life Member of San Jose Elks Lodge #522, Mason of Mt. Moriah Lodge #292 F. & A.M., Big Sir in Garden City Branch 39 Sons in Retirement.

Roy Akira Ohta, 82, of Stockton, passed away peacefully on July 11. He was born to Kenroku and Harumi Ohta on July 21, 1927 in El Centro, CA. Roy was drafted in the US Army at the end of World War II and served in Army of Occupation in Japan. The family moved to Stockton in 1948. He was a member of the Stockton Buddhist Temple, Japanese American Citizens League and also a member of Kumamoto Kyoyu Kai. He was employed as a produce salesman, specializing in the ripening process of bananas, with Levi-Zentner, Mazzera Produce, and Higashi Produce until his retirement in 1990. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Tom and John Ohta, and sister Teruko Komure. Roy is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Tomiye Ohta, and their children Debbie Sakakihara (Rod) of Sacramento, Christie Delucchi (Joe) of Stockton, Jennifer Fukano (John) of Manteca, and Julie Ohta (Peter Huie) of Stockton; five grandchildren, Robyn and Adam Sakakihara, Nicole, Bianca, and John Delucchi; one great grandchild, Kira Griffin; and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Ray Oki, resident of Los Banos, a long time resident of San Martin, Ray passed away on July 12. Ray was born on Sept. 15, 1935 in Los Angeles. Ray is survived by his wife Tomiko; step-mother Fumi; brothers Satoru, Terry (Terri), and Naoaki Sano (Gladys); sisters Frances Nakano and June Shinseki; and many nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his father Sadao and mother Haruye. Ray will always be remembered as an avid car enthusiast, who loved to tinker on the farm and who always up for a drive.

Sadaye (Lily) Oseto passed away peacefully in her home early Wednesday morning, July 14, at the age of 84. She was preceded in death by her husband Osamu Oseto, daughter Shirley Ann Hayward, and brothers Min Hirota and Aki Hirota. She is survived by her children Lynda Sasaki (Honolulu, HI), Victor Oseto, Sr.(Nancy) (Rocklin, CA), Barbara Oseto (Sacramento, CA), George Oseto (Carol Waverly) (Roseville, CA) and David Oseto (Cindi) (Newcastle, CA). She is survived by grandchildren Walter Hayward (Kristina) (Bel Air, MD), Stacey Hayward (Rancho Cordova, CA), Victor Oseto, Jr.(Amber) (Rocklin, CA), Eric Oseto (Kelsey) (Coleville, CA), Lisa Oseto (Roseville, CA), Chelsea, Jordana and Spenser Oseto (Newcastle, CA). She is also survived by great-grandchildren Seth and Neil Hayward (Rancho Cordova, CA), Levi Hayward (Bel Air, MD), Chandler Oseto (Rocklin, CA), and Kayleigh Oseto (Coleville, CA). She is also survived by her sister Kiku Hirohata (Bill), brother Frank Hirota (Katsuko) and many nieces and nephews.

Hideyo Beck Saiki, 94, of Sanger died peacefully on July 14 at the Fresno Veterans Medical Center. One of six children of Rokuro and Mine Saiki, Beck was a graduate of Fresno State College, a WWII Army veteran, and a proud farmer. For many years he delivered his boysenberries to Knotts Berry Farm. He was also a Sunkist orange grower. An Eagle Scout in his youth, he became Scoutmaster of Troop 88. Camp Chawanakee and myriad campouts were always fun. An avid fisherman, Beck enjoyed many hours on the Kings River with Charlie Cade, and fishing in Mexico and Alaska with his best friend Don Enix. Beck was a dedicated family historian, frequently traveling to Japan accompanied by members of his extended family. The family wishes to thank Dr. Pamela Iwasaki, and Dr. Michael Tom; his extended family and staff at Vintage Gardens; the doctors and nurses at Veterans Medical Center for the care of Beck in his later years. Also his friend and caregiver Lorna Johnson. Hideyo is survived by his wife Enid; daughter, Becky Saiki and her husband Tom Okawara; daughter, Jackie Saiki and her husband Jim Johnson; son, Ned Saiki and his partner Susan Myers; daughter, Judy Couture and her husband Robert; and son, Rod Saiki and his wife Lisa Nasshahn. He has one grandson, Julian Couture of Boston. He is also survived by his sister, Setsu Hirasuna; and many loving and caring nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at United Japanese Christian Church of Clovis on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Friends Care Senior Meal Program, United Japanese Christian Church, 136 N. Villa, Clovis 93612.

Ann Tomiko Sasaki, 81, of Gridley, passed away unexpectedly at Community Hospital of Monterey on July 15. She was born on Oct. 19, 1928 and was raised in the Yuba City area. She was a native of Tudor, California. During World War II, Ann and her family were sent to an internment camp in Amache, Colorado. Following the war, she returned to Yuba City. Ann moved to the Monterey Peninsula in the early 60’s to seek her fame and fortune. She worked for the McNeely family for 28 years living in Pebble Beach and White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Following her retirement in 1993, Ann made her home in Gridley. Ann’s greatest pleasure came from traveling and spending time with family and friends. She touched and influenced many people throughout her .life and was thoughtful and kind to everyone. Her family will take comfort in the wonderful memories she has left with them. Ann is survived by her brothers, Kei Sasaki, of Foster City and Tom (Hiroko) Sasaki, of Monterey as well as many nieces, nephews and a very large extended family. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sue Tokuno, of Gridley, California and her brother, James Ito, of Yuba City.

Kimiye “Kay” Ikeda, resident of San Mateo, passed away on July 16. Born in Sebastopol on Feb. 22, 1915, raised in San Jose, eldest of seven children, married Ichiro “Harry” Ikeda in 1934, lived in Palo Alto, moved to San Mateo in 1937. Domestic helper/ care giver for 40 yrs. Church Member 55 years: Board of Deacons. Sons: Eddie Tsuneo Ikeda, and the Reverend Shoji Kent Ikeda. (Beverly) five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren. Surviving brother: Sam Motooka.

John Kiyoji Yuyama was born on Oct. 15, 1931, in Monterey, California. He passed away on July 16, after a long courageous battle with his illness. John will truly be missed by his wife, children, relatives, and all his dear friends. John was in the grocery business (Cal Market and Cal Jr.) for 35 years. He enjoyed farming on his farm. He proudly served in the Korean War and received a Bronze Medal. John’s family would like to thank Dr. Timothy Evans for his compassionate care, support, and friendship during his illness. He is survived by his wife Margaret; son Doug; daughter Kelly; his brothers, Ken and Mark and their families; his sister-in-law, Agnes; and niece Ruth.

J. William (Bill) Nagareda, CPA
August 23, 1931~July 16, 2010
Resident of El Cerrito Survived by wife Catherine; son Richard (Ruth) Nagareda; grandson Evan; sisters Connie (Ken) Yamanaka and Judy (Mel) Yee; brothers Ken (Melinda) and Harry (Linda) Nagareda.

Shizuko Masuhara entered Nirvana on July 18 in Sacramento, at the age of 96 years. Born on Jan. 31, 1914 to Harutaro and Chiyono Tsushima in Stockton. She was the beloved wife of the late Ichiro Masuhara of West Sacramento. She worked alongside her husband on farms in Stockton, McDonald and Mandeville Islands, Sacramento Pocket area and West Sacramento, and was interned in Rohwer, Arkansas during World War II. A kind and gentle person, her joys were cooking, raising flowers, vegetables, and fruits for family and friends, and being with her family. Seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought a smile to her face. In the past ten years, she was lovingly cared for in the homes of her daughters: Norma (Robert) Ito, Edna (Dilford) Onodera, Amy (Luther) Nishimura, and Aileen (Mike) Nishio. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren Stephen (Paula, Gregory, Thomas) Ito, Ronald Ito, Luther (Kathleen) Nishimura, Jr., Lori and Lance Nishimura, Bryan (Elaine, Paige, Riley) Onodera, David (Jolie, Cameron, Chase) Onodera, Cindy (Victor, Lauryn, Jared) DeGuzman, and Dr. Matthew (Melissa, Nola, Wren) Nishio. She was the caring sister to George (Sumiye) Tsushima of Elk Grove, Toshiko Kubo of Turlock, and sister-in-law to Shigemi Tsushima of Stockton, Bill Yoko of Fremont, and Violet (Kiyoshi) Ono of Sacramento, Her predeceased brother and sisters are Harry Tsushima of Stockton, Carla Oye of Lodi, Evelyn Yoko of Fremont, and Genevieve Masuhara of Sacramento. She was ‘’Aunt Cecelia’’ to numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank ‘’Mah’’, for her friendship and loving care for the past two years. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a memorial service on July 30, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the Sacramento Buddhist Church, 2401 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA. A viewing will be held on July 24, 2010 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Andrews and Greilich Mortuary at 3939 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA.

Kevin Hiroshi Imura, beloved son of Edwin and Hong (Lisa) Imura, passed away unexpectedly on July 18. This Sacramento native was born on May 19, 1991. Kevin was called to the Lord suddenly, just as he was approaching the prime of his life. Kevin will be remembered as a dutiful and loving son. During his short life, he became a Boy Scout Eagle, graduated Kennedy High School, and worked full time while attending college. Kevin was a happy, respectful and well-mannered young man who was the pride of his parents. His exuberant spirit and zest for life will be missed by those whose lives he touched. Kevin was a gentle person whose kind nature will never be forgotten. He was taken from us much too soon, before he could fulfill his dreams and destiny. We love you, Kevin, and you will live on in our hearts forever.

Steve Morio Taketa was born Aug. 9, 1926, in Sacramento to Kumajiro and Hisano Taketa, both natives of Japan. He passed away on July 19 at the age of 83 due to natural causes. He is survived by Sadako, his wife of 46 years, daughters Sherri Mullins and Sally McSwain, son Scott Taketa and five grandchildren. Steve lived his entire life in Sacramento where he worked as a carpenter. A memorial service for Steve will be held at the Gedatsu Church at 4016 Happy Lane on Saturday, July 31, at 2 p.m.

Ruth F. Kameda, resident of Palo Alto, passed away on July 19. Predeceased by husband Wataru. Survived by seven children: Ted (Reiko), Herb, Eiko (Jerry Olson), Seiko (Rick Asamoto), Floyd (Lynda), Tadashi (Laura), and Arnold (Evan). Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Memorial service July 27 at 2 p.m. at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple. Arrangements by Alta Mesa Funeral Home, Palo Alto.