NikkeiWest--Northern California Japanese American Newspaper

Broderick Kazuto Koga passed away peacefully on July 30, in Seattle, Washington. He was born in Stockton on Sept. 19, 1958, the second of four children. He graduated from Tokay High School in Lodi, and attended Chico State University in California, where he studied computer science. He moved to Seattle in 1987 where he worked at Payless, which eventually became Rite Aid, where he worked for many years, before suffering a severe head injury at work. Brody enjoyed flying kites, listening to music, bicycling, movies and cooking for friends. He went from tinkering with toasters in his childhood to building and programming computers as an adult. Friends and family remember him as a very hard working, kind and helpful man who was always willing to lend a hand. He is preceded in death by his father, Davis Koga. He is survived by his mother, Gail Koga of Stockton; sister, Kelly Brock and family of Capitola; sister, Ellen Shiromizu and family of Pleasanton; brother, Eric Koga and family of Lodi; and many cousins, aunts and uncles. He was a beloved son, uncle, brother, cousin, nephew, and grandson. We will miss his warm, sweet disposition and his smile.

Ariaki Inouye, born Sept. 24, 1914, to Kenzo and Sakaye Inouye in Oakland, California, Ari went home to his heavenly Father on Aug. 3. Known by many names, Ari was husband, Daddy, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Ari Uncle, Uncle Ari, and friend. He shared his joy for 69 years with his loving wife, Ida. He is survived by his children-David (Jan), Stan (Janie), Martin (Deb) and Arlene-and his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. In a moment of reflection, Ari said, “As I look back on my life, I know by his grace, God has led me every step of the way. Like the pieces of a mosaic, each piece of my life just seemed to ultimately fall into place. We may not know what the future has for us, but God unmistakably reveals his plan and the way for us.” God certainly unfolded his plans in Ari’s life. Ari grew up in the Bay Area, and after receiving his B.A. in Political Science (1936) from the University of California, he traveled to Japan to study the language, history, and culture. He fell in love with the gardens there and returned to UC Berkeley to earn his B.A. in Landscape Architecture (1941). When World War II started, he taught Japanese to U.S. Navy officers at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Upon his return, he became the first campus landscape architect at UC Berkeley, and retired in 1979, having received awards both in his field and for his work for the Navy. Ari’s greatest legacy was living a life guided by faith and his simple appreciation for God’s creation and beauty, which he passed on to his family and his many close friends. He loved to fish and camp in the mountains, and collect large rocks for his gardens- all of which he enlisted his family’s help and company. His growing family fulfilled his dream of being a part of an international family with the inclusion of Japanese, Caucasian, Chinese, and Korean cultures. He and Ida also “adopted” and mentored many young people throughout his life. He loved dancing, tennis, golf, lawn bowling, and entertaining guests, both in their home and at his favorite sushi restaurant. And of course, he always had room for dessert.

Ian Nabeshima passed away on Aug. 15. Born Jan. 2, 1928 in Berkeley, the youngest of three to Wasuke and Chiyoko Nabeshima, first generation immigrants from Japan. As World War II descended, the family was interned in the Tule Lake Camps. Ian, at 13, was allowed to stay with family friends in Chicago, returning to California after the war, to reunite with the family. Ian graduated from U.C. Berkeley, served in the army during the Korean War, and upon returning to Berkeley, was employed by the U.C. Berkeley Science Libraries and there met Robert Kahle. They were life partners for over 55 years. Robert Kahle died in 2005. They traveled extensively in Europe, spending much time in London, their favorite city. Life revolved around opera, symphonic music, collecting fine editions of the classics, and gourmet cooking for a few select friends. Ian had a passion for bridge, the New York Times crosswords and his daily coffee at Hudson Bay Coffee on College Avenue in Oakland. They lived in their glass and wood, much-published contemporary home, on the Berkeley/Oakland line. Ian died at home, as were his wishes. He is survived by sister, Evelyn Iyama, two nieces, Cynthia Jensen of Los Angeles, and Penny Lundholm, of St. George, Utah, a grand niece and several grand nephews.

Teruo “Ted” Nomura, born on Jan. 28, 1928 in Sacramento, passed away peacefully on Aug. 18, after a brief illness at his home in Elk Grove, and surrounded by his loving family. Preceded in death by his father, Kuniichi Nomura, mother, Suzuko (Adachi) Nomura, sisters Kathy (Nomura) Yip, and Mitzi (Nomura) Hashimoto and daughter, Robin (Robert) Duclos. Survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Vera (Schmidt) Nomura, and his  children Matt (Amy) Nomura of Stockton, Toni (Keith) Brenner of Elk Grove, Trudy (Ronnie) Nomura of Elk Grove, and seven grandchildren Megan Kundert, Allie Nomura, Carly Nomura, Colby Brenner, Jordan Brenner, Emilee Powers and Lindsey Powers. Ted was an avid fisherman, who enjoyed his crossword puzzles and sharing with his friends and neighbors the bounty of fruits and vegetables he grew from his garden.

Lily Yoneyo Sakamoto was born Lily Yoneyo Shimamura in Seattle on Jan. 28, 1930. Her father was an Issei who returned to Japan shortly after her birth. Her mother, a Nisei, was Kiyoko Shimanura (nee Oyama) who passed on a few years ago. In her early years, Lily was known as Yoyo, a contraction of her middle name. An older Issei couple adopted Yoyo during her elementary school years. She became Lily Yoneyo Ishii. Her adopted father worked for many years on the Great Northern Railroad until his death. WWII required Yoyo and her mother to evacuate to a WWII Relocation Center in Idaho. Not wanting to spend any time in a Camp, they left for Cleveland, Ohio where they lived for a few years until they were able to return to Washington. Her adopted mother passed on shortly there-after and Yoyo was again reunited with her mother. After graduating from Garfield High School in Seattle, Yoyo worked in Seattle on two jobs, one as a waitress and the other as a clerk in a jewelry store. She eventually obtained a job at General Electric Credit Corporation (GECC) as a general office worker. Her early adult life emphasized bowling among the large Japanese American population bowling principally at a Nisei operated establishment. She achieved reasonable fame as an accomplished bowler in the Northwest. She met Norman Sakamoto in Seattle in 1951 at an ice skating rink. Norman entered military service in February 1953. They were married in Reedley on Sept. 6, 1953. Memorable in the event was that Yoyo selected as bridesmaids, a friend from Seattle, a friend from Reedley and a cousin from Pasadena. Yoyo transferred from GECC in Seattle to Fresno being promoted to the accounting department. She lived with Norman’s parents while Norman fulfilled his military service. When Norman was separated from the US Army in June of 1955, they moved to Los Angeles where Norman went to school and Yoyo transferred (again) to GECC in Los Angeles. During her stay in Los Angeles she had been elevated to a position of Auditor and for a short time she ostensibly managed the small Hollywood CECC Office. While at this office, she met Dimitri Tiomkin, famous Hollywood film music composer while in the elevator. Two years later Norman graduated from Aeronautical Engineering studies and obtained a position with an Aerospace company in San Diego. They moved again in succession to Chula Visa, North Park, Clairmont and National City (all in the San Diego area). Unlikely as it may seem Yoyo again transferred to the CECC Office in San Diego. After about ten years with CECC, Yoyo moved on to work for the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Office. Two years later she moved on to work for the Carpenter’s Local for about four years after which she retired from professional employment. Norman’s position with the company required extensive traveling and YoYo accompanied Norman on a number of trips including Washington, D.C., New York, London, Paris, Rome and Cairo. The trip to Cairo included a cruise down the Nile. This trip created the most impact based on the observed plight of the poor and needy even by Egyptian standards. On Norman’s retirement, after 47 years, Yoyo and Norman bought a home and retired in Reedley, Norman’s birthplace and the location of most of his family. After two years, they moved to Clovis in order to be closer to their frequently required medical services in Fresno and Clovis. Yoyo peacefully departed our company on Aug. 27, while in the wonderful and loving care of the personnel at the Oakwood Gardens Health Care Facility in Fresno. Yoyo is survived by her husband Norman Sakamoto of Clovis; her sister Hatsuko of Westminster, Ca.; cousins, Carol Watanabe of Los Angeles, David Watanabe of Reseda, Nancy Yamauchi of Pasadena, Ronald Oyama of Los Angeles; and an aunt Setsuko Oyama of Los Angeles.

Kiyomi Kawamoto, resident of San Jose, passed away peacefully on Aug. 30 at home surrounded by loving family members. Kiyomi is survived by her sons Hiroshi Mas, daughter Sumiko; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and brother George. Pre-deceased by her husband Hideo; three children Kimiko, Osamu James, brother Yoshio.

Dean Yoshio Mikami, resident of Morgan Hill, born Dec. 4, 1940 in Kent, WA, passed away on Aug. 31, at the age of 70 in Morgan Hill. He leaves behind a daughter, son and granddaughter as well as many friends and close family. Dean was a very active person that enjoyed the outdoors and travel. He often snow skied, water skied, backpacked, and golfed. He will be remembered for his sharing of these passions and his distinctive laugh.

Arvene Mukai Sasaki, resident of Richmond, passed away on Aug. 31, at the age of 85 years. A native of Walville, WA, Arvene was one of five children born to Chiyoko and Kiyoichi Mukai. In 1942 Executive Order 9066 was enacted and the family was interned at Tule Lake. Arvene was moved to Heart Mountain Internment camp in Wyoming in 1943 and graduated from Heart Mountain High School. She attended Baker College in Kansas and moved to Chicago in 1946 to work as a beautician. Arvene married Takashi “Bob” Sasaki in 1947. The family moved to Richmond in 1951, where Arvene raised her children and worked at Adachi Florist, Richard’s Jewelers in Albany and stringing pearls in San Francisco. She was active in Boy Scout Troop 101 and Balboa Elementary School PTA. Together with Bob, she enjoyed bowling in the Go Go league in El Cerrito. Reno and Tahoe were favorite destinations, both for vacations with her grandchildren and, of course, gambling. Arvene is survived by her children, Pamela Shiba-Yanaba (Mike) of Rodeo, Dan Sasaki of Richmond and Rodger Sasaki (Margaret) of Rodeo. She leaves three grandchildren, Todd Shiba (Hilary) of Oakton, VA, Kacie Sasaki Berk (Jon), of San Diego and Lindsay Sasaki Longman (Trevor) of Lincoln, CA. She is also survived by one brother, Jack Mukai of Waterford, NY and many nieces and nephews.

Mutsuko Mae Yano, 85, resident of Los Altos, passed away peacefully on Sept. 1. Born in San Jose on March 5, 1926. Preceded in death by husband Toshikazu Yano and brother Atsushi Ii. Survived by sister Hitomi Hirota; children George (Kathy) Yano, Joseph (Isako) Yano, Bess (Wayne) Inouye, Irene Yano-Greenfield, Tony (Judy) Yano, and Ed (Denise) Yano; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Sincere thanks to friends and relatives who visited her and, especially, to her personal caregiver and friend, Charlie.

Kazuko Kojima passed away peacefully Sept. 4, at the age of 89. Beloved wife of the late Shozo Kojima, who passed away on March 27, 1990. Mrs. Kojima lives on through three daughters, Nobuko Yamada (Koji) and Akiko Kojima in Japan, and Toshiko Nakamura (Hisashi) in San Francisco. Her grandchildren are Kei, Taku, Yohei and Sayaka.

Misao ‘Cathy’ Hamamoto, born April 2, 1920, in Clarksburg to the late Kumezo and Sumi Kawahisa; passed away peacefully at home in Sacramento on Sept. 5. Beloved wife of 67 years to the late Kiyoshi Hamamoto. Sister to Kikue (Yosh) Uyeoka, Yoshiko Kawahisa, the late Jim (Fumi) Kawahisa, and Miyoko (Ted) Hasegawa. Aunt to Harry (Sharon) Hasegawa, Jo Ann (Don Buno) Tahara, Vickie (Paul) Umeda, and Bryan (Julie) Uyeoka. Great Aunt to Daniel (Diana) Tahara, Derek (Kirsten) Tahara, Bradley Hasegawa, Kyle and Sydney Umeda, Wesley and Alycia Uyeoka. Great-great aunt to Thianna, Melia, Ashlyn, and Brayden Tahara. Misao retired from Mercy Hospital after 32+ years of service in the Payroll Dept. Misao loved to laugh and travel. She lived her life to the fullest and will be missed by family/friends.

Sanaye “Poncho” Kosaka, 98, of Lodi, passed away on Sept. 9. He was born on Nov. 21, 1912 in Hiroshima, Japan. He moved to Lodi in 1935. In 1942 the family was sent to internment camp in Rohwer, Arkansas during World War II. In 1946 and following the war he moved to Chicago, Illinois, working as a shipping clerk in the auto parts industry for 22 years. Then in 1964 he moved to California, and in 1986 he returned to Lodi, working as a gardener for several years. His first love was dressing immaculately and playing baseball in his youth. He also enjoyed bowling and going to Indian casinos. He was preceded in death by two wives, Florence Kosaka and Yoshiko Kosaka; and a son, Gerald “Poncho” Kosaka. He is survived by children, Arline Tamura (Nobi), Louise Glasser, Judy Kosaka, and Ronnie Kosaka (Tiny); grandchildren, Keith Kosaka, Kris Cullinan (Phil), Michelle Okazaki, and Jay Pleasant; great-grandchildren, Kameron Kosaka, Collin Kosaka, Carson Kosaka, and Cody Cullinan; sisters, Hisako Nakamura and Miyako Tsunekawa; and many nieces and nephews.

Chizuko Murata Coulter, resident of Walnut Creek, passed away Sept. 10 in her home in Walnut Creek. Born Nov. 21, 1924 in Kawasaki, Japan, she met and married WO Eugene Coulter in 1951. They traveled the world with the US Army till his retirement to California in 1960. A long time resident of San Rafael, she was active in the Goldenaires, the Marin Watercolor Society and the 1st Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her daughter, Frances (Mark Sturgess), granddaughter Mariko, sister Sanae Ishida and brother Toru Murata.

DeAnne Nakatsu-DeDios of Stockton, was born June 9, 1973 was taken from us suddenly on Sept. 12. She leaves behind her husband of 12 years, Alfonso DeDios, children BreAnna, Joseph, Kailee and Ayanna. She is also survived by her parents, Ken and Rosalee Nakatsu, her sister Stefanie Nakatsu-Martinez and her family, mother-in-law, Marianne DeDios, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Robert DeDios. DeAnne was an A.A. Stagg Booster parent, she loved to camp and spend time outdoors. She loved working with children and was a frequent volunteer at her children’s schools. DeAnne will be missed by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Tsuneo “Sam” Horiguchi, 70, resident of Los Gatos, passed away on the afternoon of Sept. 15 after a two-and-a-half year battle with lung cancer. Sam passed peacefully at his home in Los Gatos, in the arms of his wife, Rita, with his daughter, Cynthia, holding his hand, and in the presence of some close family friends. Originally from Sapporo, Japan, Sam moved to New York in the mid 1960s to attend graduate school at Columbia and NYU after graduating from Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. He was a software engineer at IBM for more than 40 years and moved to the Bay Area in 1976. He and Rita celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on June 9 of last year, just one month after their daughter, Cynthia, graduated from the University of Southern California.

Hisa Tsugawa, a long time resident of Sacramento, passed away on Sept. 15. She is survived by her sisters Sumi Iwamae and Amy Osada and nieces and nephews Misako Mori, Edwin and Michael Osada, Diane Cramer, Helen, David, and Bob Okamoto, Cathy Abeyta, Susan Nomoto, and Mitzi, Harry, and Sandy Abe. She was preceded in death by her husband Asaichi Tsugawa.

Alan Hasabe, resident of Patterson, born March 11, 1956 and passed away on Sept. 17, at the age of 55. He lost a three year battle with cancer. Alan is preceded in death by his mother, Betty Setsuko. He is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Maria; his father George; his sisters Joyce, Emma and Lily; their husbands Lance Cushenberry, Paul Mitchell, and Peter Hester, respectively; nephew Morgan Hasebe-Hester, niece Olivia Mitchell, his loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Lupe Martinez, big brother Victor, grandson Donaven Bayangoes, numerous Tapia family members and dear friends Marcus and Keta Morellon. And let us not forget his two dachshunds Charley Davidson, Johnny Chop aka Choppy, and Jake the singing parrotlet. Alan grew up in San Jose and loved riding his Harley Davidson. He introduced Maria to riding and they enjoyed many group rides together. In 2005, they “settled down” and bought a home in Patterson, where Alan could hone his domestic skills.

Mary Sakae (Miyano) Masamitsu, 76, of Fremont, passed away Sept. 17, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on Feb. 23, 1935 in Los Angeles to the late Reverends Giichi and Yukiko Miyano of the Tenrikyo Church. She was a devoted Sunday School teacher at Our Savior Lutheran Church for over 30 years. She is survived by her husband Kenneth; daughter Loriyuki Masamitsu Delegato; son Eric (Diana); and grandchildren Yume Delegato, Hunter, and Tabitha; also by her siblings Ruth Beadles (Dave), Seitaro Miyano (Colleen), Masao Miyano (Harue), and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her step-son Kenneth Jr., older brother Jim Miyano and wife Bobbie Jean and son-in-law Paul Delegato.

Kathryn T. Jan, resident of El Cerrito, passed away on Sept. 19 in El Cerrito, at 68 years of age. Born in Topaz, Utah, and 44-year resident of El Cerrito. Survived by her husband of 40 years, Peter Jan; mother, Yae Wada of Berkeley; daughter, Diana Jan of Benicia; son, Michael Jan of Honolulu, Hawaii; sister Lynn Matsumoto and her husband, Steve of Moraga; brother-in-law, Ralph Iwasa of Martinez; granddaughters, Kiana and Leilani Jan; grandson, Jason Coelho; nieces, Karen and Joy Iwasa, and Lauren Gentry; and nephew, Bryan Matsumoto. Preceded in death by her daughter, Tracy Jan in 2005; and sister, Diane Iwasa in 2002. Kathy grew up in Berkeley, and graduated from Cal State Hayward, from which she received a bachelor’s degree; she worked as a computer analyst for the City of Berkeley; retired 2004.