George Riyoji Ouye

1919 - 2010

George was born in Lodi to Tomotsu and Mitsugi Ouye, formerly of Japan. After graduating from Lodi High School, he, along with his entire family, was sent to a Relocation Center in Rower, Arkansas, taking only what they could carry in their hands. There, George was interred until, just as the war drew to a close, he was drafted by the U.S. Army. After completing his military service, George returned to California and attended U.C. Berkeley. He graduated with a B.S. in engineering, later earning a master's degree. Drawn to life in the big city, he soon left his family and moved to Southern California, living first in Los Angeles and then in Anaheim, leaving to his younger brother, Wesley, the responsibility for caring for their parents and the family farm. George had a decades-long career as an aeronautical engineer, employed by various aircraft and aerospace companies until he was well into his 70's, when he reluctantly retired from Boeing International, having suffered a heart attack on the job. Although married twice, once as a young man and then again very late in life, he never had children, and his second wife, Dorothy, passed away in a nursing home after a prolonged illness. With his entire family still living in Lodi, the aging Mr. Ouye depended heavily on his dearest friend and then neighbor, Betty Hoyt, who had also helped him care for his ailing wife. When George was in his late 80's, George suffered a second and debilitating heart attack and was rushed to a nearby hospital. His youngest sister, Bette, and her children immediately left Lodi to be by his side, with his sister remaining long after to care for him during his recovery. Soon, with the help of Betty Hoyt, now of San Antonio, his sister was able to make his home ready for sale, enabling George to return to his hometown of Lodi, where he continued to be cared for by his sister and nephews until he suffered a series of massive strokes and passed away on September 7, 2010. George is survived by his sisters, Bette Kurokawa of Lodi and Irene Furuoka of Acampo, as well as sister-in-law, Dolly Ouye, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Dorothy, and his brother, Wesley Ouye, of Acampo. George will long be remembered by his sisters, their children and by his long-time friend, Mrs. Hoyt, who continued to visit him even from Texas, as often as possible. A memorial service is planned for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17th, at the Lodi Funeral Home. There is no visitation, and committal is private. A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com where memories can be shared. Lodi Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.