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Kenneth Yamasaki Obituary
Kenneth Kenji Yamasaki
Resident of Santa Clara
After a courageous year-long battle with cancer, Ken Yamasaki passed away peacefully on September 8th, 2010 with his family by his side. He was 72 years old.
Ken faced his illness the way he lived his life, with courage, optimism and humor. He was born on September 18, 1937 in Mountain View, California. Ken was a graduate of San Jose High and went on to earn his BA, MA, and Administrative Credential from SJSU. From 1961 1967, Ken served in the National Guard. An educator since 1962, he taught at Washington, River Glen, and Booksin. He served as principal of Grant and Henderson elementary schools, Director of Human Resources for San Jose Unified and most recently as Director of the Student Teaching Program at SJSU. Ken was an avid tennis player and fisherman. He loved his family, friends, students, the horse races and his Porsche.
Ken is survived by the love his life, his wife of 48 years, Joan Nakano Yamasaki, his sons Glenn Yamasaki of Irvine and Scott (Liane) Yamasaki of Santa Clara. He is also survived by six sisters and dozens of nieces and nephews who will miss their beloved Uncle Kenji. Ken is preceded in death by his brother Tom and his parents, Thomas T. and Kiyo Yamasaki.
Ken leaves us with a legacy of love, laughter, and great stories. A celebration of Ken's life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 566 N. 5th Street, San Jose, CA on Monday, September 13 at 2:30 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Yamasaki
Tricia Watson
March 17, 2011
Uncle Kenji,
We miss you so much! Christmas wasn't the same without your infectious laugh and seeing you walk around with that camera! Auntie Joan, Scott, Glenn and Liane - I know it's hard but he's no longer in
pain and he's right next to Uncle Tom watching over all of us.
Denise Derby
September 21, 2010
Dear Joan,
At present I am in Brooklyn, NY, visiting my daughter Erin and my granddaughter. I am saddened to hear about Ken's passing. Joan, I have so many wonderful memories of Ken and the great Grant faculty of the early 70's! What a fantastic team we had; like no other. To this day I can say, without hesitation, that I had the opportunity of a life time to teach with so many gifted teachers, K through 12. Ken provided us with leadership and encouragement. He always supported his teachers, and he nurtured their talents. Ken always made me feel that I could, and would, accomplish more than I had dreamed. I have much to thank him for. Also, Joan, I have many fond memories of sharing meals at your home with Glenn and Scott. Erin was just a baby then. How comforting it must be for your to have your loving and caring sons with you.
Much love and sympathy,
Denise Derby
Jan Wilson
September 19, 2010
I taught for one year for Ken at Henderson School and he certainly kept me on my toes by always expecting me to do my best. His wicked sense of humor was well-known among the staff members and students. Ken was one of a kind and will be missed!
Emilie
September 13, 2010
Ken,
The connection you made to your student teachers was profound. To this day it is not uncommon to ask myself if you would approve of a lesson, or the lingo I have used to interact with my students. In fact, just last week I thought I heard you were on campus and was prepared to go and give you a hard time. Thank you for sharing your love for teaching. I'm thankful that you left footprints on my heart, and I will never be the same. Much love to you and your family.
Marcie Horikawa-May
September 13, 2010
Mr Yamasaki was a longtime friend of my mothers and also my favorite principal. He never seemed to age when I would see him. Very happy....funny and always remembered the time I got in trouble and was sent to him in 5th grade. ( yikes) He will be missed and remembered by so many students at Henderson. Those were some of the best days of my life.
I send my thoughts and prayers out to his family. He was a wonderful man.
Linda Nozumi
September 13, 2010
Dear Joan, Glenn and Scott,
My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I will always remember your visits to the ranch in Paso Robles and all the joy and laughter you all shared with Joe and me. I especially remember our trip to the Kentucky in 1981 and all the fun we had at the Breeder's Cup races. Take comfort knowing he touched so many lives and will be remembered fondly.
September 13, 2010
Ken was a very special individual. I was fortunate to meet him when he was instructing Student Teachers in Moreland School District. His energy and his passion to make every new teacher, a great teacher was contagious. Knowing Ken was a blessing in my life and he will be missed.
harriett arnold
September 13, 2010
Ken and I met when he hired me to serve as a director in the human resources department of San Jose Unified School District. He also continued to follow my academic career as a friend. Joan, Glenn and Scott you were so "blessed" to share him with us and for this I am thankful.
Harriett Arnold
Amy Lin-Furukawa
September 13, 2010
Mr. Yamasaki was such a "cool dude". I have certainly missed our bantering at the Cellular Response workshops. I am definitely going to miss his sense of humor and sound of his laughter. I am glad he is not suffering from pain anymore. It is good to know that he is playing tennis and fishing in heaven. See you later sensei.
September 13, 2010
Joan, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Yamasaki's passing. He was a former boss of mine. He loved you very much. He would always say how lucky he was and grateful that he had you in his life. He was very proud of Glenn and Scott and how innovative they were "just like their dad!" His passing has definitely taken a piece of my heart. Thank you for sharing him. Judy Galindo
Amy Hayashimoto LaReau
September 12, 2010
Mr. Yamasaki was the principal when I attended Grant Elementary School. Even years later, when our paths crossed again, he still remembered me. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. Mr. Yamasaki was a man, who truly enjoyed educating others; he was a hands-on principal, who taught me to believe in myself and I will always remember that. Rest in peace, Mr. Yamasaki...you will be missed.
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