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John Y. Sato

1933 - 2016

John Y. Sato obituary, 1933-2016, Bellevue, WA

BORN

1933

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Sunset Hills Funeral Home - Bellevue

1215 145th Place SE

Bellevue, Washington

John Sato Obituary

John Y. Sato

John passed away peacefully at his home in Bellevue on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 with his loving family by his side. He was born on March 6, 1933 in Chehalis, Washington into a family with one brother and four sisters on a small family strawberry farm. His early life was one of struggle both economically and personally as his family was relocated during World War II into the Japanese internment camps. There, at the age of ten, his mother died leaving his father and older sisters and brother to care for the family. After the war ended the family returned to Chehalis and John's father was determined to keep the family together. Through hard work and the love and support of his family, John was able to emerge from adversity and became one of America's true success stories.

After graduating from Adna High School in 1951, John attended Centralia Junior College with the assistance of a football scholarship and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in 1953. Later he was proud to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2008 from the school - the 31st recipient of the college's highest honor.

John served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. He then enrolled into the University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning and received his degree in 1960. There he met his future wife Reiko. They married in 1962 and had three children. He worked for several firms where he learned the trade and soon opened his own office in Seattle. In 1963 he founded his company -

Sato Corporation. The company began as an architectural firm, but evolved into a multifaceted real estate corporation including development, construction and management of real estate.

John has been involved with numerous organizations such as Lions Club, Nisei Veterans Committee, Japanese American Citizens League, Seattle Master Builder, Former Trustee Seattle Chamber of Commerce, University of Washington President's Club and contributes to numerous organizations through the John Y and Reiko E Sato Foundation which he set up and founded.

John had a passion for sports -

he loved going to Mariners, Seahawks and Huskies football games. Upon retirement he could always be found at the golf course - either at his home course at Overlake Golf Club or at his winter home of 25 years at the Club at Morningside in Rancho Mirage, California. He cherished his many friendships he formed there. He also enjoyed his fishing adventures in Canada and Alaska and had many stories of the one that got away. His happiest times were the ones he spent with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Reiko, sons Ray (Traci), JJ (Christine) and daughter Caroline (Dave Lilley), grandchildren Matty, Michael, Sarah Lilley, Kevin and Leo Sato. He is also survived by sisters Toshi Tambara (George), Amy Kinoshita (Chuck), Irene Yamasaki (Ray), sister-in-law Janice (Eddie) and loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by sister Janie, brother Eddie and brother-in-law George.

Special thanks to the doctors and medical staff at Overlake, Eisenhower and University of Washington Hospitals and to Evergreen Hospice Home Care nurses and staff.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Keiro Northwest, Overlake Hospital Heart and Vascular Unit, University of Washington Division of Cardiology or Evergreen Hospice Care.

As John requested, there will be a private family service.

A celebration of life will be held to share memories of him for family and friends on Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the Bellevue Club, 11200 SE 6th St., Bellevue, WA. (Valet Parking is available)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Dec. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Sato

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January 11, 2017

Reiko and Family,

I have so many fond memories of John. It was a pleasure to have known him these many years. Thank you for my time with your family as a friend. He will be truly missed. I'm certain he will be playing golf with Roy in God's green heaven. I will hold you and your family in my prayers.Keep safe and healthy.

Joan Seko

Mary Lou Storm(Hobbs)

January 6, 2017

Dear Reiko & family,
Johnny was such a dear friend having started 1st grade together at Adna and also graduating together. Having only 14 in our class we became more like family and and seemed to stay that way, especially in our (golden) years when we would gather for our yearly picnic. I am so glad we got to meet and know you. I feel very blessed to have had such wonderful friends as the Sato family. Peace be with you all. Mary Lou

Patricia Sexton

January 1, 2017

Dear Reiko & Family; My condolences.My name is Pat Millman Sexton, a former Centralia College '51-'53 classmate of dear Johnny's! We had the best CJC class ever! Good people, fantastic memories. My home town was Winlock. Johnny & I were not close in association after CJC graduation but other classmates shared with me about Johnny, always a joy to hear about him! I married a CJC graduate of '51-'53, started a Pizza/Pasta restaurant in'63 which is still going strong, owned by our son Randy. Gordy passed 11-29-14. We also played a lot of golf but in Imperial Valley, CA. Do you play? Drop by our restaurant,"Gordy's" if you are ever in Port Angeles. Love in Christ, Pat Sexton cell:360-460-4177

December 24, 2016

For Reiko and family,

We were very surprised to see that John has passed away. Our sincere condolences to you and the family.

Paul and Jean Suzuki

Mary Kim

December 24, 2016

Dear Mrs. Sato, Ray, JJ, Caroline,

It has been a joy and honor to know Mr. Sato. He is always kind and gracious whenever we saw him. What an amazing full life he has led, leaving a trail of friendships and prosperity along his journey.
We wish we could be there to celebrate him with you on January 14 but Johnny going on a mission trip to Haiti and I will be in Palm Springs for Ella's tournament. Mr. Sato would find humor in the irony I can't be there since I'm in Palm Springs so I will celebrate him there :)
Love,
Mary & Johnny Kim

December 20, 2016

Dear Reiko, Ray, JJ and Caroline - we were so sorry to hear about John. He was a wonderful man and I'm sure he will be dearly missed. He was a gracious and generous boss and I have a lot of good memories of my time at Sato Corporation. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Jeanie & Lincoln Lewis

Matt Rinaldi

December 19, 2016

Fond memories of playing with Johnny at Centralia JC. He was a great teammate and a good friend. He was a fellow schoolbus driver and we were both strawberry farmers. Condolences to the family.

Diana DiPietro

December 19, 2016

Reiko and family, we will miss John and all the journeys that we had with him. What a wonderful person John was. Our love goes out to Reiko and the family. Diana, Casey, Tiffany and family.

December 13, 2016

Reiko, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. John was one in a million and we will miss him. John and Patti Thompson

Daniel Good

December 10, 2016

Our condolences to the Sato family and particularly to Reiko whom we have come to know and love. Thinking of John brings back so many fond memories of golf at The Reserve, Morningside and other desert courses and the many interesting conversations (debates?) over dinner. A real gentleman with a keen wit and mischievous laugh. He will be greatly missed.

Dan and Marlene Good

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Memorial Events
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Jan

14

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Bellevue Club

11200 SE 6th St., Bellevue, WA

Funeral services provided by:

Sunset Hills Funeral Home - Bellevue

1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98007

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