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Kenji Yamada Obituary
Kenji Yamada, age 90, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2014 surrounded by family. Born in Sunnyside, Utah, Kenji was raised in Japan. In 1941, he returned to the United States to rejoin his father in Seattle. A year later, he was interned at the Minidoka Relocation Center in Idaho.
The focus of Kenji's life was family, judo, community, work and gardening. Kenji taught judo at the Seattle Judo Dojo, the oldest Judo Club in the United States. He graduated from Franklin High School and the University of Washington. Kenji met his future wife, Haruko, at a dance and they soon married.
Kenji was a two-time U.S. National Judo champion. At the 1954 Judo Nationals, Kenji won 1st place as an individual, which helped his Seattle Dojo team win the 1st place team championship. Kenji repeated 1st place at the 1955 Judo Nationals.
In 1955, Kenji represented the United States in the first U.S.-Japan Goodwill Judo Tour. He was only one of three civilians selected - the other seven were in the military. He competed in five Japanese cities in 25 days. In his final competition at the 1963 Judo Nationals, Kenji was awarded for the best technique.
Kenji served as the Deputy Commissioner and Judo Tournament Director for the 1990 International Goodwill Games in Seattle. He was the founder of the judo program at the Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue. Kenji obtained the high level of 8th degree black belt. With over 60 years of teaching judo in Seattle and Bellevue, Kenji was an honored "sensei" (teacher) to many students. He was highly respected and admired for his athletic ability, generosity and vigor for life.
Kenji retired from the Boeing Company after 31 years. He was president of the Fukushima Club and held positions with the Japanese Community Service and Japanese Language School. Kenji received a Certificate of Commendation from the Consulate General of Japan for recognition of his contributions and distinguished achievements.
Kenji is survived by his nine children: Beatrice (Ken), Eileen (Robert), Patsy (Dennis), Joyce (Peter), Alan, Teresa, Harold (Cathy), Michael (Candy) and Kathy; 15 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Haruko, and brother Hideo of Japan.
A service will be held on Friday, May 9 at 10:30 am at the Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue, 209 - 100th Ave NE, Bellevue.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to: Northwest Kidney Centers, Attn. Haruko Yamada Endowment for Kidney Research, PO Box 3035, Seattle 98114; Nikkei Concerns, 1601 East Yesler Way, Seattle 98122; Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue, www.bgcbellevue.org.
Sign Kenji's online Guest Book at www.bleitzfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenji Yamada
Sponsored by Bellevue Judo Club.
Pamela Roberts
December 31, 2024
Sensei embraced the participation of my daughter and me in the Seattle Dojo. He was gentle and kind and made sure we felt welcomed since we were the only females in the Dojo at that time. He built us up until we could confidently participate and held us to the same standards as the men. I will forever hold him in my heart as someone who enriched our lives. He built our confidence. He had deep respect for people and his example as a person was a strong positive force. Thank you, Sensei, for what you did for us.
Inoshi Denizen
May 24, 2016
Kenji was my first Sensei, though I didn't last at Judo when I was a young boy, he imparted an unforgettable temperment that stays with me to this day. I ended up living in Japan for over a year, and am interested in East Asian and Pacific Island cultures. Besides everyday business, I practice and teach Tai Chi, and hold spiritual events in NYC now. Bless his life soul!
the Mukai's & friends
August 3, 2014
with Edgar
August 3, 2014
NW Judo Sensei's
August 3, 2014
August 3, 2014
Capt. Robert Wittauer, Sr
August 3, 2014
Bellevue Judo Dojo
August 3, 2014
Ben Masaoka
August 2, 2014
I am sorry to hear of Sensei's passing. He was a wonderful man who taught judo to my son, my two daughters, and me. As a teacher, he was patient, kind, and gentle. His sense of humor was always present. As a human being he was exemplary. End of an era.
July 25, 2014
July 25, 2014
May 14, 2014
Ben Campbell
May 14, 2014
Dear Harold Yamada,
How sadden I am to hear of the passing of my friend Kenji Yamada.
Each of us meets many people as we travel through life's journey but now and then we meet some one really special.
I met Kenjii in the 1950's in California at the U.S. Nationals Judo Championship where he was still knocking them down even though he was in his thirties. He was the best of judo skill, fighting spirit and quiet respectful demeaner.
Kenjii set a standard that was admired by all who met him and our only consolation in his passing is that he is in a good place and that his legacy will always be with us.
My deep sympathy goes out to his family.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell
1964 U.S. Olympic Judo Team
United States Senator, retired
Cary Bozeman
May 14, 2014
To the Family and Friends of Kenji Yamada:
I have met many fine people in my 73 years of life but a few stand out in my memory and one of those is Kenji Yamada. As a young man I become the Director of the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club and met Kenji who was the judo instructor at the Club. I can remember how once each week , always on time, always with his wonderful wife, Kenji for over 30 years would teach young people judo, but more important he was teaching some of lifes valuable lessons around discipline and self esteem. He made all the participants wear the judo uniforms, and if they couldn't afford to buy one he made sure they still had their judo suit. I always looked forward to seeing Kenji and to watch him work with his young people , he had a passion for his teaching and he loved the kids. This community was better because of Kenji Yamada , my life was better because of Kenji Yamada, and we have lost a wonderful man and a better human being. It was an honor to know Kenji Yamada.
Cary Bozeman
Former Director of the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club
Former Mayor of Bellevue
Barbara Taheri
May 9, 2014
Dear Yamada family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Kenji's passing. He was always so happy, full of life, and through and through a wonderful person. Our family is truly blessed to have known him and many of you as well. His service today was wonderful, thank you for sharing so many wonderful stories of his life. Our thoughts are with you all!
April 29, 2014
Kate Boswell
April 29, 2014
Your co-workers here at Kinetic Books are so thankful to have Megan (grand child) as part of the team and thank God for Grand Pa and his amazing influence on the world. May his soul rest in eternal peace. ~Kate.
JEAN SISSON
April 29, 2014
MY BEST WISHES AND SYMPATHY TO THE YAMADA FAMILY. I WENT TO FRANKLIN HI WITH KENJI AND
ALSO HAD ONE OF HIS DAUGHTERS IN GIRL SCOUTS.MY CHILDREN ALSO WENT TO SCHOOL=BRIGHTON WITH HIS. A NICE MAN AND
GOOD FRIEND.
Jim Schell
April 28, 2014
Harold,
My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve for the loss of your father. You and your family are in my prayers during the time of sorrow.
Mark and Kim Hirota
April 28, 2014
We are sorry for the loss of Yamada Sensei. He was influential in shaping, not only Judo in the northwest, but also the lives that he touched. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on.
April 28, 2014
With sincere sympathy to the Yamada family. I have known Kenji for many years thru Judo. He had an outstanding Judo career, both in competition and teaching. He will be missed by his many friends.
Jim Takemori (Alexandria, VA)
Larry Silverman
April 27, 2014
My son, Ken, used to take judo lessons from Mr. Yamada. I always appreciated sensei's patience with his students and his devotion to the sport of judo.
Sue Hanson
April 27, 2014
Kenji was a wonderful man who influenced countless people in positive ways. His impact on this world is apparent. He will be missed.
John Harai
April 26, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Yamada family.
John, Bridget and CopperRose
ed molina
April 26, 2014
Harold, I'm very sorry for your loss. A great loss to the judo community.
Paul Beecher
April 26, 2014
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult loss. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you in this trying time.
Maynard Atik
April 26, 2014
Harold,
May God's blessing and peace rest upon your father, Kenji Yamada's memory.
Maynard Atik
Dwight Onchi
April 26, 2014
I remember going to the US National Judo Championships in 1963 as a 13yr-old with my father, and after watching Kenji Yamada Sensei compete, he became one of my Judo idols.
Professor Yamada's Judo legacy and his spirit of giving lives on through his family, friends, students & all those that traveled the path with him...
A Great Kodokan Judo Pioneer has left us, but will never be forgotten...
Sincere respect & condolences to Hachidan, Professor Kenji Yamada Sensei's family...
Alan Israel
April 25, 2014
Sensei Yamada was an incredible instructor that he lived, not taught. His Legacy is his children whom his son Harold has taken that passion to the same level. Harold to me, is my Sensei now and is a mirror of his father. Sensei Kenji Yamada was an icon in my life, he not only instructed me in Judo, but he also taught my father, God rest his soul. The generosity of Sensei Yamada to my family (much longer story) makes me know his spirit lives on. To the entire Yamada family, I'm sorry for your loss, but thank you for including me in the Yamada Family.
Gary Goltz
April 25, 2014
Judo Senseis live on forever through their students!
Sherrie Wilson
April 25, 2014
Very sorry for your families loss. Your Dad will be remembered as a valued member of the judo community and someone that will be missed for years to come. Sherrie Wilson
April Kneisel
April 25, 2014
Condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss. <3
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