VICTOR FUKAI Obituary

Lt Col Victor Satoshi Fukai USAF (Ret.) Passed away March 12, 2011 after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born in Yokohama, Japan on September 26, 1937, survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Helen, daughter Brenda Fukai-Allison (Thomas), son John (Joan), son Chris (Alison) and 6 grandchildren. Interment scheduled for Monday, March 21, 2011 at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA. at 10:45am. A Celebration of Life follows at 1:00pm at the Landmark Convention Center, 47 St. Helens Ave, Tacoma, WA. Donations to The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society of Seattle.

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

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Mar. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for VICTOR FUKAI

11 Entries

Bob Myers

October 30, 2024

Lt Col Fukai, thank you for your for your leadership, friendship and encouragement throughout my first years as an air force navigator. I remember flying with you in the C-141 Starlifter at McChord. I could always talk with you about flying, the Air Force, and how to grow as an officer. You had it all, but most especially you were a friend I could go to who I could trust and admire. I still remember you standing tall in the Air Force uniform, or the aircrew uniform. You made such an impact on my whole career, and I treasure the time we served together. Goodbye my friend.
Bob Myers

Eric

March 23, 2011

"Good-bye old friend". I had only known Victor for a couple years but in that time he became more than an acquaintance, he became a friend. My greeting changed in the time that I knew him from COL Fukai to Victor and for the past several months I would greet him with “how’s my old friend?” I am sad at his passing but comforted in knowing that he did it on his terms. Helen, it was an honor and pleasure to get to know Victor and you. God bless you and your family.

Jim Cook

March 21, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many happy memories of Vic. Jan and I are in AZ but are thinking of him today.

walt

March 21, 2011

In his many years in the Air Force, Victor flew a lot of missions across the Pacific to Southeast Asia. These missions were sometimes four days and sometimes eight days long. Stopping points along the way were: Hickam in Hawaii, Wake Island, Guam in the Marianas, Clark in the Philippines, places in Viet Nam, places in Thailand, then to Yokota AB in Japan, then home to the U.S. In the height of our involvement in Viet Nam, it was not unusual for aircrews to fly this circuit over a hundred times in three or four years.

The last leg, from Yokota back to the CONUS was usually flown on a great circle course - the shortest distance between two points, but certainly a long flight of between eight to ten hours. Going eastward and crossing eight to nine time zones, your arrival is fifteen or sixteen hours long on a twenty four hour clock. This leg was commonly called North Pac One. It was an accomplishment to fly " A hundred flights over North Pac One."

An easy to remember/ or, hard to forget part of this mission was this very last leg from Yokota to McChord. Sometimes, you'd start this flight in the afternoon before the sun sets in Japan. After four to six days into your mission, you have spanned several different time zones and the body is not quite caught up to it's circadian rhythm. So, for this last leg of your mission, you are usually fatigued before you start. A takeoff as the sun sets.... And, after a few hours into your 8 to 10 hour flight, the sun rises as you continue on your eastward flight path. The darkness of night was too short. You feel pleasantly tired and bleary eyed, then you are back in the good ole CONUS.

Before each and every flight, a flight plan is created, and it is then filed. The flight plan is placed on request. At the start of this flight from Yokota, as you are taxiing to the end of the runway for your take off, Yokota ground transmits your flight clearance. It goes something like this: "ATC clears MAC 38075 to the McChord Airport. After takeoff, maintain runway heading till 2000 feet, then right turn, Yokota One Departure, direct Omiya, Niigata, Sendai, flight plan route. Climb and maintain flight level 310." Yokota Tower then gives you a clearance to take off and a frequency to contact departure control.

A couple of weeks ago, Victor Fukai placed his final flight plan on request. Then, on the 12th of March, he was cleared for his final flight. The clearance might have been like this: "Victor Fukai, you are cleared to proceed from Tacoma to your place of final rest. After takeoff, maintain runway heading till reaching 3000 feet. Then, using the Narrows One departure proceed to Tahoma National Cemetary. You may climb at your discretion to the flight level of your choice. Good day!"

He was a good man. He served his country well. "A patriot, A soldier."

Elliott & Elsa Fager

March 21, 2011

Helen,
Our deepest sympathy for you and your family. I will always fond memories of crabbing with Vic at Roche during the 2007 Summer Cruise. A wonderful man who will be greatly missed

Day Island Yacht Club Commodore 2000

Victor Fuka

March 20, 2011

Joan & Fred Breitinger

March 19, 2011

Helen, we were so sorry to learn of Vic's passing. We send our sincerest sympathies and both you and Vic are in our thoughts and prayers.

Vic, you will be missed.... Helen, both of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mark & Lina Flaten

March 18, 2011

Mark & Angelina Flaten

March 18, 2011

Helen, our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
We will always remember Vic's smiling face and friendly greetings..... He will be missed.
Mark & Angelina Flaten

Brian Bullard

March 17, 2011

Helen, sorry to here about your loss. Peg and I are in Yuma, AZ. We feel we have lost a good friend. Vic put up a heck of a battle with his illness. Sad we won't be home for the memorial. Brian and Peg Bullard

March 17, 2011

Helen, we were so sorry about Vic. He gave it a long battle and is at peace now. We will miss him. Gary & Jan Sandberg

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