Ken Yamashiro

1935 - 2008

January 25, 1935 - August 9, 2008
Passed away in his sleep after a long struggle with esophageal cancer on August 9, 2008. Ken's parents both hailed from Etajima, Japan and emigrated to the United States in 1908. Ken was born in Delano, California where he spent his childhood until WWII. Rather than being interned, Ken's father chose to relocate the family first in Montana and Colorado, returning to Los Angeles after the war. Ken graduated from Gardena High School, went on to UCLA, ultimately graduating from USC. Ken attended the Pepperdine Graduate School of Business while working full time and raising his children, graduating with an MBA in 1970. Ken went on to a successful career as program manager and contract negotiator in the aerospace industry. In 1972, he continued his work in the aircraft industry overseas and relocated with his family to Iran and then Saudi Arabia, returning to the United States in 1978. Ken and his family lived in Gardena, California, for another 13 years before he and his wife relocated to San Diego, where he spent the remainder of his time. Ken is survived by his loving wife of forty nine years, DeAnna; son, Cyn; daughters, Doe and Kyo; grandchildren, Lea, Noa, and Emi. A memorial service will be held at the Wayfarer's Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, on August 23rd, at 7:30 p.m., with a reception to follow. 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275; 310.377.1650; http://www.wayfarerschapel.org. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to San Diego Hospice in Ken's name at: www.sdhospice.org; or 619.278.6100; or 4311 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.