Grinnell Johnston Hisamoto

I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family members of Grinnell. I have known Grinnell for many years and have always found a friend in Grinnell when needed.

To Grinnell's family:

Your in my thoughts, and prayers. My deepest sympathies.

Grinnell was my uncle, and one of the people in my eary life who made a lasting impression on my conscience. He was so unbelievably generous. I always felt so safe around him, and his kindness and genuine delight in small things in life were evidence of the kind of goodhearted person I wanted to be. I am so grateful he was part of my childhood.

Mr.Hisamoto was a janitor at my school Tanana Middle School and was a very funny guy to me. It was like I just saw him yesterday. He was a very good guy, and is a very good custodian. I'm sure Tanana will miss him.

I first met Grinnell when he was 15, and I remember being surprised at how old and young he was at the same time. I have always really liked how he never cared about superficial things. He was real, like when he showed up at our wedding all paint splattered, but happy for us. I was just glad he showed up.

Sometimes Grinnell would come over to our house and talk about the meaning and purpose of life in general. He always seemed to be aware of things below the surface, including...

I never really got to know Uncle Grinnell as much as I would have liked. But I won't forget his fun sense of humor and mischievous smile. My most recent encounter with him is also my fondest memory. He was teaching himself to play guitar and there was a look of genuine joy on his face. I recognized it as the same joy I feel every time I sing, play piano, or compose music. Even from the few times I've spent with him, I know that he was a thoughtful, fun-loving, artistic, risk-taking,...

Grinnell was always a welcome part of our family and will be sorely missed. My grandchildren looked to him as a father figure in their lives, as well as good friend. He was always there when they needed a shoulder, or assistance, as our family was always there for him, also.

The Hisamotos have always been family to me. I grew up with them, I love them, and my heart grieves with them. I will always remember Grinnell - his funny antics, his sense of humor, his laugh - and all of our brothers and sisters with them.

Grinnell was a good man that was very kind and giving to all around him. He was the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back, if he thought you needed it. He was a positive role model for the people he took under his wing. He will be missed by all that made his acquaintance.