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BORN
1958
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
Kelvin Yamada Obituary
November 14, 1958 - April 26, 2024
Sacramento, California - YAMADA, Kelvin entered Nirvana unexpectedly on April 26, 2024 at the age of 65. He is preceded in death by his mother, Yuriko Yamada, his father, George Yamada, brothers Bernie and Randy Yamada. Kelvin is survived by his wife, Iris, their daughter, Kelli, sister Laurie Yamada-Mori (and Brian) and niece and nephew, Kim and Kevin Mori (and LoAnn). Kelvin was an outstanding athlete, earning recognition at the Optimist All Star game in high school and scholarships to play football at Cosumnes River College and California State University Northridge. After graduating he worked as a Hazardous Materials Specialist for the CAL EPA and California Department of Public Health, which he retired from in 2017. A public Memorial Service will be held at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento at 2401 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento on Friday May 31st at 2:00 PM. Carpooling is recommended. Casual attire and aloha shirts are welcomed at the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kelvin Yamada
Don McMackin
February 14, 2025
All the best to the family. Known Kelvin since 7th grade. Miss you bud.
Don McMackin
August 29, 2024
So sad to hear. Met in Jr high. Great guy, lots of fun to hang with. I remember touch football on the Shijo´s front lawn. Never wanted to try to go against Kelvin.
Christine Sotelo
July 7, 2024
When I first started working at CDPH in 2013 he was so helpful and told me alot about how the department operated and educated me on who was in charge of what program. Glad I was able to meet him. Condolences to all his family and friends.
James Mesick
June 24, 2024
Kelvin and I worked together at CDPH. I loved going to Woody's cookouts and Kelvin was always there with his portable wok. Found this picture this morning going through my SD cards. Such a great guy.
Barbara Rohde Dickinson
May 30, 2024
My favorite memory of Kelvin was the year DTSC adopted a family for Christmas. He agreed to go with me to deliver the gifts and decided to wear a Santa costume. As we were driving through the neighborhood, the children saw Santa in the car and were screaming as they followed us down the street. Alway prepared, Kelvin had brought candy canes to hand out to the children. Kelvin was generous to a fault, incredibly funny and so much fun to work with. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Steve Gaytan
May 29, 2024
Team Iron Palace, 1990. Kelvin was an inspiration to us all and a hell of a coach. Thank you my friend, you will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Jim McRitchie
May 29, 2024
Kelvin was the guy to talk to if I needed to know anything about emergency services at DTSC or our department's interface with others. Warm-hearted, quick to help others, and to joke, he was a joy to work with. My heart goes out to his family and friends who will surely miss him dearly.
Benson
May 29, 2024
I met Kelvin at work and he helped guide us in times of change. I will always remember his words of encouragement and support. I got to know him better during social gatherings. I will miss his laugh and his chow mein that he made for us at those gatherings.
Kurt
May 25, 2024
Kurt
May 25, 2024
Kurt
May 25, 2024
One Fresno Edition - mid 1980s
Kelvin was a person of many talents and easily made friends. While in Fresno, Kelvin was a ringer drafted to play hoops for the DWR Terminators in a Fresno city league. In addition, Kelvin claimed "Ruler of the World" title a few times in a RISK, a board game, competition held periodically at the "Loft" apartment in Pinedale.
Here is to you my friend.
Thank you for sharing a portion of your life with me.
Your laugh and attitude is enshrined in those who you encountered.
Tom Kovac
May 23, 2024
Kelvin started with his career with the Dept of Toxic Substances Control at the Fresno Office. In the several years Kelvin was in Fresno he proved to have a magnetic personality and a strong work ethic. Kelvin was always enthusiastic regarding his professional duties and pursued many off hour social activities. The entire Fresno office missed Kelvin when he left us to pursue opportunities in Sacramento not available to him in Fresno. We followed Kelvin´s upward career curve with pride associated with knowing he had received the best training in the real world of hazardous waste regulatory control.
Bill Motmans
May 18, 2024
Kelvin was an asset to the State of California in his various duties over the years, the epitome of the best qualities of a civil servant. He also possessed a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh--you couldn't help but laugh with him. He was also a tremendous athlete--after football and power lifting, he played basketball and softball in numerous leagues for years. But he was most proud of his family, and had a special bond with his brothers and sister. Iris and Kelli: your husband and father was one of the good guys, and I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a trusted and loyal friend, and will be missed by all who knew him.
Bruce
May 18, 2024
He was a good man and fun to work with at the State of Calif.
Woody
May 15, 2024
Friend and co-worker, so many memories, he will never be forgotten!
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