Cupertino, California
Kenneth Kenji YamasakiResident of Santa Clara After a courageous year-long battle with cancer, Ken Yamasaki passed away peacefully on September 8th, 2010 with his family by his side. He was 72 years old.Ken faced his illness the way he lived his life, with courage, optimism and humor. He was born...
Read MoreUncle Kenji,
We miss you so much! Christmas wasn't the same without your infectious laugh and seeing you walk around with that camera! Auntie Joan, Scott, Glenn and Liane - I know it's hard but he's no longer in
pain and he's right next to Uncle Tom watching over all of us.
Tricia Watson
March 17, 2011 | Santa Clara, CA
Dear Joan,
At present I am in Brooklyn, NY, visiting my daughter Erin and my granddaughter. I am saddened to hear about Ken's passing. Joan, I have so many wonderful memories of Ken and the great Grant faculty of the early 70's! What a fantastic team we had; like no other. To this day I can say, without hesitation, that I had the opportunity of a life time to teach with so many gifted teachers, K through 12. Ken provided us with leadership and encouragement. He always...
Denise Derby
September 21, 2010 | San Jose, CA
I taught for one year for Ken at Henderson School and he certainly kept me on my toes by always expecting me to do my best. His wicked sense of humor was well-known among the staff members and students. Ken was one of a kind and will be missed!
Jan Wilson
September 19, 2010 | San Jose, CA
Ken,
The connection you made to your student teachers was profound. To this day it is not uncommon to ask myself if you would approve of a lesson, or the lingo I have used to interact with my students. In fact, just last week I thought I heard you were on campus and was prepared to go and give you a hard time. Thank you for sharing your love for teaching. I'm thankful that you left footprints on my heart, and I will never be the same. Much love to you and your family.
Emilie
September 14, 2010 | Campbell, CA
Mr Yamasaki was a longtime friend of my mothers and also my favorite principal. He never seemed to age when I would see him. Very happy....funny and always remembered the time I got in trouble and was sent to him in 5th grade. ( yikes) He will be missed and remembered by so many students at Henderson. Those were some of the best days of my life.
I send my thoughts and prayers out to his family. He was a wonderful man.
Marcie Horikawa-May
September 13, 2010 | San Jose, CA
Dear Joan, Glenn and Scott,
My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I will always remember your visits to the ranch in Paso Robles and all the joy and laughter you all shared with Joe and me. I especially remember our trip to the Kentucky in 1981 and all the fun we had at the Breeder's Cup races. Take comfort knowing he touched so many lives and will be remembered fondly.
Linda Nozumi
September 13, 2010 | San Jose, CA
Ken was a very special individual. I was fortunate to meet him when he was instructing Student Teachers in Moreland School District. His energy and his passion to make every new teacher, a great teacher was contagious. Knowing Ken was a blessing in my life and he will be missed.
September 13, 2010
Ken and I met when he hired me to serve as a director in the human resources department of San Jose Unified School District. He also continued to follow my academic career as a friend. Joan, Glenn and Scott you were so "blessed" to share him with us and for this I am thankful.
Harriett Arnold
harriett arnold
September 13, 2010 | San Jose, CA
Mr. Yamasaki was such a "cool dude". I have certainly missed our bantering at the Cellular Response workshops. I am definitely going to miss his sense of humor and sound of his laughter. I am glad he is not suffering from pain anymore. It is good to know that he is playing tennis and fishing in heaven. See you later sensei.
Amy Lin-Furukawa
September 13, 2010 | San Jose, CA