Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Sandy Kaya Obituary
March 6, 1937-May 1, 2019
Sandy passed away peacefully on May 1, 2019, with his family at his side. He was born on March 6, 1937 in Lafayette to Yokichi and Fusayo Kaya; the eighth of 10 children. During the war, the family was sent to the Gila River internment camp in Arizona. After their release, Sandy went with his mother and his four youngest siblings to live in Haiku, Maui. They returned to California a few years later to be with the rest of the family in Berkeley. He attended Willard Jr. High and graduated from Berkeley High School in 1956. After a brief stint in the Army, he married Lois Nakagaki and together they raised two daughters in Concord. Sandy worked for Safeway for 30 years and finished his career as a Business Rep for UFCW Local 1179. He was an avid bowler and golfer; he also played the ukulele and taught others to play as well.He is survived by his wife, Lois; daughters Cyndi (Michael) and Kelly (Hugh), grandchildren Kyle, Matt, Meghan (Frank), Alex (Mariah), Evan and Kira; brothers, George (Machi), Fred (Dian), and sister Lillian (Donald). A celebration of Sandy's life will be held at 3:30 pm on June 1st at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Lawson Road, in Berkeley. Reception immediately following. Aloha attire please; Sandy would have wanted it that way.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sandy Kaya
Sponsored by Diablo Valley Funeral Home.
Make a Donation
in Sandy Kaya's name
Memorial Events
for Sandy Kaya
How to support Sandy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Sandy Kaya's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
