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Fowler High School

Ernest Shirakawa Obituary

Ernest Kiyoshi Shirakawa died peacefully at his Fresno home on Thursday, July 2, 2009. Born on April 29, 1924 and raised in Fowler, Ca., he graduated from Fowler High School. He was the sixth of seven children of Tokio and Kikue Shirakawa. When WWII broke out, he was interned at the Gila River Relocation Camp in Arizona. He attended Marietta College in Ohio, but was drafted into the U.S. Army before he could finish his degree.

He returned to Fowler and graduated from Fresno State College where he met his future wife Helen Kaneichi. They married on November 14, 1953. Eventually Ernie would join his father's insurance business. Ernie sold life and health insurance for some 52 years.

Ernie and Helen were members of Belmont Country Club for 45 years and had a great time golfing with friends. They belonged to the FSU Boosters Club and faithfully attended the basketball and football games.

We would like to thank Dr. Joseph Woo and Dr. Marshall Flam who took extraordinary care of Ernie.

Ernie is survived by his spouse Helen; son Brad; daughter Leslie and her husband Nick Dounias; sisters, Hiroko Tanaka of Fowler and Harriett Ishibashi of Santa Clara.

Visitation will be held at Lisle Funeral Home, on Saturday, July 11, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at the United Japanese Christian Church, 136 N. Villa, in Clovis, 93612, on Saturday, July 18, 2009, at 11:00 a.m.

LISLE FUNERAL HOME 1605 'L' Street Fresno, Ca. (559)266-0666

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Jul. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Shirakawa

7 Entries

Sharon Nagata

July 14, 2009

Leslie,

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I remember him as a gentle quiet man. My thoughts are with you, your mom and brother as you go through this difficult time.

Love,

Sharon Nagata

July 13, 2009

July 13, 2009

Leslie,

You and your family are in my prayers. You stay strong and always remember God is always here. Remember, "the greatest gift a father can give to his children is himself". This quote helped me with my dad.

Love,
Erica Henderson

July 9, 2009

Leslie,

My prayers go out to you and your family.

Karissa Ny

Toni Edwards

July 8, 2009

Leslie,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Toni

Toni Edwards

July 8, 2009

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Gerber

July 8, 2009

May God bless you Helen & young adult children. Helen I Love all the many wonderful things you have done for Ernie threw the years.

Pete & Lynn Newman

July 8, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

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