KENNETH " Ken " SAKATA

Ken was born in Fresno, Ca. on September 27, 1940, and passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at the age of 69 "well-lived" years. Born to Masaru and Yukiko Doris Sakata, Ken graduated from Parker High School and attended California State University, Fresno, where he obtained his BA and MA degree. In 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Frances Kakutani, with whom they shared 46 years of marriage and a wonderful life together. Ken's professional career as an educator spanned 40 years specializing in the art of woodworking. Places of employment included Irwin Junior High School; Roosevelt High School and Fresno City College, where he taught vocational cabinetmaking for 22 years and retired from in 2003. In his retirement years, Ken loved playing golf, traveling with Frances and spending time with family. He was a member of SIRS and Fresno Nisei Golf Clubs, which he enjoyed very much. Preceding Ken in death was his father, Masaru Sakata; and brother Richard Sakata. Ken was a beloved husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. We are so blessed to have known him and will forever cherish our memories and times spent with Ken. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Saint Agnes Hospice and Right At Home for the care they provided to Ken and support they provided to the family. Ken is survived by Frances, his loving wife and best friend; his mother, Yukiko Doris Sakata; his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Leo Takeuchi; sister-in-law, Joan Sakata of Elk Grove, sister-in-law, Minnie Koh of Carlsbad, Ca.; sister-in-law, Irene Blanchard of Sherman, Tx.; brother-in-law, Johnson Kakutani; and many cherished nieces and nephews. A Viewing will be held be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Thursday, April 29, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service to celebrate Ken's life will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Friday, April 30, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to Saint Agnes Hospice, 1303 E. Herndon Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93720; or Vintage Gardens, 540 S. Peach Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93727. LISLE FUNERAL HOME 1605 'L' Street Fresno, California (559)266-0666 www.lislefuneralhome.com