Yasufumi Hamamoto Obituary

Yasufumi Hamamoto passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at the age of 58. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Yas was born on July 10, 1949, in Wakayama, Japan. He was the second of three children to Kiyoaki and Tomoko Hamamoto. After a childhood near the beach, his family moved to the United States when he was ten. They settled in Berkeley, Ca., where Yas enjoyed baseball and football at Berkeley High. He had an innate talent for design and earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 1973. There he met his wife Florence, from Kingsburg, and they married on March 1, 1975.

They settled in Fresno, where Yas was an architect for 35 years. During his career he worked for Lew & Patnaude Inc., SKA Construction, and California State University, Fresno. He always made time to play golf, maintain his koi pond and Japanese garden, and hunt abalone.

He is survived by Florence, his loving wife of 33 years; oldest daughter, Staci; son, Preston; daughter, Lesli; and granddaughter, Autumn Aiko. He leaves his parents, Kiyoaki and Tomoko Hamamoto of Berkeley; sister, Mariko Roberts and her husband Richard of Berkeley; brother, Hiroyoshi "Tony" Hamamoto and his wife Alison of Placerville; as well as many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Visitation will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple Annex on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. LISLE FUNERAL HOME 1605 'L' Street Fresno, Ca. (559)266-0666

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Published by Fresno Bee on May 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Yasufumi Hamamoto

11 Entries

Milton Noguchi

June 26, 2008

I first met Yas and Florence at Ken and Cindy's wedding in Berkeley all those many years ago, and though it's been a very long time, I still remember his Big Smile, Wonderful Company, and Thoughtful Commentaries.

My most sincere condolences to the Hamamoto Family, and I hope we can see each other again someday soon to relive the wonderful times we had with Yas.

Tony Garduque

June 2, 2008

I knew "Yas" for many of the years he work here at Fresno State and considered him to be my friend. I remember him as a man who was very proud of his culture, loved and was loved by his family, and possessed a great sense of humor. My condolences to all his family and friends who will miss his big smile.
Rest in Peace "Yas"...

david mikami

May 20, 2008

I too played baseball with Yas on the Alameda Oakland Athletic Club, (AOAC) teams. But Stan was wrong, we played with Yas in the early 1970's, not late 60's. Even after almost 40y, I still remember Yas, on the baseball diamond, (he was never one to back down from a confrontation). He was a fine ball player, but an even better person and friend. I was shocked to hear of his passing. From my wife and myself, our deepest condolences to Florence, Staci, Preston, Lesli, Autumn, Mr and Mrs Hamamoto, Mariko, Hiroyoshi, and Yas' extended family.

Stan Futagaki

May 20, 2008

I played baseball with Yas in the late 60's with the Alameda-Oakland Athletic Club (AOAC). He was an excellent catcher and teammate. I last spoke with Yas in 2006 after almost 40 years - he was still so warm and friendly that I was looking forward to seeing him again. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathy and thoughts are with his family and friends.

Joanne Han, Clare Steinberg, and Anne Dederer

May 13, 2008

We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Hamamoto family during this time.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Karla Hutchens

May 13, 2008

Yas, may the sun cast its beams eternally where you are now. May you delight in the colors of nature and smile at the koi as they grow fat and frisky. The scarlet leaves will never fall off the maple, nor will your plate ever be empty. Please don't forget us, old friend --- we'll certainly never forget you.

ken mccormick

May 13, 2008

my long time friend will be greatly missed. but never forgotten. we all know the stress in his life of lately. may he rest in peace.

Cassandra Strawn

May 13, 2008

My memories of Yas will be cherished. He was a great person and a great "second dad" through my childhood. He and his family introduced so many great things into my childhood including taking care of his great koi fish (pet sitting) and eating wonderful traditional Japanese cuisine. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hamamoto family.

K.P. Wong

May 13, 2008

Yas has been a true friend of the College of Science and Math at the California State University-Fresno. He carried out many projects with distinctions. We always counted on his expertise whether it's the renovation of our lab space or classroon, or office. He always gave his best.

Yas was a great friend of mine. I was so impressed with the design of his gardens at home that I wish one day I'll have the opportunity to build one like his. He was a great friend to have in any occasions and always kept his sense of humor even under adversities. He'll be long remenbered.

fernando gonzales

May 13, 2008

mr & mrs fernando gonzales would like to send our prayers to the family.

Joyce Yamanaka

May 13, 2008

My deepeest condolence go to you and your family. I have known Yas working at Fresno State. He also was very kind in helping with repair work on my house. Yas will be missed.

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