Harry Watanabe

Harry Watanabe
Harry Shinobu Watanabe, 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 7, 2015 at a local care facility.
Harry was born on November 20, 1920 in Ogden, Utah to Sei and Nenokichi. He graduated from Fukushima Japan Business High School in 1939. After moving back to the United States, he would have graduated from San Fernando High School in California in May, 1942 but was interned at Manzanar Relocation Center in California in April, 1942. He was eventually sent his diploma. Harry was offered an early release from the camp if he would go to Idaho and work on the farms to help raise crops during the war. After working on different farms, he went to work for Kay Kawamura. Kay's eldest daughter Yoneko would soon become Harry's wife.
Harry married Yoneko Kawamura on December 15, 1945. He farmed in the Fort Hall, Chubbuck and American Falls Area for 30 years until 1972 and then went to work for Union Pacific Fruit Express for 10 years and retired in 1983.
Harry loved to exercise with daily walks and was an avid reader, never without a book, magazine, or newspaper in his leisure hours. Throughout his life he used his many skills in working with wood and metal to make or repair almost anything for his family and friends. Harry loved to travel and made seven trips to Japan to visit his sisters. Along with vacations to several mainland states, frequent trips were made to Hawaii to visit Karla and Gordon.
The fact that all of his four children went on to college to obtain their degrees was something that he was most proud of.
Harry was an active member of the Japanese American Citizens League for many years.
Harry is survived by his daughter, Patricia Sue Watanabe (John Berthelson), Pocatello, Idaho; daughter, Karla Ann Jones (Gordon Jones), Sandia Park, New Mexico; daughter , Kayleen Watanabe (Ross Anderson), South Ogden, Utah; and son, Walter Lynn Watanabe, Phoenix, Arizona. Harry is also survived by his sisters in Japan, Chiga, Seyo, and Yoko (Hitoshi). Harry was preceded in death by his wife Yoneko, his parents, Sei and Nenokichi Watanabe, and sister, Chiyo,
The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of The Gables Assisted Living Facility for the love and care given to their Dad. Karla, Kayleen and Walt also give their heartfelt thanks to their sister Patty for always being there for Dad.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 12 at 11 am in the Cornelison Funeral Chapel, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello, 232-0542, where family will receive friends 1 hour prior to services. Harry's ashes will be interred at Mountain View Cemetery following the memorial.
Arrangement are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com