Paul Takeyoshi Okamura Sr.

Okamura Sr. Paul Takeyoshi Okamura Sr., 91, of Pocatello, Idaho, died Aug. 14, 2006, in Salt Lake City, Utah at University Hospital of head injuries related to a fall. He was born March 18, 1915 in Pocatello, Idaho where he resided his entire life. Paul's parents, Kameji and Miyoshi had a business, "Okamura Gardens". At the age of 15 he had to quit school to help his mother manage the business after the sudden death of his Father. In 1936, Paul married Nellie Nishioka who died on May 1, 1938 during childbirth, leaving a newborn son. In 1940 he married Misau Kawamura and they had three daughters. On Dec. 27, 1966, he married Sanaye Yamauchi. After Paul quit farming, his self-taught skills led him to employment in metal fabrication and diesel mechanics. His expertise in these fields led him to employment with Rogers Construction Co. during which time the Pocatello portion of the I-15 freeway was built. He later worked for Goodwin Construction Co. and Brennen Construction Co. from which he retired. Throughout his life he was selflessly involved in helping neighbors, friends, church and family. He was a charter member of the Pocatello-Blackfoot chapter of the Japanese American Citizen League (JACL) and served as president for several terms. As members of the local JACL chapter, Paul and Sanaye were involved with the groundwork for establishing the Minidoka Relocation Center for the U. S. Department of Interior. In addition, he helped obtain research materials and artifacts for the Idaho Historical Society and, for many years, he served on the Pocatello Cemetary Board. "Mr. Fix-it" was Paul's middle name, always repairing, never throwing things away. Throughout his life he was an impeccable gardner and he enjoyed spending many hours in his yard as well as in others. Other hobbies he enjoyed were hunting, bowling, playing cards and shooting pool. With his athletic skills, he participated in various team sports and as late as last year he was roller skating and riding his bicycle. Paul is survived by his wife Sanaye, son Paul Jr (Janet) of Middleton, Idaho, daughters Edith (Jerry) Ikeda of Los Angeles, Calif., Judy (Duane) Yamamoto of Kuna, Idaho and Diane Ross of Fremont, Calif. Stepchildren, Claire, deceased (Tosh) Yamasaki of Long Beach, Calif., Mitzi (Bill) Sakaguchi of Seattle, Wash. and Ray (Marva) Yamauchi of Grace, Idaho. 22 Grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. sisters, Kimi Takechi, Omaha, Neb., Aiko (Jimmy) Kusuda of Ogden, Utah, Minnie Maruji Adams of Blackfoot, Idaho and Yuri Sasaki of Roseville, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary and brother Roy. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 21, 2006, at the United Methodist Church, 200 N 15th Ave, Pocatello, Idaho. Internment will be at Mountain View Cemetary, 1520 S 5th, Pocatello, Idaho. Viewing will occur on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Cornelison-Henderson Funeral Home, 431 N 15th Ave., Pocatello and prior to the funeral service at the church. In-lieu of flowers donations can be made to the United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.