Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Dr. Craig Kiyoshi Hisaka
1946 - 2019
Dr. Craig Kiyoshi Hisaka
1946 - 2019
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1946
DIED
2019
Craig Hisaka Obituary
1946 -2019
My Dad, the great Dr. Craig Kiyoshi Hisaka, passed away peacefully June 12, 2019 in Stockton, CA at the age of 73. To me and many others, he was a hero and role model, the man we looked up to and dreamed of emulating.
He profoundly impacted the community because he was a compassionate man. And compassion was rooted in everything he did as a family man, friend, professor, and doctor. As a businessman, he built a successful [Brookside] optometric practice and taught hundreds of students at UC Berkeley School of Optometry the importance of personalized care - where kindness, loyalty, and respect were valued and demonstrated every day. And as a father, brother, uncle and great uncle, he always put family first. He made more sacrifices than anyone could ask for so we could focus on becoming the best versions of ourselves.
I will always miss seeing him wear his sunglasses indoors. Or how he went from dressing in all black to dark blue to neon. When he'd swim in our pool with a wetsuit on in the dead of winter. How he made sure we'd arrive at the airport at least three hours before a flight so we didn't miss it. When he'd eat boiled chicken and compare it to Michelin-starred dining. How much he loved the Raiders and never missed a game. More than anything, I'll just miss his presence.
Every day of his life began and ended with the values, humor, and warmth he delivered to others, and that's what makes him the great Dr. Craig Hisaka.
Craig is survived by me, his daughter, Alexis (Tom) Hisaka. He also leaves behind his brother Dr. Eric (Marlene) Hisaka and sister Deanne (Dennis) Walker; his brothers-in-law Dennis (Joyce) Mitome and Gary (Janice) Mitome; his nephews Ross (Ellen) Walker, Steve (Sabrina) Mitome and Michael Hisaka; his nieces Dr. Kristin Walker, Susie (Alex) Mitome, Bryce Mitome, and Nicole Hisaka; his grandnephews Nicholas Walker, Ford Walker, Dillon Mitome, and Jeffrey Mitome; and grandnieces Kate Walker, Presley Walker, Tess Walker, Madi Mitome, Dawn Mitome, and Eranthe Mitome. Craig was preceded in death by his father Art Isanu Hisaka, his mother Kate Mutsuko Hisaka, and wife Julie Karin Hisaka.
Please join us to celebrate Craig's life on Sunday, June 30th at 11:00 AM at the Stockton Buddhist Temple at 2820 Shimizu Drive, Stockton, California 95203. Inurnment will be private. Messages to the family can be shared at deyoungchapels.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
VICKI FITZHUGH
January 8, 2020
Making my yearly appointment yesterday only to be made aware of Dr. Hisaka's passing. I'm sure I had been his patient since he began his practice. Such a wonderful, kind man. Always interested in my life and how I lived it. Blessings to his family.
Leland Beigel
August 6, 2019
Early August. Just found out... I had him pegged to live into his 90s. Our loss. He set the benchmark for how human beings should live amongst each other. He had the golden touch with people. He will be both missed and remembered.
Lorie Gong
July 23, 2019
Craig was a wonderful friend and mentor. He will always live in our hearts as one of the most important influences of our professional philosophy and how we continue to practice. Rest In Peace, good friend.
Janet Sanders
July 11, 2019
Your father was an amazing man...doctor...husband...father...friend. He was the epitome of an educated, compassionate man.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mikko Young
July 6, 2019
I met Dr Hisaka 30+ years ago and he always was so kind and I enjoyed my yearly visits with him... It was my time for social therapy and it always surprised me that he remembered so many things. He will be missed by so many. Condolences to the Hisaka family and friends.
Cris Clarke
July 5, 2019
Craig, I know your light will shine--forever.
Carolyn Hopkins
July 4, 2019
I met Craig when I was a 10th grader at Edison High School, (1964) Craig was a classmate of brother, Robert. Craig was a really good football player. In 1987, I needed glasses, I went to Craig. My last appointment with Craig was in 2018. I was overdue for my 2019 appointment. I so regret not making that appointment, Craig and I always reminisced about high school days, and caught up on the latest events of the people we knew. He always asked about my family, my mother, and my daughter. Craig was an extraordinary human being, I will miss him deeply. My deepest condolences to the Hisaka family.
Tony Sajor
June 30, 2019
The Sajor family would like to take the time to give thanks for having Dr. Hisaka in our lives. He was more than an optometrist, he was the friend and neighbor. He was a proud south Stocktonian, and Edison graduate amongst many many other things.
He took the time to know who you were. He was a throw back to they type of doctor you would want you kids to see and one day become. He was so proud of every accomplishment my family members achieved. It made me proud to be accepted to the same high school hall to fame he belonged to.
Thank you to his family for sharing him with us. His legacy lives in all those he cared for.
Tony Sajor, Jr
Jill Marrello
June 30, 2019
He was my beloved eye doctor for 16 yrs and kept an eye watch for any signs of MS development in my eyes...RIP you truly were an Angel to me.
David Low
June 30, 2019
Deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Hisakas passing. I looked forward to seeing him each year when he asked me to speak to his 3rd year Optometry class in the spring. Each year Dr. Hisaka asked me talk about a different topic. Even though I only saw him once a year, he was such a gentleman and always very welcoming to me.
This spring, it was a rainy morning and Dr. was standing at the door of Minor Hall, waiting for my colleague and I. As I walked down the hill to the building, he came out with an umbrella wearing that cool black leather jacket and without any pleasantries he said, when are you going to retire? I laughed knowing I have a long ways to go. I replied when are you going to retire, your way ahead of me. He laughed and said, they're going have to drag me out of here I replied, same, same We laughed as we wandered into Minor Hall.
After my presentation to his class, he wandered over to me and said, that was really great David. Now I don't know if it was great or not but hearing him say those words meant the world to me.
My condolence to his family. Dr. Hisaka was one of a kind. They broke the mold after they made him. Rest in paradise Craig.
Randall Fuerst
June 30, 2019
My sincere condolences to you and your family, Dr. Hisaka was a vanguard for optometry in Stockton, the Central Valley, and Northern California. Your solid leadership and clear focus will be missed. Thanks for all you have done and for the positive influence you have brought to so very many.
Michael Nian Peng Shi
June 29, 2019
I never had the chance to meet Dr. Hisaka in-person during my 11 years working in Stockton from 1994 to 2005. I got to know of him through patients that he sent to my clinic. Absolutely every one of his patients deeply appreciated him and always spoke lovingly of his care. I was saddened to hear of Dr. Hisaka's passing through a mutual patient. Though I never knew Dr. Hisaka personally, I highly admired and respected Dr. Hisaka's compassion and humanity evidenced through the many patients that he touched and that loved him. I pay my deepest respect to Dr. Hisaka and sincerest condolences to Dr. Hisaka's family in this time of mourning.
Dr. Michael Shi
Elizabeth G. Colahan
June 29, 2019
Your father was one of the last great gentlemen and took the most thorough medical history I've experienced. I live in New York City but saved my annual optometry exams for him when I visited family in Stockton. He had the rare ability to be personal and caring without being intrusive. He was able to pick up conversations from previous visits seamlessly. I am so glad he taught as he was able to share his knowledge and manner with future practitioners. I trust his personality inspired those students, but there will never be another like him. He was unique and a credit to his family and profession. I shall just plain miss his wonderful spirit.
Gloria Yip
June 28, 2019
I am heartbroken to hear of Craig's passing and extend sincerest condolences to his family. Craig and I met in the fifth grade and our friendship continued until college sent us in different directions. It wasn't until I married my husband and returned to Stockton that I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Craig. My husband was already Craig's patient so it was only natural that I became his patient as well. Craig was the most gentle, kind and caring person; one could not ask for a more professional and compassionate doctor. Ron and I will miss our visits with Dr. Hisaka. Very sad he left us so soon, but Heaven got an angel.
June 28, 2019
My deepest sympathy goes out to both his families (work and home). He was an outstanding doctor who I had the honor of having during my early childhood. My dad, Melvin Settles knew his wife and that's how we all became his patients.
Jayne Nielsen
June 27, 2019
OMGosh. I didn't know Dr. Hisaka passed away. He has been my eye doctor since I was in elementary school and even before that, my dad coached him in grade school. At every appointment he would always asked me about my family, my pets, and my health.
I loved him dearly and will greatly miss him and his gentle nature.
UCBSO Student C/O 2021
June 27, 2019
Dr. Hisaka was an example of an emphatic clinician who made an impression on many, many students over his career, including me. I was always remember him greeting us warmly, as if he had known us for years. Part of his legacy will continue on through students like myself who have been inspired to care for patients as he did.
Thank you,
Ken Meyers
June 26, 2019
Very sorry to hear of t passing of my friend Dr Craig Hisaka. Such a kind & gentle man. We interacted quite a bit over t past year after i retired .
One comment Ill never forget is when he told me that he would rise early around 4:30 in t morning & review the charts of all t patients that he would be seeing that day. Rare devotion . He also bragged to me more than once (And I agreed ) that he had a great staff of carefully selected employees & fellow Optometrists. All my interactions with the staff & doctors at Brookside was a real pleasure. All very nice people. I referrer many clients there over the past 30 yrs. when you deal with people for 30 years you become friends & not just business contacts.
Sad to lose such a gentleman .
Ken Meyers
Meyers Fashion Optical
Lincoln Center
June 26, 2019
Dr. Hisaka, you truly were the great Dr Hisaka!..taking care of my 95 yo mom was not easy, you did everything she asked and the went one step further. I will always remember the kindness inyour voice as you asked about our nutrition, and always had a positive suggestion. You were a blessing to thousands, and I am one of those...Rest In Peace, your reward will be great..
Marla Scott
Erik and Debbie Knak
June 25, 2019
Dr. Hisaka left a lasting impression on my family. He was my wife Debbie's (Edison Class of 81) eye doctor from her early teen years (moved her to contacts) until we moved from Stockton in 1993. He was the optometrist that set the high bar for others to follow elsewhere, but was never equaled. My wife encouraged me to see Dr. Hisaka around 1991 to look into contact lens, to which I was resistant to change from glasses. His exam was thorough and his people skills were impeccable. I soon tried wearing contact lenses for the first time, only to despise the way the lenses felt on my eyes so I stopped wearing them. However, I had a follow up exam with Dr. Hisaka so I tried to place the lenses in my eyes just prior to the re-exam as I sat in his parking lot. One of the lenses popped out onto my RX-7 carpet. By the time I found it, it was covered in fibers and I had nothing to clean it. I awkwardly placed the lens in my right eye and it felt awful. By the time I met with Dr. Hisaka, my eye was inflamed and it hurt to blink. I confessed to him that I did not take well to the contacts and he did not judge me in the least. I still laugh out loud at this awkward event and marvel at Dr. Hisaka's human compassion. Rest in peace, Sir.
June 25, 2019
Craig, I can only echo what many have said about you. I had the pleasure of attending Edison high school with you and was a classmate of your sister, Deanne. It's hard to believe that you're going. You will truly not be forgotten. You will always live on in ours memories and in our hearts . I especially will miss seeing you at the annual Buddhist crab feed. You would always made sure to seek me out for a few laughs and I would always be sure to remind you to say hello to your sister. Rest In Peace.
Condolences and prayers to your loved ones.
Julian Galapia
UCBSO 2003 Graduate
June 25, 2019
I am grateful to have had you as a professor. I remember you telling us to listen to our patients and how important it was to learn and know about their lives as well as their eyes.
Thank you for your dedication, and know that you've made a positive impact in my life and career.
Carmen Teczon
June 25, 2019
I loved talking to Dr Hisaka in his office before every visit. I always wondered how he remembered our last conversation, even after seeing so many patients before me. We talked about our alma mater, Edison, and our love for the Raiders! What I remember most about him is how he always said my name throughout the visit. He will surely be missed. RIP Dr Hisaka
Kathy Lutz
June 24, 2019
Craig will be so missed as a excellent doctor friend and so much more. We thank him for his loyalty humor and wonderful conversation before and during our exams. Bob Kathy and Stephanie Lutz.
Nicole Blinn Rosado
June 23, 2019
I am shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of the honorable Dr. Hisaka. I have been his patient for over 25 years. In fact, I was looking forward to seeing him this summer for my visit. He has watched me grow from a 13 year old girl to almost a 40 year old woman. Outside of family, rarely does a person get to know you so well. He truly made me feel as if I was his only patient. His gentle soul, his compassionate nature, his soft approach, his words of wisdom and knowledge - always caring, always teaching, and not just about the eyes but about health and well-being in general. Before he'd even begin to examine my eyes, we would sit down and catch up on the years happenings. He made me feel so important and was sensitive to my eye history. My file was probably over 3" thick! He did everything in a calm and genuine way. I fondly remember Dr. Hisaka introducing me to his interns - almost like a proud father of his daughter. At least, that's how I felt. My grandmother, Doris Brassesco, was also his patient for many years up until her passing. She would always call "Craig" and we'd share stories, just laughing. He cared so much for my family. Anyone who has worked in his office for 10-15+ years, would surely remember my grandmother and me. I was 13 years old when I tried contacts for the first time (having worn glasses since I was a baby) - Dr. Hisaka witnessed this very emotional and profound moment for me and my family. I will take this memory with me forever. Dr. Hisaka was a true gem - special, unique and one of a kind; a huge loss to us all. I have shed so many tears already today just hearing the news, but my heart is filled with so much gratitude for this wonderful human being. Our community was so blessed by his exceptional and compassionate personalized care. I am hopeful for the future of optometry knowing that Dr. Hisaka has taught and paved the way for many students at Cal Berkeley who are pursuing their degrees. My sincerest prayers are with his daughter and family. May we all be blessed by having had THE Dr. Craig Hisaka in our lives.
Ramona Jacobs
June 23, 2019
I was so blessed to be a patient of Dr. Hisaka for many years! He was a very caring, generous man. I will miss seeing him in the office and getting caught up with our lives. He took the time to get to know you and cared about what was happening in your life. That was a great gift! He was a bright light in this world. I will never forget him. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all his family.
Donna Harris Lander
June 23, 2019
I attended high school with Craig (Edison Senior High, Class of 1964). He sat behind me in American History class. Even then was very kind and friendly. My heart breaks for his family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Donna Harris Lander
Nicole Blinn Rosado
June 23, 2019
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Dr. Hisaka's passing. I was due to see him this summer. I was blessed with over 25 years of Dr. Hisaka's care. He truly made you feel like you were his only patient. I remember him calling in his interns and introducing them to me as he shared with me over the years how proud and inspired he was by me, my values, and my profession. I was honored by such compliments and to have received his compassionate care for so many years. He treated me like a proud father would his daughter - at least that's how I felt. He also was my grandmother, Doris Brassesco's doctor until she passed. If anyone still in the office has been around more than 10-15 years, you would know and remember my grandmother and me. She would always call "Craig." Dr. expressed how fond he was of us, and us of him. I am truly grateful for this care - his gentle soul. He is probably the wisest person I have ever known. He made you feel so comfortable sitting down and talking with you before he even began examining your eyes- like a therapist or sitting down with your most respected father or grandfather. He truly took the time to see what was going on in your life and health, always teaching you about health and well-being (and not just about the eyes). He was sensitive to my vision and patient with me and my insecurities with my vision since a little girl. I remember trying on contacts for the first time at 13 years old under his care - he witnessed this very emotional moment with me and my grandparents. I am so overcome with such sadness by our loss. Our community has truly lost a gem - special, unique, one of a kind. I feel so special to have been a beloved patient of THE Dr. Craig Hisaka. My prayers and love go out to his family. May we all feel so blessed by his love.
Andee Zetterbaum
June 23, 2019
Craig was not only a great doctor, solving huge mysteries and minor irritants alike with great patience and inspiration, but he also taught me that it's possible to LOOK FORWARD to seeing a doctor. The way he cared, listened, remembered and honored each of his patients made me feel so welcome, so respected, so at home. He loved learning from his patients, and sharing their lives. I was honored to consider him as both doctor and friend, and I will always miss him.
The Jim Ferrari Family
June 23, 2019
Alexis: Your dad was proud of you. He will live on in our hearts as being the caring and gentle doctor that truly had concern for each patient. He didn't rush against the clock and took time to study individual lifestyles of each of us. He was not only the best doctor one could ever ask for, but a heartfelt friend as well. Our appointments were connections. He will always be remembered as not just an excellent doctor, but an example to us all, on how to take just a few moments to make each person feel like they are special and that they matter. He most certainly touched us all and was a prince of a man.
Carlene Serra
June 23, 2019
It is difficult to accept this wonderful man is gone. I looked forward to our yearly visits, and he always remembered everything we chatted about on the previous visit. He was especially interested in my stories about feeding raccoons ! He was a lovely person, quiet spoken, compassionate and great sense of humor. Many tears have flowed over the loss of this wonderful doctor. I see him now as an angel looking over all of us. I shall truly miss him !
Don Berger
June 23, 2019
A remarkable man who led a remarkable life. Beautiful obituary Alexis. I will remember him always.
Rose Axt
June 19, 2019
Craig-I will miss our yearly visits . I so enjoyed talking with you and reminiscing our high school days.
You'll always be remembered as a sweet and kind friend.
Michelle Moradian Hartman
June 19, 2019
Dr. Hisaka was the most kind and gentle soul who made you feel like you were his only patient. I was lucky enough to have been his patient for over 40 years. He truly cared for his patients like no other doctor I've ever known; never losing his passion and dedication for his work. He will be dearly missed by everyone whose lives he touched.
Mary Estrella
June 18, 2019
Craig was known as a kind and generous and very kind person. He will be missed but not forgotten and always in our heart. Craig RIP.
Geri Asuncion Fong
June 18, 2019
I graduated with Craig. We are the class of 1964 Edsion High in Stockon, CA. Craig was my Optometrist for years. I can hear him and remember on each visit he would schedule the time just to catch up with what was going on with you, the family and my furry babies. Such a wonderful soft spoken gentle person. It breaks my heart - I will miss you and our visits. Rest in peace my friend. You are missed.
Kurt Skinner
June 17, 2019
Dr. Hisaka: I am so grateful for having the opportunity to work with you and partner with the most incredible people that you surrounded yourself with. Your Vision for the Future continually (but gently) points out my own shortsightedness in so many ways. Your perspective and guidance will be missed --but your spirit will be celebrated everyday in the hearts of those whose lives you have touched.
Danelle Hohe
June 16, 2019
Dr Hisaka, thank you for taking so much effort in helping me. You always treated me, mind and spirit, not just my eyes. I owe you my successful career, as you helped me obtain this goal. Many thanks, and comfort to Alexis.
Danelle
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Craig Hisaka's name
How to support Craig's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Craig Hisaka's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
