WAYNE KODAMA

WAYNE KODAMA

WAYNE KODAMA Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 28, 2014.
Dr. Wayne Iwao Kodama, a native and resident of Fresno, passed away from complications of the influenza virus on Friday, January 24, 2014, at the age of 52. Wayne was a dentist in the Fresno area for 24 years. He was also the founder and chief executive officer for the Healthy Smiles Mobile Dental Foundation, an effort to bring quality dental care to underserved children in the Central Valley. Wayne was also a proud raisin farmer in the Biola area. He attended Houghton-Kearney Elementary School and Central High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from University of California, Los Angeles and doctor of dental surgery degree from the Ostrow School of Dentistry of University Southern California. He was a little league baseball coach and was a life long fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wayne also had a passion for writing short stories. Wayne's favorite pastime was being with his family and supporting his kids with their activities. He was preceded in death by his father Merit. Wayne is survived by his wife Susan; daughters Miya, Aimi, and Kimiko; and son Spencer; mother Itoko; and sister Shirley. The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Kodama; Dr. Shamsuddin Khwaja; and the Intensive Care Unit staff at Saint Agnes Medical Center for their excellent care. A Funeral Service will be held at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L Street in Fresno, on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to the Healthy Smiles Mobile Dental Foundation, 1275 West Shaw Avenue, #101, Fresno, Ca. 93711. Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 'L' Street, Fresno, California (559)266-0666

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February 20, 2025

steven Allen ruggiero posted to the memorial.

January 22, 2025

Steve Wagner posted to the memorial.

January 22, 2024

Steve Wagner posted to the memorial.

steven Allen ruggiero

February 20, 2025

the best person dentist i always enjoyed talking with him while working on his mobile office

Steve Wagner

January 22, 2025

I do miss him

Steve Wagner

January 22, 2024

He was a AWESOME GUY and Dentist, I will see him in HEAVEN.
Steve Wagner

Steve Wagner

January 22, 2023

He was an Awesome Dentist! And a Awesome person!

E Garcia

February 17, 2014

I was shock also when I heard of his passing on the 10 o'clock news. We were patients of his for several years when our kids were children. He was always smiling and very friendly during our visits. My condolences to his wife and to his children. I remember he kept a picture of his first two girls in the waiting room, when they were young and I believe if I'm not mistaken one of the girls and I share a birthday, August 2nd. I'm sure the you all have many wonderful moments with your Dad and you will always keep them close to your hearts. Gone but not forgotten!! God Bless

Vicki Morrison

February 13, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. Was Wayne's father a dentist as well?

Patti Helling

February 10, 2014

Dear Shirley---I believe you were a student in my first grade class (along with Beth Zigenman and Rusty Nonini)
when I taught at Biola-Pershing and was then known as "Miss Markarian". When I saw the notice about Dr. Kodama, I assumed he was your brother. I must tell you that I've heard lovely stories about his good work from other teachers, and more importantly, what a wonderful man he was. May his spirit continue to live through your happiest memories of him. With my heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Patti

Ron Genini

February 5, 2014

When I read the obituary I was shocked. He was much too young to die this way. He was a student in my 10th grade California history class at Central High in the early 1980s and I remember him as smart and funny. Reading of his help for the poorer children in the community I can say that his death is a real loss to his family, to Fresno and to the world. God rest him and give his family peace in this very sad time.

Wayne Motonaga

February 5, 2014

So tragic. Sorry to hear about your loss. Wayne Motonaga

The Reardon Family

February 3, 2014

May you feel the presence of the lord in this difficult time. Dr. Kodama was a very kind and gentle man, what a blessing it was to have known him as a patient. He will be truly missed. God Bless.

Low

February 2, 2014

Dear Kodama Family:
We are truly sorry for your loss. May God strengthen your spirit during this time of difficulties.

Sharon & Ed Ditzler

February 1, 2014

We are shocked and saddened to hear of Dr Kodama's passing. We have been seeing him for at least 16 years and he was the best dentist we ever had. Dr Kodama was a wonderful friend who always made us laugh and cared about our family. He will be truly missed.

Lynn (Etcheberry) Ballinger

February 1, 2014

Wayne was such a happy kid at Houghton-Kearney. I'll always remember that smile of his.

Saadia Rana DDS

February 1, 2014

I was so saddened and surprised by the passing of Dr Kodma. He was a great man who helped so many others. Truly a great Friend, Person and a Dentist.

Rosie Jura-Smith

January 31, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time...

Lawrence Barba

January 31, 2014

I thought I had anxieties about going to see a dentist, but it was Dr. Kodama as it turns out. You see he was always making me laugh and he was always laughing as well, the whole time with a sharp object or drill in his hand that was about to go in my mouth. He and his staff always took great care me, Pilar,Mireya,Julia and Diego for over twenty years. The Barba Family is gonna miss you big time. See you later Wayne

Harvey Shew

January 31, 2014

I was greatly saddened to hear of Wayne's sudden and premature passing. I knew Wayne many years ago in our time together at Central High and for a time as busboys together at the Pheonix West Restaurant... We had many laughs together. I pray that God would really comfort the Kodama family in their time of grief.

Arica Mendoza

January 31, 2014

My heart is so saddened to hear about your loss. He was such a gentle soul. He had taken care of me for almost 20 years, and he did it with such kindness. My thoughts, love and prayers go out you during this difficult time. He will be missed by so many....

RAY & SILVIA VOORHEES

January 31, 2014

FINE GENTLEMEN
AND FRIEND

Diana Curtis

January 31, 2014

Wayne touched so many peoples lives in such a positive way, it is a testimony to his character. Prayers and comfort to his family.

January 30, 2014

To the Kadama Family. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Hyun Y. Lee and staff in Selma, CA

Elizabeth Rose - Hildebrand

January 30, 2014

Dear Kodama Family,
Wayne was a very generous, kind, and great man. His smile would light up a room. Wayne touched a lot of lives. My thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time. (Hugs)

Cecilia Heyne

January 30, 2014

We are so saddened by your passing. You have graced us with your kindness and professionalism as a person and our dentist. Our thoughts and sympathy and prayers go out to your family and staff. May your friends and family never forget how wonderful you were. You truly were a model of a good man. With much love,
Peter, Cecilia, Audrey and Allison Heyne

ladonna aderholt

January 30, 2014

To the Kodama family I so very sorry of your loss I will never for get his kindness when he would drop off Kimi and Spencer at Carden I send my love and prayers your way God Bless you!

Janet Wile

January 30, 2014

To the Kodama family I sent prayers and heartfelt sympathy. I will keep all of you in my prayers and heart. Miya, you are loved and treasured and I am here if I can support you or help you in anyway at all.

Valerie Gonzalez

January 30, 2014

Dear Kodama Family,
My prayers and condolences go to you for your loss. I didn't really knw Dr. Kodama on a personal basis, but being an assistant of Dr. Donald Synder, I always heard great things of Dr. Kodama. He will always be remembered..

Sharon Quon

January 30, 2014

Dear Kodama Family,
My prayers are with you during this difficult time. I remember spending time with Wayne just this past Thanksgiving and commenting on how the children have grown. Wayne had a knack for entertaining us with great stories and bringing joy at family gatherings. He will truly be missed by all. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help

January 30, 2014

Our Heartfelt Condolences to the Kodama Family.May His soul rest in peace. He was the best Dentist!From us:Gregory and Mercedes Murray

Bosley Family

January 30, 2014

You will truly be missed. Our first family dentist, and we enjoyed your professionalism and soft & subtle personality. God bless the Kadoma family during this time.

A wonderful family (Miya not pictured)

Laura and Kelsey

January 29, 2014

A devoted husband, father, and positive community influence. Our prayers are with the family.

Steve & Jeannette Ruggiero

January 29, 2014

Dearest Kodama Family our hearts are broken of news we heard tonight that our beloved friend has past away for his wife Susan, children and family, words can not begin to show how much love and prayers for you at this time of loss for such a great person and all of his good work, our deepest sympathy for you at this time of need, wish we could embrace you with everything we had to help. He will surely be missed by all who knew him as we will, Ruggiero Family

Vanessa Kelly

January 29, 2014

I remember Dr. Kodama coming out to our school, Madison Elementary, to give the gift of his time and generosity for the benefit of our children in need.I have been retired for the last 1 1/2 years so have not seen him since. My regards to his family, and all the children who will no longer benefit from his service to the community.

Amber McElroy

January 29, 2014

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=9412503

Great tribute to dr. Kodama

Sophia Aguilar

January 29, 2014

My Dearest Friend I will always cherish the laughter and smiles you brought to us all. You and your family will forever be in my heart.

Garrett Quon

January 29, 2014

I don't think I've ever seen someone smile as much as Uncle Wayne. He was always the life of the party... every time i saw him, whether at Thanksgiving dinner, or birthday celebration, he always had a smile on his face. he always had the perfect story that could get everyone laughing. He was also an amazing father and husband. Uncle Wayne was always a pleasure to be around, and he will be greatly missed. my deepest condolences to his wife and kids, and the rest of the Kodama Family.

Tai and Jim Hartman

January 29, 2014

The gentleness of Wayne is what I think of when I remember this great man. How lucky we all are to have met him. Thank you for caring about the children here in the valley. Prayers of strength and well being to his family. May his own children grow to know of their father's contribution to life; forever feeling his love and devotion for them.

Jerome Keaton

January 29, 2014

My prayers and thoughts are with the Kodama Family. Dr Kodama and his staff always made you feel like family. He will be greatly missed by all.

January 29, 2014

Doctoryou will truely be missed by many. you were and excellent dentist and a friend as well!

Hernandez-Valenton Family

January 29, 2014

We are very saddened to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. He was an great doctor and will be missed.

steve wagner

January 29, 2014

My Heart hurts to hear this news.I have been going to his office for 16yrs.I was always treated with respect and kindness.I can tell you years ago when our family was going through a terrible time in our life, our Grandson was diagnosed with leukemia , he never failed to ask about him and how we were doing - those kind words I will never forget... I pray for all the family God Bless

Max and Young kim

January 28, 2014

We share your grief in this time of bereavement with deepest sympathy and condolence.Our hearts are with you.

Stephen Mann, DDS

January 28, 2014

A Wonderful dentist/father taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kodama Family!

January 28, 2014

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Kodama. I remember him driving to our school to check out our students' teeth. They were so happy that he would come and do that for them. What a wonderful legacy he leaves for his family! He was a wonderful person taken much too soon. He will be missed!

In deepest sympathy,
Cathy Tokubo Emler
2nd Grade Teacher
Centennial Elementary
Fresno Unified School District

Ruelas Family

January 28, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. So sorry for your loss. Jose, Connie, Kayla and Cecelia Ruelas

Leanne Inahara

January 28, 2014

Dr. Kodama was a kind and gentle person and a great boss. You will be missed very much. My heart goes out to Susan and the kids. Work won't be the same without your smile. I am proud to have worked along side Dr. Kodama and his mission to serve children in the valley who without him may have never had the chance to have a Healthy Smile.

Stephanie Munoz

January 28, 2014

My thoughts and prayers for the Kodama family. Dr. Kodama was a great dentist and a wonderful person with a beautiful spirit and smile that will be deeply missed... May he rest in peace..

Joann Ayers

January 28, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew him. He will be missed and always remembered. We are deeply saddened by his passing.

Jennifer Avila

January 28, 2014

Such a wonderful person taken much to soon. He always had a smile on his face. Susan and kids you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Marisa Rodriguez

January 28, 2014

A great person taken too soon. He was a great boss. Our prayers go out to the Kodama family. So sorry for your loss. He will be forever missed.

The Coberly Family

January 28, 2014

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Matt, Liz Moore

January 28, 2014

Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you. May you find peace and grace at this sad time.

Fran Gallegos

January 28, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to Susan and children.

Rena Villanueva

January 28, 2014

Myself along with Bella and Gabi are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!

The Michael Mehling Family

January 28, 2014

A life well lived but much too short.
Our prayers & thoughts go out to Wayne's family.
Thank you Wayne for your friendship, all you accomplished to make our world a better place & all of the smiles!

Mike & Helen Lopez

January 28, 2014

We are so sorry for your devastating loss. Out thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kodama Family.

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Lisle Funeral Home

1605 L Street, Fresno, CA 93721

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Not sure what to say?

February 20, 2025

steven Allen ruggiero posted to the memorial.

January 22, 2025

Steve Wagner posted to the memorial.

January 22, 2024

Steve Wagner posted to the memorial.