Robert Hideo Fukuda

Memorial service for the late Mr. Robert Hideo Fukuda was held on January 7, 2024 at Fukui mortuary "Chapel in the Garden", and ash burial was held on January 8 at Wood Lawn Cemetery, Santa Monica, officiating by Rev. Mark Nakagawa.
Robert was born on August 17, 1930, to Frank and Betty Fukuda, in the town of Auburn, WA, – my grandpa – Robert Hideo Fukuda's journey through life began. His time on this Earth was characterized by resilience, love, and an unyielding commitment to family.
He spent his childhood in the Neely Mansion, which later became a National Landmark. However, circumstances led the Fukuda family to West Los Angeles in his early years.The serenity of their new life was interrupted by the events of Pearl Harbor. From October 6, 1942, to June 30, 1944, grandpa and his family endured the hardships of relocation camps in Arkansas – specifically Jerome in sections of Chicot and Drew counties, and Arizona's Gila Camp near Phoenix. Post war led them to Buffalo, where Great-Grandpa Frank became a mechanic, and Great-Grandma Betty found employment at Hengerer's Department Store. It was a period of change, with grandpa forming lasting friendships and even starting a band in high school.
The family returned to West Los Angeles 5 years later, where grandpa joined his father as a gardener. However, shortly after, he was called to serve in the Korean War. He became a proud veteran of the United States Army, stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, and was honorably discharged on April 30, 1961.
Love blossomed when grandpa met my grandma June Arima, at her home in West LA. After several years of courtship, they married on October 28, 1956, and lived in an apartment on Butler Ave. Their family grew with the addition of three children – Lisa Ann in 1957, Christopher Jay in 1959, and Jon Scott in 1962. The family moved to Trumansburg, NY, in 1965, and created cherished memories of a small town upbringing filled with friends, games, and adventures.
He eventually worked as a chicken sexer, which took him to various towns near Ames, Iowa. He always brought his kids back baby chicks, which lived short lives under the care of the Fukuda children. He was finally able to secure a job with Babcock Poultry Farm in Ithaca NY near Trumansburg to be closer to his family.
Eventually, grandpa found his way back to Los Angeles, working for Lucky's Supermarkets for 15 years. Where he retired at the age of 65.
Tragedy struck in 1989 when Grandma June passed away at the age of 54. In the face of grief, the Fukuda family continued to gather, finding solace in their relationships with one another. Grandpa, affectionately known as "the Barracuda" – earned through his love of the water, Olympic-level swimming skills, and rhyming with Fukuda – became a beacon of kindness, generosity, and the joy of shared moments after enduring the pain of losing grandma June. He was able to keep his family close and gather often in various parts of the US, including: Ithaca, Syracuse, Hawaii, San Diego and Los Angeles.
Grandpa gained a son-in-law – Mark Arbon – and two daughters-in-law – Penny Fukuda, and Maria Fukuda – upon each of his children's weddings. He loved them as his own.
He was later blessed with six grandchildren – Carli and Haley Arbon, Nick, Greg, and Chad Santola, and Lana Fukuda – and seven great-grandchildren – Jordyn, Isaiah, Alexandria, Dylan, Levi, Cali, and Roland Santola. In the later years of his life, he spent many summers with his kids and grandkids at the beach, going to
Marukai, at Obon, or whatever other activities my mom, Lisa, enjoyed planning for everyone. He loved going out to eat and often ended meals by saying "Oh boy, I got carried away." or "I ate too much." During the rest of the year, he filled his days supporting Uncle Jon and Auntie Maria, raising my cousin, Lana Fukuda – picking her up from school and watching her until one of them got home.
Grandpa's health began to decline in February 2021 when he had suffered a mild stroke. The Fukuda kids began rotating taking care of grandpa where it was their turn to show up for their father as the caregivers. Grandpa passed away around 12:00 noon, on November 22, 2023 of cardiac arrest at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, CA.
Grandpa left a mark inarticulate in its totality as the best son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend. His life was a testament of the vibrant power of family, love, and the joy found in shared moments. A life filled
with a wealth of family gatherings, adventures, and travels that spanned the nations. His home on Urban Ave stands as a symbol of the Fukuda and Arima clans, a place where memories were forged, and laughter echoed through the years. Robert Hideo Fukuda's impact on those around him remain prominent, as a reminder of the great love and care he held for his family and friends alike. He will always be remembered and loved as someone who lived freely and deeply connected to those who he touched.