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Grinnell Hisamoto Obituary
Grinnell Johnston Hisamoto, 45, died an accidental death at his home on Nov. 24, 2008.
He lived most of his life in Fairbanks and was born here on July 2, 1963.
Grinnell enjoyed helping other people, and will always be remembered by family and friends for his generosity. He liked to entertain his younger nieces and nephews with juggling and conversations. He was known as "old man" Grinnell from the young age of 5 due to his ability to come up with very mature statements. Grinnell enjoyed playing the guitar day and night.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Marian Johnston Hisamoto and Robert M. Hisamoto; his brothers, James and Winston; and sister, Helen Louise.
He is survived by his sisters, Anne, Sally, Roxanne, Alice, Marjorie May, Ruth and Marian; his brothers, George, Leonard, Wallace and Rob; and stepmother, Louisa. He has many special friends as well as co-workers from the school district where he worked for many years as a janitor. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved Grinnell.
There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 28, at Chapel of Chimes.
Arrangements were by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Grinnell Hisamoto
Steven Bluekens
December 9, 2008
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family members of Grinnell. I have known Grinnell for many years and have always found a friend in Grinnell when needed.
Jennifer Burr
December 7, 2008
To Grinnell's family:
Your in my thoughts, and prayers. My deepest sympathies.
Holly Hisamoto
December 5, 2008
Grinnell was my uncle, and one of the people in my eary life who made a lasting impression on my conscience. He was so unbelievably generous. I always felt so safe around him, and his kindness and genuine delight in small things in life were evidence of the kind of goodhearted person I wanted to be. I am so grateful he was part of my childhood.
Bunni Batchelder
December 2, 2008
Mr.Hisamoto was a janitor at my school Tanana Middle School and was a very funny guy to me. It was like I just saw him yesterday. He was a very good guy, and is a very good custodian. I'm sure Tanana will miss him.
Eliel Fionn
December 1, 2008
I first met Grinnell when he was 15, and I remember being surprised at how old and young he was at the same time. I have always really liked how he never cared about superficial things. He was real, like when he showed up at our wedding all paint splattered, but happy for us. I was just glad he showed up.
Sometimes Grinnell would come over to our house and talk about the meaning and purpose of life in general. He always seemed to be aware of things below the surface, including when someone needed help. I thought it was funny that he was always juggling objects, since he seemed to juggle so many people in his life too.
I appreciate knowing him and the kindness he showed our kids (his nieces and nephews), especially when he lived with us for a little while.
I hope your next adventure is awesome, Grinnell! You deserve to have a great time, and if you receive a tenth of the kindness you showed others, I bet you're really happy.
Kyle Yan
December 1, 2008
I never really got to know Uncle Grinnell as much as I would have liked. But I won't forget his fun sense of humor and mischievous smile. My most recent encounter with him is also my fondest memory. He was teaching himself to play guitar and there was a look of genuine joy on his face. I recognized it as the same joy I feel every time I sing, play piano, or compose music. Even from the few times I've spent with him, I know that he was a thoughtful, fun-loving, artistic, risk-taking, compassionate man whose life ended way too early. Rest in peace Grinnell.
Rosalyn Stowell
November 30, 2008
Grinnell was always a welcome part of our family and will be sorely missed. My grandchildren looked to him as a father figure in their lives, as well as good friend. He was always there when they needed a shoulder, or assistance, as our family was always there for him, also.
Tara Ferren
November 29, 2008
The Hisamotos have always been family to me. I grew up with them, I love them, and my heart grieves with them. I will always remember Grinnell - his funny antics, his sense of humor, his laugh - and all of our brothers and sisters with them.
Kristi Higa
November 28, 2008
Grinnell was a good man that was very kind and giving to all around him. He was the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back, if he thought you needed it. He was a positive role model for the people he took under his wing. He will be missed by all that made his acquaintance.
Ruth Henkel
November 28, 2008
Grinnell was my brother. Some of the earliest memories I have of him include his crazy infectious laugh, wrestling, piggyback rides, horsy rides on his back, sharing Birthday parties (eventhough he wasn't always happy to share them with one of the babies), and long walks or bike rides with other brothers and sisters and our pack of dogs. As he got older he was constantly juggling balls, fruit, utensils, poles, basiclly anything he could pick up and throw in the air. I told him several times he should do a juggling show, but he was never interested in that. He did it for fun. He loved playing the guitar for hours too. I think the thing that I will always remeber and admire most about Grinnell was that he would give everything away to people less fortunate than him. He did not seem to have the same attachment to things that I do, he figured if he needed it he would get another eventually. He always cared about the welfare of people and animals and did what he could to take care of the ones that he knew. I loved him and still do.
Drenna Sweet-Phillips
November 28, 2008
To Leonard, not sure that you will remember me, but I have memories of our acquaintance through Alaska USA. I want to extend my sympathy to you and your family for your loss. My thoughts are with you as I too, have experienced the loss of loved ones. Drenna
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