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Kinji Hiramoto Obituary

Lodi, CA

Kinji Hiramoto

Sept. 7, 1921 - Feb. 25, 2010

Kinji Hiramoto, a life-long Lodi, California resident, passed away on February 25, 2010. He was 88.

Kinji was born to Jitsuro and Takayo (Tamura) Hiramoto on September 7, 1921 in Lodi. He graduated from Lodi High School, class of 1940, and attended Muskingham College in Ohio. He returned to Lodi to assist the family in farming the vineyards from 1945-1960. In 1952 he married Terry Ogata and they continued to make their home in Lodi. Kinji then entered the accounting field where he became a Certified Public Accountant, working in Stockton for over 30 years, retiring in 1991.

Kinji was always an active member of the Lodi Buddhist Church. He served several terms as President, and served as Chairman for many services in the church. In addition, he served as a Dharma School teacher for many years. He was also a member of the Lodi Japanese American Citizens League, where he was awarded distinguished honors for his outstanding service over the years.

Kinji still found time to be an avid sports fan and rooted for the S.F. Giants, Sacramento Kings, and the S.F. 49ers. Golfing was a real favorite, and he was a member of the Mokuyo-Kai Golf Club in Lodi. He also enjoyed photography, playing his harmonica, and volunteering for many civic and church activities in Lodi.

Kinji is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Terry Hiramoto; his children and their spouses, Stacie Hiramoto (Ken Koyama) of Sacramento, CA, David Hiramoto (Nora Fong) of Los Altos, CA, Patti Hiramoto (Wayne Komure) of Monterey, CA, and Lorel Hiramoto (Adrienne Perry) of San Mateo, CA; grandchildren, Tadao Koyama of Santa Cruz, CA, Kazuo Koyama of Sacramento, CA, Jennifer Hiramoto of West Covina, CA, and Kenneth Hiramoto of Santa Barbara, CA; siblings, John Hiramoto (Ruby) of El Cerrito, CA, Yukiye Onizuka of San Jose, CA, Masako Fujikawa (Hiroshi) of Lodi, CA, Keiko Hiramoto Hess (Claude M.) of El Sobrante, CA, and Edward Hiramoto of Berkeley, CA; and 22 nieces and nephews.

Kinji will be dearly missed by all his family and many friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lodi Buddhist Church, 23 N. Stockton Street in Lodi. The Funeral Planning Committee Meeting will be held on Friday, March 5th, 7:00 p.m. at the Church Annex. Please sign the online registry and share memories at www.cherokeememorial.com.

Donations may be made to the Buddhist Church of Lodi or Hospice of San Joaquin. Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record from Mar. 2 to Mar. 9, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Kinji Hiramoto

Sponsored by anonymous.

16 Entries

Ron Ohta

March 15, 2010

Dear Hiramoto Family-
I ditto the sentiments and reflections by Ken. Mr. Hiramoto was the icon of the Lodi Buddhist Church. May he continue to live on through our fondest memories.
In Gassho-

Ken Okuhara

March 14, 2010

Dear Hiramoto Family,
Growing up in Lodi, I was very fortunate to have known Mr. Hiramoto. He was one of the nicest persons I have ever met and a very dear friend of my father. I have many fond memories but what comes to mind most are the countless hours he devoted to the church and dharma school. The annual high school retreat to Lake Tahoe was spearheaded by our fathers and I am sure there are many former students who are grateful for those wonderful weekends. Remember "Kinji-Kin"? My father was very fortunate to have Mr. Hiramoto as his partner. May the many fond memories of Mr. Hiramoto comfort you in this difficult time. He will be sorely missed. Namu Amida Butsu.

Love, Ceci and Julia

March 10, 2010

To all of our Beloved Clan,

"He wrote - 'I shall be looking over you. And you will hear me from time to time on the gentle breeze that sounds at night, and in the rustle of the leaves.' "

Shelly Troop

March 9, 2010

My thoughts are with you and your family Stacie. The picture of your father has such a great smile, just as you do. I will add him to my list of 49er fans to think of during the season.

March 8, 2010

On life's journey Faith is nourishment,
Virtuous deeds are a shelter,
Wisdom is the light by day and Right mindfulness is the protection by night.
If a man lives a pure life nothing can destroy him;
If he has conquered greed nothing can limit his freedom.

For my friend Stacie and the extended Hiramoto family: May Kinji Hiramoto's limitless freedom always accompany your life's journey.
Joe Gorbea (Paradise, CA)

March 8, 2010

Stacie-

My deepest sympathies are extended to you and your family at this sad time. Your father sounds like a remarkable man which comes as no surprise given my experience of you, his daughter over these years. The loss of a parent is never easy, and at the same time it becomes an important moment to review and celebrate their life and influence on our own and others. Take care... MK Oliveri

Becca Gonzales

March 8, 2010

Hi Stacie,

I was so sorry to hear about your father. He seemed like a very nice and gentle man. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Grace Morimoto

March 7, 2010

My condolences to the Hiramoto family. I am so sorry for the passing of Kinji. He was a good, decent man and he raised a wonderful, good family. Take care, Grace Morimoto (Sacramento, CA).

Janlee Wong, MSW

March 7, 2010

To: The Hiramoto Family,
My condolences to your family. I met Mr.and Mrs. Hiramoto a couple of times during my long professional association with his daughter Stacie. As others have said, sometimes you know how great parents are by their offspring. There is an old Buddhist saying, "Neither fire or wind, birth or death can erase good deeds." Mr. Hiramoto's good deeds will be remembered.

Joan Rostomily

March 6, 2010

Dearest Teri and family,

We are so sad to be away from home at this time. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

We will miss Kinji so much. His beautiful smile and wonderful friendship has meant so much to us over the many years. He was a true gentleman with a great heart.

Love to all the family. You can be so proud of Kinji.
Joan and John

Dede Ranahan

March 5, 2010

Stacie
My thoughts are with you and your family. Although I never met your father, he must have been a wonderful man to raise (along with your mother) such a gracious, kind and giving daughter.

March 5, 2010

Dear Stacie,

What a wonderful man your father was, and I can see how he has played a role in your vision for a just society.

Reminds me of my father, who was a great role model for me. My memory of him is a constant inspiration, which I am sure will be the case for you. Not quite and antidote though, for the pain of the experience.

Take care of yourself.

Karita Hummer

Zima Khanna

March 4, 2010

My thoughts are with you all. I never met Kinji; however, I have worked with his daughter, Stacie, for about three years now. He did a wonderful job being Stacie's dad. Everyone can see that she was raised by good people.

Bill Shelton

March 3, 2010

I graduated with Kinji in 1940. He always radiated a positive and chearful mannerisum. He was always a pleasure to talk to and always so polite. A great man and friend. He will be missed.

Marge Hillious

March 2, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss of Kinji. Bob spoke of him often. I remember you, Terry, through Kiki though we didn't see each other often. My prayers are with you and your family. Marge Hillious

Arlene Walden

March 2, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Kinji was such a wonderful kind man.

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