Haruo "Harry" SAZAKI

SAZAKI, Haruo 'Harry'
Passed away at the age of 92 on August 31, 2011, after a year-long bout with stomach cancer. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Gladys and his siblings Yukiharu 'Pete,' Yukimi Hamano, and Akeharu. He is survived by his children Leonard (Danuta), Marcus (Vicki), Noni (Randy Widener), and Kris (Neil Matsuoka); his grandchildren Julie (Jeff Alspaw), Jessica (Jeff Wingert), Jeremy, Joanna, and Miles; and his great-grandchildren Brittany, Tyler, Joshua, Ava, and Jacob. He also leaves behind his dear companion Dorothy Kamada. Harry was born in Penryn, CA on February 21, 1919. He loved to tell stories of farming with his father and brother Pete. When he wasn't getting into trouble, he learned a lot about farming and in later years, was an accomplished gardener. This year's peach crop was the tastiest yet. He dropped out of high school to work the farms but was drafted into the US Army in February 1941. He served in WWII, the Korean War, and post-war Japan. Harry always said it was the best thing that ever happened to him. Because of his time spent in the army, he was able to meet his wife, travel, live in Japan, and serve his country for 22 years. He retired at the rank of major. He then spent 15-plus years working for the City of Sacramento, Traffic Engineering Dept. Those who knew him will say what a storyteller he was. He had great stories to tell, too, like the time he was a sole survivor of an airplane crash during the Korean War. He was a jokester to boot, which always came out when he played cribbage. Family members have had their share of fun trying to win two bits off Dad/Grandpa/Great Papa, but he had the quarters to prove he could still beat the pants off everybody. Friends and family will miss his enjoyment of life, his friendship, and his dedication to his family. A memorial service will be held September 6, 2011, at 4 pm at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, 2401 Riverside Boulevard.