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Hiroshi YAMAMOTO Obituary



YAMAMOTO, Hiroshi
(Hank)
Born April 24, 1923 in Ukiah, CA, Hank passed away on December 28, 2010 at age 87.

Preceded in death by father Torahe; mother, Katsu; bothers George, Thomas, Harry, Charlie, Toby, and Fred; sister Misako; and beloved daughter, Sherry Hoefling.

Hank spent his childhood in Mendocino, Sonoma and Napa counties, where he had fond memories of hunting and fishing with his brothers. Graduating in 1940 from Santa Rosa High School, he was a star athlete - captain of the varsity basketball team and shortstop on the varsity baseball team.

In 1942, Executive Order 9066 dictated that all persons of Japanese descent move away from the West Coast. Thus, Hank and his family left their home, friends and community in Santa Rosa, and relocated to Honeyville, Utah. On the road to Utah, Hank met his future wife, Masako (Helen) Kaku. The relocation didn't deter Hank's love of sports or his country.



He played semi-pro baseball in Brigham City, and in 1944, joined the U.S. Army. He served as a heavy artillery man in Europe with the legendary 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team comprised of only Japanese American soldiers. The 442nd was the most highly decorated regiment in the history of the U.S. armed forces. Hank was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in July 1946 and on August 2, 1946, married his longtime sweetheart, Masako.

Daughter Sherry was born in Brigham City, Utah in 1949. The young family moved to Sacramento in 1950, where they welcomed second daughter, Gail, in 1954.

Hank worked at the Sacramento Army Depot for 30 years, retiring as an Army procurement supervisor in 1979. He was also a Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1946-1985. Hank was an avid fisherman and golfer. He became a scratch golfer due to his highly disciplined practice and refinement of the game. He was generous in sharing his skill with others and was a great teacher to many, especially his grandchildren. Hank's greatest love was his family. He was a generous and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He was a proud soldier and citizen from a most noble generation.

Hank is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Masako; daughter, Gail Seymour (John); granddaughters, Kim Poole (Donald), Erin Seymour, and Tara Seymour; grandson, Sean Seymour; great grandson, Dominic Knowles; great granddaughter, Jordan Knowles; sister, Chizuko Kuwaye; brother, Robert Yamamoto, and many nieces and nephews.

Hank will be greatly missed and forever remembered. A memorial to celebrate Hank's life is being planned for April. Family and friends will be notified.

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

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jan. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Hiroshi YAMAMOTO

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5 Entries

Trista Tamura

January 26, 2011

To Cousin Erin, Gail, Auntie Mas and the rest of the Seymour Family,

I just want to say again how sorry I am to hear about Uncle Hank's passing. I have such fond memories of him. I remember Trevor, Ian and myself as young children trying to catch the Koi fish in the backyard with hookless poles. We were sure one of those times we would catch one. I also remember Uncle Hank and the rest of the grandparents laughing in the background each time we would quickly pull our poles from the water only to be disappointed with an empty string without a fish dangling at the end. Every time I see a Koi fish swimming in a serene pond...that is my memory. A memory of Uncle Hank.

I love you all so very much and know that I am here if you need me for anything. Please do not hesitate to call.

All of my love,
Cousin Trista (on the Kaku side)

January 26, 2011

Hello Seymour family,I had many good conversations with Hank. He was a good proud man who wanted only the best for Sean's golf game. Hank can be at peice the wonderful legacy he left here on earth. I would like to attend the celebration of his life if possible. Mike McQueen

January 24, 2011

Gail, I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. What a remarkable story. I hope you find peace in knowing he lived a life of extreme honor. I know you must be very proud ~

Glenda Johnson Chavez
[email protected]

January 23, 2011

What a fine man he must have been. I enjoyed reading this short account of his life, especially about his athletic achievements in high school and then that he was a soldier in the famous 442nd. Wow, your dad served with them! I learned most about those soldiers from a superb Ken Burns series about WWII; they were highly praised for bravery and performance. A father to be proud of in many ways. Thank you for sending me his obituary. I loved learning about your Dad. Mimi

Helen Watson-Dotson

January 23, 2011

To The Family Of Hank:
I am so sorry to hear of Hank's passing away.
Hank was my supervisor at the Army Depot for 3 years and I enjoyed working for him.
My prayers are with the family and just know that God will bring you all through these tough times.

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