Hiroshi YAMAMOTO

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.