Kaworu "George" Sakurai

Kaworu "George" Sakurai, aged 92, passed away in Sacramento on October 20, 2016 after a brief illness. Born in Yuba City, George spent his childhood between California and Japan where his grandparents lived. As an adult, he had a long and successful career in the Army before retiring. George then dabbled in different ventures, and came to own a golf driving range business in Lodi. He was an avid golfer. He loved music and had a rich, wonderful singing voice that he graciously shared with us, and enjoyed taking his Karaoke system to many events and gatherings. George was also a very talented Bonzai expert with many stunning plants that he lovingly tended. He served as a translator for a Japanese Bonzai Master teaching classes in Placerville. He was also very artistic and graced us with his beautiful calligraphy. George was deeply involved in his community, and was a member in many organizations. He devoted himself to the Northern California Koyasan Buddhist Temple that his parents (Jitsuo and Hatsuko) also attended from its inception. There, he served as President for 20 years. He was a generous, kind, spirited, vibrant and social person. He will be deeply missed by many people whose lives he touched. George is survived by his wife Grace, son Yasuto Suzuki (Yuko) in Japan, step-daughter Barb Haddeman (Patrick), step-son Stephen Ingold, three grand-children, two great grand-children, and eight nieces and nephews along with their spouses and children. A Memorial Service will be held on November 3, 2016 at 6:00 pm, at the Northern California Koyasan Temple located at 1400 U Street, Sacramento, CA. Immediately following, a celebration of George's life will be held in the Temple's hall.