Masao Duke Yoshimura

YOSHIMURA, Masao Duke
1914-2004
Age 90, of Stockton, passed away at a local hospital on Feb. 21, 2004. He was born in Perkins, CA, on January 20, 1914. Mr. Yoshimura lived a remarkable life. At the onset of WWII, while his family endured living in Japanese interment camps, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Military Intelligence Corps with honor and distinction. After his military service he worked as a landscape designer for the County of San Joaquin and received various recognitions and awards for his work at county landmarks in Stockton and Lodi, including the Japanese and Rock Gardens at Micke Grove Park, the Lodi Grape and Wine Festival Grounds, and the gardens at Stockton Buddhist Church, of which he was a member. He was a distinguished Judo instructor holding an 8th Degree Black Belt. In 1946, Mr. Yoshimura founded the Stockton Daiheigen Judo Club, which trained many martial artists who went on to become Judo champions. In 1970, he was honored as San Joaquin County Employee of the Year for his many contributions to the community. He also chaired the original committee for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Mr. Yoshimura is survived by his wife, Agnes S. Yoshimura of Stockton; a daughter, Marilyn M. Kitagawa of San Francisco; and two sons, Phillip Y. Yoshimura of El Dorado, and Alan K. Yoshimura of Stockton; and 2 granddaughters, Nichole Yoshimura and Denise R. Lopez. He is also survived by other loving relatives and numerous friends. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at 2pm on Saturday, February 28, 2004 at the Stockton Buddhist Church, 2820 Shimizu Drive in Stockton. Rev. Kenko Hasegawa, officiating. Interment will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Funeral Home, Stockton, California, 209-464-4711