Robert K. Honda

Born on October 2, 1939 in Lihue, HI. Passed away peacefully on April 18, 2013 at Methodist Hospital in Sacramento with family at his side after suffering a heart attack. Heartfelt thanks to the ACC nursing home and the Regency Place assisted living staff for their love and compassionate care these past few years. Survived by his two sons Daryl of Sacramento and Wesley of Elk Grove, daughter Kristl Plinz (Alan) and grandson Garen Plinz of Newberg, OR and brother-in-law Ben Matsuda of Lihue, HI. Preceded in death by his parents Jack and Chiyo Honda and his older sister Patsy Matsuda. He was loved by many close friends in Hawaii and the Sacramento area and will be missed. Bob worked in Education for 37 years as a teacher, counselor, administrator and athletic coach. He served at John Sloat, Oak Ridge and Freeport Elementary Schools; Peter Lassen, John Still Junior High and California Middle School; C.K. McClatchy, John F. Kennedy and Sacramento High Schools and the Adult Skills Center all in the Sacramento City Unified School District. He set up multiple student/athlete programs and scholarships. While at Sacramento High School, he started the Dave Hotell Invitational Basketball Tournament and the Kevin Johnson Metro Classic. He coached high school basketball and is most proudest to have coached Kevin Johnson, who would later become an NBA All-Star for the Phoenix Suns. Selected Sacramento Area Boys' High School Coach of the Year in 1990 at the Sacramento Kings Basketball Banquet IV. Retired in April 2000 at age 60. He loved to travel and take friends back to his native Kauai. Kept busy playing competitive senior softball both in Sacramento and on Kauai and he traveled with his Sacramento Islanders team to numerous tournaments in Las Vegas, Reno, Utah, Oregon and Hawaii. Bob will be remembered as "Mr. Softball" in Sacramento. He was instrumental in starting the Asian softball leagues in Sacramento, bringing the Asian community together for competition and fellowship. He started and was tournament director of the Sumitomo Bank Softball Tournament for 30 years in which teams from the Bay Area, Southern California and Hawaii came to compete every September. In 2011, he was awarded Life Membership (Honorary) in the Golden Seniors Softball Club of Sacramento. He was very proud of his Hawaiian roots. He helped establish and organize fund raising events for the local Hawaiian Athletic Association which awarded scholarships to local high school students. Known as "Sonny" to his family and close friends growing up on Kauai. Per his wishes, a Celebration of Life memorial service with a reception to follow will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 11am at Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, 6929 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95823. The family requests casual aloha attire. More information and online condolences can be made at eastlawn.com