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Roy Machida Obituary
MACHIDA, Roy
Chihiro, M.D.
Retired plastic and reconstructive surgeon and World War II veteran of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team was born Dec. 1, 1924, in Sacramento and passed away Aug. 16, 2007, at his home in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife, Fumy; daughters Sharon (Dan) Okada of Sacramento, Kiyo (Douglas) Woodruff of Kyoto, Japan, Debra Machida of Santa Monica, and Linda (Geoff) Grundy of Altadena; his grandchildren Erin, Anny, Gregor, Esme and Royce; his sister, Mary (Machida) Okada of Cleveland; and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly. Roy lived his life with steadfast courage, integrity and generosity. His life will be celebrated at a memorial service in the Plaza of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) at 2nd and San Pedro streets in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Dr. Roy Machida for the Japanese American National War Memorial Court, care of the JACCC, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; or in his memory to the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation, 8-950 Factor Bldg., Box 951780, Los Angeles, CA 90095.
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Memories and Condolences
for Roy Machida
Sponsored by a daughter.
Julie Kudo
June 1, 2023
I know this is very late but I just found out about Roy's passing. I had moved away and lost contact. I was married to Koji Kudo and Roy was very dear to me. He was a lovely and generous man. I know he is missed by many. Koji and Roy had a special relationship and I always admired how close they were. My sincere condolences to his wonderful family.
Julie Kudo
Roland Minami
August 25, 2022
So many Roy stories. One day I was about to hire a nurse who knew a lot about plastic surgery. She said she learned by working with Roy. I called him and he said, Hire her. She will be the best nurse you have in your career. He was right.
March 25, 2015
How blest we were to journey this life together. We are forever tied at the heartstrings.
Our Love, Jeannette & Reiji
Warren Burton
March 23, 2015
Dr. Machida was a man, a doctor of his word. His promises were kept, because he had the ability and artistry to know what he could soundly create - recreate.
He worked with me diligently and subtly, reconstructed a damaging flaw. I was 22 years old at that time and have never forgotten his brilliance with me. I am saddened at this news of his passing, which I recently discovered. He changed my life for so much the better - and helped too in 1973, by lowering his fees. I knew him to be an empathetic and extraordinary man.
My most sincere condolences.
September 1, 2014
Art (Troy) Barron
Great memories of Roy and the family.
Rest in peace.
Susan Anspach
June 15, 2013
Because of his unique combination of aesthetics,, surgical technique and deep devotion to his art, science and his patients, I have always loved and been grateful to Dr. Machida. We actors knew him to be the best of the best. I never had so much respect for and trust in a doctor as I did for Roy Machida. I am so sad to know he's no longer among us. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Jim Skow
May 23, 2013
I knew Roy when I was a resident at UCLA. A great guy, and a good friend. I moved away from Santa Monica in 1983 and lost track. I still think of Roy and his favorite anesthesiologist Koji.
Laura Gallagher
March 4, 2011
I met Roy C. Machida when I was nine years old and suffering from chronic illness; Dr. Machida saved my feet and my life at a time when others had abandoned the thought of a cure. Dr. Machda guided me by example; his strength and courage gave me the courage to persevere, truly he was healer.
I will always remember him -the sound of his foot steps through the halls of St.Johns Hospital, a glimpse of Roy dashing across 22nd Street to his office -still wearing his scrubs, later motioning me to leave the always crowded waiting room, come-in, come-in, ahead of the others, extra bandages, sample antibiotics, so many, many kindnesses; I will always remember and honor that memory. Although, I had not seen him in many years I miss him every day.
Creighton Goldsmith
October 26, 2007
Dr. Roy Machida gave me my life back with reconstructive surgery at UCLA in 1963-64 after a severe farm accident. He was a gentle yet tough man who I could share anything with. He was the best of the best.
Jeannette, Kody & Reiji Kodama
September 7, 2007
The essence of his light was to encourage the attitude of others to appreciate and enjoy life to its fullest. We miss Roy deeply. We are blessed that our lives entwined and have many happy memories together with Roy, his beautiful wife Fumy & beloved family. We are forever tied at the heartstrings.
Always with Love,
Jeannette, Kody & Reiji
"Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God...Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain."
Roland Minami
September 7, 2007
Roy was one of my first mentors. He invited me to visit him in his office where he would share his talent--he was a gifted, artistic surgeon--and feed me sushi for lunch. After work, he would take me to his favorite Japanese restaurant and treat me to dinner while advising me on my future. He did this over and over and his advice was always valuable. He was indeed a kind and generous spirited man and I feel blessed to have come under his wing. The only thing I did not understand was his anatomical analysis of the mechanics of the golf swing--but of course he was a good player and I am not. He will be remembered with gratitude, respect and love. Roland Minami
lauren o'brien
September 6, 2007
I worked with him for a number of years in Santa Monica. He was a great surgeon and a generous man.
shirley glos
September 3, 2007
Roy Machida was a kind and generous man. He achieved much success in his life yet remained humble and grounded. It was our good fortune to meet him when his lovely wife Fumy and my mother, childhood friends, reconnected after many years. We feel blessed to have known him and send our heartfelt sympathy and love to his family.
Shirley Glos
Sharon Okada
August 29, 2007
Hey Mac -- I can hear him saying that so clearly. He had the knack -- he could call me 10 times In a row with a task he needed me to do as soon as possible and I would be happy that he asked me! What an amazing talent for getting people to do what he needed them to do!
mac kakudo
August 29, 2007
I will miss his encouraging greeting, hey Mako. I will never forget his leadership and encouragement he has given me.
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