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Ryan Umebayashi Obituary
UMEBAYASHI, Ryan Loran
Kaleo-o-Kalani
Ryan left us all too soon on December 7, 2006 from complications of his heart disease. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on Oct. 29, 1971 to parents Wayne and Pasha. He was heavily involved in athletics and graduated from Kalaheo High school in 1989. He excelled at football and was awarded a football scholarship to Taft College, where he attended in '89-'90. He moved to Sacramento, California in August of 1990. Three years later he married his high school sweetheart, Sonia, on July 31, 1993. He continued his studies by obtaining his Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology from Sacramento State University in 1995, which was immediately followed by a Teaching Credential from Chapman University in 1997. Ryan was a Health teacher at Casa Roble High School in his 10th year. Still committed to education, he received a Master of Arts in Teaching in August of 2003. In addition, he was able to utilize his lifelong passion for sports by coaching for the Casa Roble Varsity Football Team. As a dedicated teacher and coach with a playful, teasing personality, Ryan enjoyed an easy rapport with student and colleagues. He felt fortunate to teach a subject that provided a forum and outlet for students to talk about real life issues and the choices they would make for their future. "Mr. U" or "Coach U", which he was affectionately called, took great joy in the relationships which he developed with so many students over his teaching career. He made a significant impact on so many lives and will be sorely missed. Ryan, a devoted Husband to Sonia, was also a dedicated Father to his two boys, Corey, 8, and Devin, 7. He was a wonderful Son, Brother, Uncle and friend. To all that were touched by this extraordinary man, remember how he lived his life -- with no regrets. Ryan is also survived by his Mother, Pasha Leong, his Grandmother, Dorothy Umebayashi, his Brothers Kalani and Byron Umebayashi and his 6 nephews and 1 niece. A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 14, 2006 @ 2pm at Sunrise Community Church, 8321 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA. In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been established for "The Umebayashi Family" by Green Oaks Fundamental Elementary at Washington Mutual Bank.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Umebayashi
Sponsored by Mike & Meredith Lawrence.
Joseph Schwartz
January 31, 2024
I was Kaleo’s friend at Kalaheo high school. Played football with him and he an his family welcomed me into thier home! As a mainlander he took care of me and helped me fit into the Hawaiian culture! I cherished my friendship with him and vowed to go back to Hawaii soneday so he could meet my boys! My father thought he was the toughest football player I ever played with and after being inducted into my college Hall of Fame that is really speaks volume of the excellent linebacker he was back in High School! I wish him and his family the best and my praters go out to his Family! God Bless you Ryan and thanks for being my friend’
Joseph Schwartz
January 18, 2024
Kalheo
My name is Joe Schwartz and I had the privilege of playing football at Kalheo High school! My dad was in the Marines and I was always accepted into his Hawaian Family even as a main lander! He taught the meaning of team first mentality at an early age in High School. My one regret is that I did not get to come back to Hawaii to see him! Recently at my Hall Of Fame induction into Norwich University, I always reflected back to my earlier days and how tough the Hawaiians were and that you had to earn thier reapect! I deeply sadden to hear he has passed away and I am eternally grateful for the Family for always looking out for me! Thank you for the friendship my friend and know you are deeply missed! Joe Schwartz
Danette and Taylor (DeFreitas) Morway
March 23, 2007
Sonia,Cory, and Devon,
Somehow Kaleo was on my mind today and I decided to search him on the internet. I'm so glad I was able to stumble upon this guest book! I hope you are all doing well. I know that Kaleo is carefully watching over you all every minute of every day. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend to all who knew him I know he had a profound impact on my daughter, Taylor. She took his death very hard, as did I. I'm glad that she knew him and she will always have a special place in her heart for him, much like she does for her Uncle Hutchie, and Aunty Tracie. I'm sorry that we couldn't be there for the services, I heard they were beautiful. My blessings to you and the children. Should you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me! We love you all!
Kinau Kepaa
December 28, 2006
We are all blessed to have known Kaleo for the short time he was here. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories and joy as he lives on through Corey and Devin.
God Bless.
Dayna Liwai
December 24, 2006
Dearest Sonia,Corey & Devin
Even though you are a thousand miles away our hearst and prayers are very near. We will miss kaleo very much. But we have you and the boys to remind us of him ever day.
With much Love,
Dayna-Lei & Family
Lovey & Al Saludares
December 24, 2006
Sonia, Corey & Devin,
Words cannot express our sorrow in the loss of our dear Kaleo. We pray that the good Lord will continue to ease your pain and loss. We pray for your safe journey to Hawaii and wait to see you all soon.
Me Ke aloha pumehana,
Uncle Al, and Auntie Lovey
Paul Elderts
December 24, 2006
Sonia, Corey & Devin,
I am thinking of all of you, and praying for your comfort. Waiting to see you in Hawaii.
Nancie Forrest DeFreitas
December 20, 2006
Dear Sonia, Corey & Devin: My deepest sympathy to you all for the loss of a 'Hawaiian superman'. I feel blessed to have known Kaleo through Duke and to have had the occasion to meet you all a while back. Kaleo truly is a man who embodies the spirit of aloha. We are all lucky to have known and loved him. He leaves a profound vacancy here on earth but his spirit is alive and will thrive for always through all that knew him. My love and heartfelt wishes to you all... that you find peace for your tomorrows. Love & Aloha, Nancie
Daniel Kemp
December 19, 2006
Hello Kaleo and everyone who loves and cares for you,
Your memorial service showed us how powerful and deep your impact was and still is on all of the lives you touched. I am privileged to have known you and will carry the lesson of the example you set for us all; to listen, to love and to care about others unselfishly.
You inspire me to be a better man, and your character is truly that of a "hero".
Until we meet again I will try to be more like you and could only be a happier person for it.
May you and God smile upon us all.
hutch umebayashi
December 19, 2006
hey kaleo, i am sitting here with jake and reading to him all of the nice things people are saying about you. i am so glad that jake was able to meet you this fall. i cant wait to tell jake all of the wonderful times we had together. i miss you and love you. aloha
Candice Kuheana
December 18, 2006
The Umebayashi Family,
May God fill you with peace and comfort during this difficult time. Sounds like Kaleo lived life with passion and love for others which is a legacy that will live on forever.
God Bless, Love and Aloha Candice(Chung) Kuheana
Duke DeFreitas
December 17, 2006
Kaleo,You left this earth too soon and will be sorely missed. I was amazed at how many lives you have touched and what you meant to so many students.I knew you as a close friend from Kailua and after hearing your students read those beautiful letters at your services I realized that you turned out to be a larger than life figure to many.I am very proud of you Kaleo and I am sure all of the "ohana" back home would be also.Keep a safe eye on Sonia,Corey and Devin. Much mahalos for the memories. Love you, miss you. Malama pono a hui hou kakou
Pat Avelino
December 16, 2006
Kaleo is a true representative of what the word "ALOHA" means & stands for. After his service I was completly proud on how he shared and spread the meaning with all of his students,friends,& family both in Orangevale and on the islands. ALOHA Kaleo! Thanks for the wonderful time! give our love to da boys and grandma and grandpa! Aloha lives in Sacramento!God bless Sonia,Corey,& Devin.
Mariah Machado
December 16, 2006
Coach U
You are my hero! you always brought a smile to my face and showed me that there is more to life then to be popular, or be in the "in" crowd, you also told me it was okay to be myself. I would have never guessed that you had a heart problem, you never let it show or get you down! There is so many things i will miss about you, and i will miss being able to talk to you about anything and everything. You mean so much to me and everyone else. Rest in Peace Coach U! You will always be with me!
Allan Fraticelli
December 16, 2006
To the Umebayashi Family,
Our sincere condolences on the lost of such a fine young man. Those who got to meet and come to know him will remember the good person he was and the fun-filled memories he was able to provide. While I personally did not get to know Kaleo as well as others, my family and I have been blessed in coming to know his family thru his brother Kalani and his family. Their house has been where we drop anchor when we are back in the islands. For that, he will always be in our prayers. Malama pono to Sonia and his sons. May you always remember the fine man he was.
Love and aloha,
Da Fraticelli Ohana in Temecula
(Bruddah Al, Sistah Cathy, Sophia and Celene)
Alec Keller
December 15, 2006
I am so glad I knew you Kaleo. You were one of a kind. You will always be my friend, my hero, and my brother-in law....but most of all my brother. Thank you for making my sister happy for so many years. Thank you for my nephews, I know each will become great men, just like you. It doesnt matter what any doctor ever told you....you had more heart than all of us. R.I.P. Love Alec
Bruce Cantrell
December 15, 2006
I was at the Memorial Service yesterday with my two daughters and several Casa students. I barely knew Coach U and now I know why I liked him so much. He is what he portrays caring and loving to all. My sympathy goes out with prayers for all who will miss him, especially his family. The service was beautiful and touching. Coach Bruce Cantrell, Casa Roble Volleyball
sarah david
December 15, 2006
Coach U,
i remember u having me an jasmine our sophomore year... it was so much fun.. no matter wat we were doing we all had fun doing it cuz u were our teacher!! u were an amazing teacher an im glad u arent suffering anymore.. u are up in heaven watching over us! tell shane an tiffany we love them.. watch over us Coach!!
Logan Keller
December 15, 2006
To my great uncle I never got to meet. I love you, and my parents will tell me all about you when I get older. Love always, Baby Logan
Jennifer Quinones
December 15, 2006
Sonia,
Words cannot express the deep sadness I felt when I heard you had lost your love, Kaleo. I will keep you and your boys in my prayers. Kaleo, rest in God's peace.
Jessica Bley
December 14, 2006
To Corey and Devin,
I had your dad my my sophmore year of high school. I can remember the times in class when we had a few moments of extra class time and he would let us do what we wanted. A couple of times i would go by his desk and see the many pictures of you both and him. When i asked how old you two were and where some of the pictures were taken he got the biggest smile on his face and you could tell how much he truly loved you boys and wanted you to to be the best you possibly can be. I will always remember and miss you dad and i hope you can take comfort knowing the stories of the many lives he touched.
brianna golden
December 14, 2006
this event has made everyone incredibly sad.i didn't know coach u and it makes me sad.after hearing all the wanderful things about him i now wish i could have been a part of his life and him in mine. mr. umebayashi obviously touched many peoples hearts and i am broken up inside that i couldn't of at least met him.
to everyone who reads this...he would of wanted us to succeed and to be happy in our lives....let's not let him down.
and to coach u, may you be forever in our hearts...
Jessica Chu
December 14, 2006
No words can express the deep sadness we feel that we lost such a genuine, wonderful person so
young. I remember when I first met Kaleo in 1989, full of jokes and laughter, and a truly genuine guy. We will truly miss him. The only explanation that I can think of for this untimely departure is that God needed and awesome guardian angel to share his bright light with others. We love you and the boys so much, and our thoughts are with your family constantly.
Shelby sullivan
December 14, 2006
Coach u was a wonderful guy. He was always there if i needed someone to talk to. I has in his health class this year and he would always make our class laugh. He always told us what a great class we were and i just remember all the great memories with him and showing us a great way to our future.I love you coach. You are forever in my heart!
Darlene Geist
December 14, 2006
I feel so blessed to have known Ryan while working at Casa. He always had a warm smile on his face and a happy bounce in his walk and never a bad word to say about anything or anybody. He truly is one of the few good guys left and now he is watching over us that we should try to live our lifes like he did. That was in a caring, loving, giving, sharing, upbeat and kind way. He had a love for life and an extremely deep devoted love for his wife and sons. Ryan, you will truly missed by all. God Bless
Stuart Anderson
December 14, 2006
Coach U,
No matter what you were doing you always took time from what you were doing to help others when they were in need. High school would have never been the same if I didn't have you as a teacher, coach, or more importantly, a great friend. I will always remember football practice during summer camp seeing you underneath your umbrella and with your water mister taunting us. That always made us work harder to think that just for a minute that we could get a little spray. You always pushed us do be the best and eventually we came out on top. 10-0. Who would of thought that the year before the 1-9 Casa Roble Rams would go to 10-0. I was glad to be able to play for you and would do it again. Eventhough you are gone, you will be greatly missed but never forgotten. I will see you when I get there coach.
Andrew Flynn
December 14, 2006
I cannot count the number of times that I came into Mr. U's room after first period and immediately started arguing with him about who the 49'ers should draft or which college team would win it. My favorite part of every day was when I could sit in Mr. U's room and talk with him about anything. Going to Wonderful Chinese and listening to UB40 will always remind me of the great man that I was fortunate enough to have been taught by. I will miss you very much Mr. U.
Quintin Fischer
December 14, 2006
Coach U was one of my favorite teachers. He was always smiling, and no matter how down i was, he always made me smile too. I know that he is up in Heaven watching over all of us at this very moment. I will keep him and his family in my prayers. I just know that he will continue to impact everyone who ever knew him. His spirit will live on forever. I will always love and miss you Coach U!
Kathy Price / Medina
December 13, 2006
Sonia,
My heart is absolutely broken. I have no words to express my sorrow for the loss of your wonderful husband & Corey & Devin's daddy. You and your family touched my heart from the moment I met you all almost 10 years ago. May you find peace in knowing that Kaleo is now resting in God's arms and will always be there watching over you guys. I love you woman and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. With all of my heart...
Amy Barton
December 13, 2006
Sonia, Corey, and Devon,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Although we only knew your family thru Soccor ( The Cobra's) and in passing's at Baseball games. We knew of Ryan and enjoyed the brief hello's, friendly smiles, and Joy he showed for Corey and Devon at Soccor and Baseball games. What a great Dad. Know that your in our thoughts and prayers. The Barton's ( Rick Amy, Nick, and Zack)
Travis Kortes
December 13, 2006
He is A great Teacher And an awsome coach that always put the students first in his career leading them to the path of success. You will be Missed Greatly Coach U.
Julie De La Torre
December 13, 2006
To the Umebayashis:
Coach U was one of the most amazing, most genuine people I have ever met in my entire life, and everyday I can't help but find something that reminds me of him. He took time out of whatever he was doing if anyone needed some help or a little extra guidance, even if it was in the middle of a class, he was just that dedicated to what he did and who he influenced. I constantly found myself in awe of what a truly amazing man was in our midst. He was taken all too soon, and I just hope I could have seen him one last time to let him know how much he's affected me and ask if he liked the tamales :). I can only imagine what you're going through, and I just hope you find the strength to cope. I hope Mrs. Umebayashi, little Devin and Corey all have a merry Christmas, and know that every student and staff member at Casa Roble has you in their thoughts.
Rest in peace, Coach U.
Katie Martin
December 13, 2006
coach u was one of the best teachers i ever had, and when i transferred schools, i didn't have time to say goodbye to everyone and he was one of the people that i was going to visit next thursday when i visit, and now i just wish that i had said goodbye, i miss him so much.
Deana Livingston
December 13, 2006
I was so sad to hear about the loss to your family. I met Kaleo and he seemed to be a great friend, husband and father to his family. I know he will be deeply missed by all that knew him. You have our sympathy and our prayers are with you.
Meredith Lawrence
December 13, 2006
I will remember Kaleo as a warm, cheerful, caring man, full of fun and love. Once you met Kaleo and the Umebayashis, you were instantly part of the family. Kaleo was an adoring husband, great father, and exceptional man. I'll always remember Corey and Devon wrestling around with him and actually hurting him! Kaleo made a great impact on my life in the short time I have known him and I can only guess how many other lives he has touched. We will miss him.
Jen Hall
December 13, 2006
I take comfort in knowing that now we all have a special guardian angel watching over us. Coach U was an amazing man.
Sherida Callnon
December 13, 2006
I taught at Casa Roble for 5 years with Ryan. I am deeply saddened for his family and the staff/ students at Casa. The world will miss this great guy!
Terri Evans
December 13, 2006
Dear Umebayashi Family,
Our deepest sympathies. Kaleo was always nice, friendly, cheerful, engaging and a wonderful person to be around. We will miss him dearly at our family gatherings. Kaleo is in Heaven now resting in peace. God Bless you Sonia and family.
Love Aunt Terri and Mandee.
maryanne povey
December 13, 2006
Sonia, Corey & Devin,
What a beautiful summary of an extraordinary man. Although we are heartbroken over the loss of Kaleo, we feel truly blessed to have known him and cherish the many happy memories our families have shared together. May God bless you all -- Love, the Poveys
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