Ray Okamura

1916 - 2014

Ray Okamura

Ray Masanobu Okamura was born in Pepeekeo, Hawaii on July 28, 1916 to Kengo and Misue Okamura. He passed away on June 30, 2014. The eldest of six brothers - Kenichi, Kenso, Roy, Sadao, John and James and sister, Michiko who all preceded him in death.

As the eldest son, he was sent to Hiroshima, Japan at an early age where he received his education. He returned to the U.S. - Enumclaw, Washington and worked various jobs in the railroad and lumber industry. He entered the US Army in January, 1942. During his military service Ray married Seattle native, Mineko Matsubara. She traveled from the Minidoka Relocation Camp to Fort Riley, Kansas to marry Ray. Shortly after, Mineko returned to the Minidoka Relocation Camp where their lives were separated due to the war.

Upon being honorably discharged in December, 1945, he and Mineko moved to Yuba City, California where he went into farming raising fruits and vegetables. He then moved to Seattle in 1951 and worked 27 years in the fish processing industry and finally retiring in 1978.

Ray was a hard worker who provided for his family by working a second job. He was a good athlete, playing baseball, golf, and bowling. Ray was very handy and completed many major projects for his home and for his children's homes. He and his wife traveled extensively during their 71 years of marriage. Mineko recently passed away in April, 2014. He was a member of the Seattle Buddhist Church, Gojikai, Hiroshima Kenjinkai and the NVC (Nisei Veterans).

He is survived by two daughters Joan Okamura and Trisha Morton and one son Steven Okamura (Liz), granddaughter Blaine Davison (Paul) and great granddaughter Reese Davison, sisters Irene Nakatani of Hawaii and Helen Macadangdang of Tacoma, Washington and many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at his request.

Remembrances may be made to the Seattle Betsuin or Nikkei Concerns.