Kenneth Kawabata

1954 - 2024

Kenneth Kawabata
07/14/1954 - 10/31/2024
Kenneth Kengo Kawabata, 70 years, passed unexpectedly on Oct. 31, 2024, at CPMC Hospital, from complications during recovery after surgery.
"Kiki", as he was known to family and friends, was a native San Franciscan.
He grew up in the Richmond District, graduated from George Washington High School, and studied Electrical & Mechanical Engineering at CCSF. He was a Certified Electrical Inspector with the International Code Council, and a former Head of Facilities Operations at UCSF-Health for 35 yrs.
Kiki was a enthusiastic car collector - most notably for auto restoration. He was an avid golfer. And he truly loved dogs. He would focus on rescuing the "unadoptable" candidates giving them a forever home.
He loved trips to Hawaii.
Kiki was a renaissance man, inventor of gadgets, unique sense of humor, witty, generous, and loved by all who knew him. He was always the "Go to Man," with a constant kindness.
Kiki is survived by his partner, Ruth Ong; sister, Marcia Kawabata and husband, Warren Doo; brother, Douglas Kawabata and wife, Marlene Yamashita; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a small private Buddhist ceremony for the immediate family.
A Celebration of his Life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kauai or Maui Humane Society, or charity of your choice.