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George Riusaki Obituary

Dec. 28, 1966 - Feb. 6, 2010

George M. Riusaki was a computer engineer in the fields of medical equipment, mass wireless communications and,most recently, in developing hybrid vehicles that went more than 50 MPG.

George loved helping his family and friends with their computer and audiovisual needs, especially for his Uncle Paco. On any given weekend, you could find George on a roof installing satellite dishes or working on home projects. George was full of life and adventure. He enjoyed windsurfing, snowboarding, beach volleyball, kayaking, golf, tennis, rollerblade hockey and mountain biking. He loved music and jammed on the guitar and bass with his brother and friends. George also loved spending time with his son, his nieces and his friends' children; he was always fondly known as "Uncle George."

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, George also grew up in Santa Barbara, Martinez, CA, Martinez, GA, and Vallejo. He graduated from Hogan High School in Vallejo and received his B.S. from U.C. Santa Cruz.

At the age of 43, God took our precious George home on Feb. 6, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and five-year-old son, Riley, along with his dad and mom, Mas and Thelma; his sister, Reiko (Jim) of Niceville, FL; and brother, Ron (Najia) of Davis, CA. He leaves behind many more family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at 9:45 a.m. at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 3450 Tennessee St., Vallejo CA. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in George's name to a charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Colonial Chapels.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Herald Online on Feb. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for George Riusaki

Not sure what to say?





Laura Labay

August 21, 2010

I knew George from UCSC, and just heard of his passing. There are no words to describe the sadness that I feel. George now is in heaven. May he rest in peace.

Karen Hester

February 19, 2010

Thelma & Mas: Words can't express the sorrow that I feel over the loss of your son George. May God's healing love see you through this saddest of times.

Maxie & LV Jayme

February 18, 2010

My deepest condolence to Ron & Naj, Mr. and Mrs. Mas Riusaki, and the entire Riusaki family. Words alone cannot possibly express how sorry I am for the loss of your brother/son/husband/father. May the memories of George bring comfort to you during this time of sorrow and healing.

February 18, 2010

Thelma and Mas: We should not have to out live our children. I know the pain you feel now is all consuming. With time you will heal and your heart will never forget.
Maria Sullivan

The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly.
In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone,
for part of us went with you
the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories.
Your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the Chain will link again.

Clarice Flippin

February 17, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Raymond Kong

February 17, 2010

I knew George since he was a freshman at UCSC. We overlapped in the undergrad Computer Engineering program; we had a number of classes together. And yes, I remembered the countless nights of cramming for exams and projects. But what I remembered best was the time we spent goofing around, and those moments were my fondest memories in college.

I will always remember: going to "modern rock" concerts together (howard jones, depeche mode, cure, new order, etc), George's tribute to Depeche's Dave Kahan with his blond highlighted flat top, carpooling on weekends in his red honda prelude, playing foos ball at Kresge and George bringing his own WD-40, hanging out and goofing off with the condo land guys (ted, alvin, joe, and jorge), the x-files viewing parties, our post college ski trip to Tahoe, our on-line blog of the antique club, and most recently, the warriors playoff run.

Our thoughts are with you and your family. You will always be remembered. May you rest in peace.

Dave Bartels

February 17, 2010

Mas and Thelma,

So sorry to hear about your loss.

May God comfort you in your sorrow.

Dave and Jeanette Bartels

February 16, 2010

Dear Thelma and Mas,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May God keep you all in his loving harms during this very difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Renee Bishop-Sledge

carol platt

February 14, 2010

Dear Mas and Thelma, you're love and support for Linda at the service was immense. I thank you, and cried tears of joy for all the love that was in the room for George. George was "unforgettable". Linda's struggle has only begun with the loss of George. Riley and Linda need the continued support and love for years to come. George was an awesome man and loved by all. Linda loved him so much and 14 years were only supposed to be the beginning. This is a tragic loss for so many. May god bless you and your family. A sad sister, Carol

Catherine Littleton

February 13, 2010

Dear Mas and Thelma, I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful son. I admire your faithful hope in the Lord. Your family is in my prayers.
Love , Catherine Litleton

Larry Carver

February 12, 2010

I offer my condolences to George's entire family. Words cannot express such a loss.

It has been a true pleasure to know George, since the early 90's when I met him (and his roommates) here in San Jose, through Terry. The first impression I had was that he was into guitar playing, along with other fun activities such as windsurfing. I got to see him around the south bay at different places, a couple of concerts, and then there were the incredibly fun times at the house in Santa Cruz and at GDR hof in SJ. I was reminding Terry about this time that George had hurt his hand (in hockey), and that night when he was playing bass, it swelled up so huge, and then he strapped a big block of ice
on it and kept on playing! Also the party when George took us to the local market to find his friend (or acquaintance) Shane The Butcher, so he could find out about their band coming over. One night in San Jose we decided to go downtown to a bar, and we ended up just playing darts there. We also got out once on a kayaking excursion at Monterey (great time).

I didn't get to see him very often, but as anyone knows (and can see in pictures), it was a real treat to be around him no matter the situation or activity. He has a huge heart and is concerned for the comfort and welfare of others. He also has a way of putting others at ease; a simple laugh, to let you know that all is well. After he got established in Kensington, Vick and I were able to attend a Superbowl party and after that I went up several times for a jam session with George, Jon, and Terry. George always made sure that we ate first (once getting there), before anything else. Lasagna!! It was awesome to be getting together again.

I recently began talking w/ George about work topics ... He is so knowledgeable about all kinds of thing, I figured it's good for him to have distractions, things to figure out. I have been rooting, praying for him to overcome his setback. Seeing him during treatment times (in Oakland), he was the very same person that I knew. Just some new challenges, to deal with. I know that his folks, Ron, Najia, Riley and Linda dealt with it too. He is blessed to have such a wonderful family, and good friends.

I can't imagine how to take such a loss, as are Linda and Riley, his parents and siblings (and greater family and friends). I just really, truly am so glad that I could be around George, it is a real pleasure to have known him. Thanks to Mas and Thelma.
Larry C

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