Bryce Tooru Velasco died unexpectedly on June 23. He was born in San Francisco on December 6, 1961 to Medillo Takeshi Velasco and Doris Sonomura Velasco. His mother continues to reside in their family home in Larkspur. His father died in June 1998.

Bryce met his wife, Lori Smith, in 2003 and in May they celebrated their fifth year wedding anniversary. They moved to Cloverdale in 2006 where they built a home together; Bryce as a stay-at-home dad and Lori working with the Cloverdale Police Department. Their 18-year-old daughter, Hannah Lee Smith, and 12-year-old son, Skyler Noa Velasco, are grieving the loss of their father, friend, mentor and companion.

Bryce leaves behind older sister Katherine Velasco of Fremont; younger brother Shayne Velasco and his wife Jennifer of San Rafael; sisters-in-law Kathryn Mogstad of Cloverdale and Shoshanah Marohn and her husband, Brian of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin; and nieces and nephews Mika, Tamsin, Dylan and Griffin Kennedy, Emily Mogstad and Zelma Marohn. Also deeply affected by his death are his in-laws, Bobby and Jean Lee of Cloverdale who loved him as a son and will forever be grateful for the time they had with him.

Bryce took great pride in raising his children and put their needs ahead of his. He never passed an opportunity to help someone and expected nothing in return. He exuded calmness and would move heaven and earth to make Lori’s day brighter each and every day of their life together.  Friends will forever cherish Bryce’s life and the years he shared with them. He will be remembered for his smile, optimism, caring, and kindness.

Cards may be delivered to Lori Smith-Velasco, PO Box 494, Cloverdale, CA  95425.

Friends and family are welcome to attend Bryce’s “Celebration of Life Memorial” on July 30, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 205 West First St., Cloverdale, California. To honor Bryce’s memory in the spirit of his Hawaiian heritage, guests are encouraged to dress casually and wear Hawaiian-print shirts. Storytelling is encouraged and the family will serve a buffet of the Hawaiian-style foods he loved.

A memorial service will be held on August 14, 2016 at 3 p.m. at the Buddhist Temple of Marin, 390 Miller Avenue, in Mill Valley, followed by refreshments and remembrances; casual dress code.