PLEASE NOTE:
May 10, 2021
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March 29, 2021
by Luke Okada
Dear Grandma Kimi,
You were an incredible woman. Thank you for your care, concern, your love, and everything that you have done for us. I am going to miss our family gatherings during the New Year. That was the most fond memory, was having all the good food and your company was enough for all of us to feel at home. From the time I started dating Kristyn, you invited me into your house without any hesitation and always making sure we didn't leave hungry. I will always remember you enjoying watching the Mariners and eating Jelly Belly's. Always making sure that you were up to date with all the technology, and especially playing Zelda on Gameboy. I don't know of any other grandmother who enjoyed playing games as much as you did. That's what made me realize, what a cool grandmother! I will not forget your signature arare cookies, that was always a treat getting those! Thank you for making all those special quilts for us! Grandma you will truly be missed and never forgotten. We love you and we will see you again in heaven.
Rest in peace Grandma!
Luke
You were an incredible woman. Thank you for your care, concern, your love, and everything that you have done for us. I am going to miss our family gatherings during the New Year. That was the most fond memory, was having all the good food and your company was enough for all of us to feel at home. From the time I started dating Kristyn, you invited me into your house without any hesitation and always making sure we didn't leave hungry. I will always remember you enjoying watching the Mariners and eating Jelly Belly's. Always making sure that you were up to date with all the technology, and especially playing Zelda on Gameboy. I don't know of any other grandmother who enjoyed playing games as much as you did. That's what made me realize, what a cool grandmother! I will not forget your signature arare cookies, that was always a treat getting those! Thank you for making all those special quilts for us! Grandma you will truly be missed and never forgotten. We love you and we will see you again in heaven.
Rest in peace Grandma!
Luke
Written by Gwen Ishino (Daughter)
February 13, 2021
One memory I would like to share about Mom was her artistry and creativity. As long as I can remember, she always had a craft in hand, whether it be a sewing project, crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch, drawing, painting, or her latest passion-quilting. She was talented, and I was in awe of her projects, especially her ink drawings and beautiful quilts. When we were small, I fondly remember my favorite Christmas gift of all time. She had hand-sewn “tiny replicas” of some of the same clothes that she had sewn for Donna and I, but for our troll dolls. (complete with miniature buttons, accoutrements, and all!)
After Mom retired, one of her favorite things to do was to venture out to Joann Fabrics, to select yardage of several patterns of calico material, excited to start her next quilt. She gifted these quilts to us, as well as to grandchildren and relatives. I will always cherish them and remember her when I look at them.
Mom was also a good listener. She would always lend an ear if you had a problem or just to hear how your day went. She loved to hear the grandchildren’s latest activities or great grandchildren’s latest antics. She was their biggest supporter. Family holidays were her greatest joy, where everyone would gather, laugh and enjoy good eats.
I will miss her gentle, kind spirit (with a dash of feistiness mixed in!) and for her faith and love of family. Rest in Peace Mom and we love you.
Written by Tori Chebotar (Granddaughter)
February 20, 2021
To be blessed with Grandma was to be endlessly supported and unconditionally loved. To be heard, accepted and believed in through every trial and triumph that life threw your way. To be always welcomed at any time, day or night, into her 3 story yellow house on the corner that held New Year’s parties, Mariners games and walks to the Red Apple or Jefferson Park.
From her game closet upstairs to her sunroom full of plants, trips to Maruta, hours of puzzles, and playing Zelda on Nintendo.
I will miss watching her watch the Mariners game, creating her famous quilts, and the joy in her eyes to be surrounded by her family. I am thankful to have called her Grandma and blessed by how much meaning she brought into my life. She will be forever loved and missed by us all.
From her game closet upstairs to her sunroom full of plants, trips to Maruta, hours of puzzles, and playing Zelda on Nintendo.
I will miss watching her watch the Mariners game, creating her famous quilts, and the joy in her eyes to be surrounded by her family. I am thankful to have called her Grandma and blessed by how much meaning she brought into my life. She will be forever loved and missed by us all.
Written by Curtis Hirata (Son)
February 14, 2021
Some thoughts & memories about mom:
If you looked at my mom, she was very petite. Small in stature and weight. I think she weighed less than 100 lbs. She was often very soft-spoken, and would come across as timid. But those who knew her knew that inside that small frame was something fierce. She had a resilience and was incredibly strong, especially in her faith. For many years I felt that she was the glue that held our family together.
Mom was also very witty. Usually, she wouldn't initially get involved in the 'wit' that was being thrown around by us kids. But when she did, typically it was a doozy! Usually it was followed by an overwhelming roar of laughter from everyone. Sometimes...she actually shocked us. Usually my brother Ron and I would immediately look at each other in shock, as if to say "Did mom REALLY just say THAT"? In reality, mom had a really great sense of humor.
Mom loved her games. In fact she loved playing video games. I remember her playing Nintendo (like the original Nintendo box games), which came out in 1985, meaning she started playing video games at the age of 56. She played all the time! Four years later she would add Nintendo Game boy to her repertoire. One of her favorite games was The Legend of Zelda. She would play for hours! She was always very content with doing whatever it was she was doing, in the moment. She was very young at heart!
Mom also loved her puzzles. For many years if you went over to the house, it always felt like there was a 'puzzle in progress'. No hurry or rush to complete it. She was very patient, understanding that she would finish it, in time. One piece at a time, one step at a time. I know she loved the sense of accomplishment when she would finish a puzzle. She also loved 'book puzzles' like Sudoku or Crossword.
Mom loved to golf. For many years she was in a Women's golf league. I actually remember golfing with her once. Obviously with her petite stature she wasn't overwhelmingly strong. But boy was she accurate! In fact, at full strength, she would only hit the ball about 70 yards, but it would be as straight as an arrow. Playing golf with her was kind of like the tortoise and the hare story. And I soon found out that if you 'keep on the straight and narrow', you definitely get to where you want to be, quicker.
Mom loved to watch Seattle sports as well. The Sonics, Mariners and Seahawks. Earlier in life we had Season tickets to the Sonics and would love going to watch them play. Eventually on occasion we would go to see Mariners' games in the Kingdome. Later in life, if there was a game going on, it was on her TV. I think she particularly liked watching the Mariners play and always knew who all the players were. She was a true fan of the game.
Mom loved taking pictures. I think she really loved to capture the moment. For a period there, though, she went through a phase where in every picture it seemed like she cut off the top of of our heads in the picture. I don't remember why, other than it happened a lot. I think I got my love for taking pictures from her.
Mom loved cooking, eating, celebrating the holidays, and being with friends and family. That's probably why the New Years Day feast was always such a big tradition for our family. We would always have enormous amounts of food available throughout the day. And our house was always an 'open door' to any and all friends, family and relatives. It was a gathering place, and people would stop by at their leisure, throughout the day, to share in some fun, food and festivities.
Those were just some of the things mom loved! Great times and great memories of my mom that I will cherish forever. I will always miss you and will always love you Mom!
If you looked at my mom, she was very petite. Small in stature and weight. I think she weighed less than 100 lbs. She was often very soft-spoken, and would come across as timid. But those who knew her knew that inside that small frame was something fierce. She had a resilience and was incredibly strong, especially in her faith. For many years I felt that she was the glue that held our family together.
Mom was also very witty. Usually, she wouldn't initially get involved in the 'wit' that was being thrown around by us kids. But when she did, typically it was a doozy! Usually it was followed by an overwhelming roar of laughter from everyone. Sometimes...she actually shocked us. Usually my brother Ron and I would immediately look at each other in shock, as if to say "Did mom REALLY just say THAT"? In reality, mom had a really great sense of humor.
Mom loved her games. In fact she loved playing video games. I remember her playing Nintendo (like the original Nintendo box games), which came out in 1985, meaning she started playing video games at the age of 56. She played all the time! Four years later she would add Nintendo Game boy to her repertoire. One of her favorite games was The Legend of Zelda. She would play for hours! She was always very content with doing whatever it was she was doing, in the moment. She was very young at heart!
Mom also loved her puzzles. For many years if you went over to the house, it always felt like there was a 'puzzle in progress'. No hurry or rush to complete it. She was very patient, understanding that she would finish it, in time. One piece at a time, one step at a time. I know she loved the sense of accomplishment when she would finish a puzzle. She also loved 'book puzzles' like Sudoku or Crossword.
Mom loved to golf. For many years she was in a Women's golf league. I actually remember golfing with her once. Obviously with her petite stature she wasn't overwhelmingly strong. But boy was she accurate! In fact, at full strength, she would only hit the ball about 70 yards, but it would be as straight as an arrow. Playing golf with her was kind of like the tortoise and the hare story. And I soon found out that if you 'keep on the straight and narrow', you definitely get to where you want to be, quicker.
Mom loved to watch Seattle sports as well. The Sonics, Mariners and Seahawks. Earlier in life we had Season tickets to the Sonics and would love going to watch them play. Eventually on occasion we would go to see Mariners' games in the Kingdome. Later in life, if there was a game going on, it was on her TV. I think she particularly liked watching the Mariners play and always knew who all the players were. She was a true fan of the game.
Mom loved taking pictures. I think she really loved to capture the moment. For a period there, though, she went through a phase where in every picture it seemed like she cut off the top of of our heads in the picture. I don't remember why, other than it happened a lot. I think I got my love for taking pictures from her.
Mom loved cooking, eating, celebrating the holidays, and being with friends and family. That's probably why the New Years Day feast was always such a big tradition for our family. We would always have enormous amounts of food available throughout the day. And our house was always an 'open door' to any and all friends, family and relatives. It was a gathering place, and people would stop by at their leisure, throughout the day, to share in some fun, food and festivities.
Those were just some of the things mom loved! Great times and great memories of my mom that I will cherish forever. I will always miss you and will always love you Mom!
Written by Haley Hirata (Granddaughter)
March 27, 2021
Dear Grandma,
I miss you. I miss you so much. I miss your hugs, I miss your laughter, I miss your physical presence.
I feel so grateful and blessed to have known you, to have been your granddaughter, to have had a life with you in it. Thank you for taking the time to be with my brothers and I, whether that was cooking with us, making us treats, playing games, doing allllllll the puzzles, or simply just watching TV. Thank you for babysitting us, growing up. Knowing you were going to be home after school was the best feeling. I’m glad we were able to have those moments with you. Spending time with you was always special. Any day with you, was always a day well spent.
Thank you for teaching me how to be a strong and fierce woman. Thank you for showing me to get through tough times with grace and how to preserve your light, when it seems like there’s none left. You have shown immense strength your entire life, through the internment camps, to facing all the health challenges (to name a few), you were simply, a warrior. I pray and hope to have at least half the strength as you.
There’s been so many times I feel like I could just drive to that nostalgic soft yellow house on the corner of Beacon Hill, and run up the stairs to see you again and give you a big hug. It was our home, too. A safe and comforting place. But I know there will be a day when I can hug you again. Until then, I’ll wrap myself in the quilts you made, just for now. And when I’m missing you extra, you know I’ll be playing Zelda, eating jelly beans, under the warmth from your handmade quilt.
There’s so much I could say, but a lifetime couldn’t even give me enough time to express my gratitude for you. You were such a blessing. Thank you for being a wonderful grandma.
I hope Heaven is everything you dreamed of (and more). I know it is!
See you on the other side.
I love you forever,
Haley
I miss you. I miss you so much. I miss your hugs, I miss your laughter, I miss your physical presence.
I feel so grateful and blessed to have known you, to have been your granddaughter, to have had a life with you in it. Thank you for taking the time to be with my brothers and I, whether that was cooking with us, making us treats, playing games, doing allllllll the puzzles, or simply just watching TV. Thank you for babysitting us, growing up. Knowing you were going to be home after school was the best feeling. I’m glad we were able to have those moments with you. Spending time with you was always special. Any day with you, was always a day well spent.
Thank you for teaching me how to be a strong and fierce woman. Thank you for showing me to get through tough times with grace and how to preserve your light, when it seems like there’s none left. You have shown immense strength your entire life, through the internment camps, to facing all the health challenges (to name a few), you were simply, a warrior. I pray and hope to have at least half the strength as you.
There’s been so many times I feel like I could just drive to that nostalgic soft yellow house on the corner of Beacon Hill, and run up the stairs to see you again and give you a big hug. It was our home, too. A safe and comforting place. But I know there will be a day when I can hug you again. Until then, I’ll wrap myself in the quilts you made, just for now. And when I’m missing you extra, you know I’ll be playing Zelda, eating jelly beans, under the warmth from your handmade quilt.
There’s so much I could say, but a lifetime couldn’t even give me enough time to express my gratitude for you. You were such a blessing. Thank you for being a wonderful grandma.
I hope Heaven is everything you dreamed of (and more). I know it is!
See you on the other side.
I love you forever,
Haley
Written by Zach Hirata (Grandson)
March 27, 2021
Dear Grandma,
I am so grateful to have had you in my life, Grandma. I will forever miss the countless hours put towards finishing puzzles and playing Zelda. I will miss watching TV with you while searching for our favorite jelly bellies. I will miss flipping through your artwork as you share the story behind each piece. But most of all, I will miss being able to come and visit you and instantly being overjoyed by your warm and tender smile. Everyday was better when I got to see you and laugh over good food and games. You were the epitome of what a strong, loving, and determined woman looks like. Anyone who got the chance to know you is forever blessed.
I know you are watching over us and protecting us with your big, kind heart. The same heart that cooked us food for every occasion. The same heart that has touched and impacted so many people in this life. I can only hope to be half the person you were. (for anyone that may be confused, those are some pretty big shoes to fill). But I'll continue to work hard and spread happiness because if being your grandson taught me anything, it's that family is forever. You will forever live inside me Grandma. I love and miss you so much. Oh what I would do to get to spend one last day in your presence. Thank you for everything you were. This isn't a goodbye, its a see you later. ♥
Love you always and forever,
Zach
I am so grateful to have had you in my life, Grandma. I will forever miss the countless hours put towards finishing puzzles and playing Zelda. I will miss watching TV with you while searching for our favorite jelly bellies. I will miss flipping through your artwork as you share the story behind each piece. But most of all, I will miss being able to come and visit you and instantly being overjoyed by your warm and tender smile. Everyday was better when I got to see you and laugh over good food and games. You were the epitome of what a strong, loving, and determined woman looks like. Anyone who got the chance to know you is forever blessed.
I know you are watching over us and protecting us with your big, kind heart. The same heart that cooked us food for every occasion. The same heart that has touched and impacted so many people in this life. I can only hope to be half the person you were. (for anyone that may be confused, those are some pretty big shoes to fill). But I'll continue to work hard and spread happiness because if being your grandson taught me anything, it's that family is forever. You will forever live inside me Grandma. I love and miss you so much. Oh what I would do to get to spend one last day in your presence. Thank you for everything you were. This isn't a goodbye, its a see you later. ♥
Love you always and forever,
Zach
Written by Chase Hirata (Grandson)
March 27, 2021
Dear Grandma,
I love you and miss you so much. I miss the times where we would do puzzles together, with and all the food and snacks that you cooked up for us. Whenever we visited, it was always a fun time and you always made us laugh. I loved exploring your house with the attic and basement and finding hidden treasures. I wish we were able to spend more time together but I cherish the time I had. I miss having our family reunions at your house and doing silly things that we would do. Thanks for being an amazing grandma, that would always cheer me up.
Love you forever,
Chase
I love you and miss you so much. I miss the times where we would do puzzles together, with and all the food and snacks that you cooked up for us. Whenever we visited, it was always a fun time and you always made us laugh. I loved exploring your house with the attic and basement and finding hidden treasures. I wish we were able to spend more time together but I cherish the time I had. I miss having our family reunions at your house and doing silly things that we would do. Thanks for being an amazing grandma, that would always cheer me up.
Love you forever,
Chase
A Letter to Kimi from Den & Theanne Sato (Friends of the Family)
February 16, 2021
Dear Kimi,
I am writing to thank you for the countless times that you provided love, and your gracious hospitality to me whenever I came over to visit your family.
One of my fondest memories is coming over to your house on New Year's Day, and enjoying my first meal of the New Year. You would always welcome me into your house and offer me my favorite bowl of Ozoni soup with Mochi, Spinach, Kamaboko, and Bamboo Shoots. You would also offer me a second bowl, and I never went away hungry. There were other delicacies there, including Fried Chicken, Kanten, Gobo and Sushi. I wanted to make sure that I didn't eat too much...but I always did.
Your home was always warm and welcoming, and I felt it was like my second home on Beacon Hill.
Recently, I had the wonderful joy of being married to my sweetheart, Theanne. I was so happy to know that you were able to Zoom in on our wedding and see us get married. It meant a lot to us knowing that you were able to attend and to witness history in the making. I'll bet you never thought you would see that day, but so glad you were there.
My wife, Theanne, and I wanted to say how much of a blessing you have been to us throughout our lives. I am sure, as I write this letter, you are up in heaven making sure people are well taken care of, and felt comfortable in their new surroundings in heaven. We look forward to the day that we can someday be reunited in heaven and we can hang out at your place. I'm sure you will have a big "welcome mat" at your door, and plenty of food and drinks, and most of all our wonderful hospitality to welcome heaven's new residents in.
We certainly miss you here on earth, but your kindness and love for us all will be remembered throughout our lives.
Thank you, Kimi, for your sharing of God's gifts to us all here, and we do look forward to seeing you one day praising our Lord and Savior!
Love,
Den & Theanne Sato
I am writing to thank you for the countless times that you provided love, and your gracious hospitality to me whenever I came over to visit your family.
One of my fondest memories is coming over to your house on New Year's Day, and enjoying my first meal of the New Year. You would always welcome me into your house and offer me my favorite bowl of Ozoni soup with Mochi, Spinach, Kamaboko, and Bamboo Shoots. You would also offer me a second bowl, and I never went away hungry. There were other delicacies there, including Fried Chicken, Kanten, Gobo and Sushi. I wanted to make sure that I didn't eat too much...but I always did.
Your home was always warm and welcoming, and I felt it was like my second home on Beacon Hill.
Recently, I had the wonderful joy of being married to my sweetheart, Theanne. I was so happy to know that you were able to Zoom in on our wedding and see us get married. It meant a lot to us knowing that you were able to attend and to witness history in the making. I'll bet you never thought you would see that day, but so glad you were there.
My wife, Theanne, and I wanted to say how much of a blessing you have been to us throughout our lives. I am sure, as I write this letter, you are up in heaven making sure people are well taken care of, and felt comfortable in their new surroundings in heaven. We look forward to the day that we can someday be reunited in heaven and we can hang out at your place. I'm sure you will have a big "welcome mat" at your door, and plenty of food and drinks, and most of all our wonderful hospitality to welcome heaven's new residents in.
We certainly miss you here on earth, but your kindness and love for us all will be remembered throughout our lives.
Thank you, Kimi, for your sharing of God's gifts to us all here, and we do look forward to seeing you one day praising our Lord and Savior!
Love,
Den & Theanne Sato
Message from Jim & Susan Mochizuki (Friends of the Family)
February 20, 2021
Jim goes back much further with “Grandma Kimi” as the
Mochizuki family and Hirata family did stuff together when Jim was a kid. Kimi
was friends with Jim’s mom. He said he remembers a picture of Kimi when she was
their Cub Scout Den Mother.
I first met “Grandma Kimi” when Joan brought me to the Hirata household for a “Singspiration” at Blaine. Joan hardly knew me, and neither did any of the Hirata's, but they welcomed this Southern California stranger into their homes and lives. I had just moved to Portland in the fall of 1976 after college, and fell in with Joan and the Epworth Church gang because my mom knew Rev. Masaji Goto from her Denver days.
When Ron was in California for that one year at Fuller, Joan and I stayed at the Hirata house, and because I didn’t want to use the pillow, threw it on the floor where it burned against the floor heater. Joan and I ran out of the room because of the smoke! The Hirata's still didn’t throw me outa their house!
Fast forward to Grandma Kimi being Jim and my wedding coordinator in 1980. The picture there with my mom and her was taken at the Mochizuki’s house after our wedding.
I’m not sure when we started to come over to Kimi and Bill’s house for New Year’s oshogatsu, but it seems like forever! Grandma Kimi was always welcoming, serving us the traditional ozoni first thing. Jim said she always said, “Eat more!” which we did. After Aaron and Nathan came along, she welcomed them to her home and table. That’s when she became “Grandma Kimi” as she celebrated births, birthdays, and other milestones. You can see her laughing at Joan’s birthday party and holding up Courtney at some other birthday event, probably in Silverdale.
We shall surely miss her presence on this earth, but we are confident she is on the welcoming committee in heaven or maybe she’s playing the bells, making sweet music for our Lord or helping to prepare a feast! Thank you, Grandma Kimi, for welcoming us, celebrating with us, being there for us on this side of heaven. Say “hello” to the folks! See you one of these days!
Love,
Susan and Jim
I first met “Grandma Kimi” when Joan brought me to the Hirata household for a “Singspiration” at Blaine. Joan hardly knew me, and neither did any of the Hirata's, but they welcomed this Southern California stranger into their homes and lives. I had just moved to Portland in the fall of 1976 after college, and fell in with Joan and the Epworth Church gang because my mom knew Rev. Masaji Goto from her Denver days.
When Ron was in California for that one year at Fuller, Joan and I stayed at the Hirata house, and because I didn’t want to use the pillow, threw it on the floor where it burned against the floor heater. Joan and I ran out of the room because of the smoke! The Hirata's still didn’t throw me outa their house!
Fast forward to Grandma Kimi being Jim and my wedding coordinator in 1980. The picture there with my mom and her was taken at the Mochizuki’s house after our wedding.
I’m not sure when we started to come over to Kimi and Bill’s house for New Year’s oshogatsu, but it seems like forever! Grandma Kimi was always welcoming, serving us the traditional ozoni first thing. Jim said she always said, “Eat more!” which we did. After Aaron and Nathan came along, she welcomed them to her home and table. That’s when she became “Grandma Kimi” as she celebrated births, birthdays, and other milestones. You can see her laughing at Joan’s birthday party and holding up Courtney at some other birthday event, probably in Silverdale.
We shall surely miss her presence on this earth, but we are confident she is on the welcoming committee in heaven or maybe she’s playing the bells, making sweet music for our Lord or helping to prepare a feast! Thank you, Grandma Kimi, for welcoming us, celebrating with us, being there for us on this side of heaven. Say “hello” to the folks! See you one of these days!
Love,
Susan and Jim
Message from Carol (McBride) Barstow (Kimi's Friend & Co Worker)
May 8, 2021
I had the great pleasure of working with Kimi at General Welding Supply for 12 years! I remember her sweet personality and what a worker she was. Her manner was one of quietness and peace and she was such a loving spirit! We shared many lovely times together and had our share of fun as well. It was a great group at GWS and our friendships were true and long lasting. A truly lovely person no longer walks among us but will never be forgotten. We are all better for having known her.