Kinuko Hayashi

Kinuko Hayashi, a lifelong resident of Fresno County, passed away on January 13, 2017. She was born in Bowles, CA on January 29, 1923, the first of five children to Hideichi and Masako (Murade) Yamane, Japanese immigrants from Tottori-ken Japan. Kinuko attended Manning Elementary, Washington Colony Elementary School, Washington Union High School for two years and graduated from Fowler Union High School in 1940. With the outbreak of WWII Kinuko and her family were interned at the Gila River Relocation Camp in Arizona. While interned for 3 1/2 years she met and married the love of her life, Shigeo Hayashi, in March 1945. After the war they returned to Fresno where Kinuko assisted Shigeo and her brother in law, Masao, in growing vegetables and later almonds for 50 years. They retired in 2000. Kinuko was an excellent cook and was known for her New Year's Day Oshogatsu "spread." She also enjoyed playing the piano, ballroom dancing with her husband, ikebana flower arranging and crocheting afghans for her family. She was well known for her kindness, warmth and friendliness to others and was beloved by all she came in contact. Kinuko is survived by her sons Arthur (Joanne) of Watsonville and Gordon (Susan) of Clovis. She is also survived by grandchildren Kamden (Fred) Hayashi-Karem of North Carolina and Derek (Casey) of Walnut Creek, great grandchildren Maxwell and Henry Hayashi-Karem and Alice Hayashi. She is survived by brothers Ken (Doris) Yamane of Torrance, Eiji Yamane of Anaheim and sister in law Kay Yamane of Palos Verde Estates, and numerous nephews and nieces. Kinuko was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Shigeo, son, Riley; sister, Sumiko Kondo, and brother, Hideo Yamane.