Raymond Urushima

On Wednesday, August 29, 2018, Ray Urushima, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 87. Ray was born on October 12, 1930, in San Luis Obispo, CA, to Seizo and Terumi Urushima. One of seven children, his father worked as a fish market and candy store merchant, and his mother was a housewife.

Ray and his family were relocated to internment camps during World War II. He began his internment in the Fresno Assembly Center in May of 1942, and was transferred to the Jerome, AR Relocation Center late that year. In June of 1944, he was transferred to the Rohwer Relocation Center and his internment ended on July 26, 1945. The Urushima family moved to the Sanger, CA area after their release from internment, eventually opening Farmer's Cash Market. After graduating from Sanger High School in 1948, Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a radio operator for Strategic Air Command in Newfoundland. He achieved the rank of Airman Second Class and was honorably discharged in November of 1952. Ray received a Certificate in Accounting from Central California Commercial College in 1954, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Fresno State College in 1957. During this time, he met Mary Yamamoto, and they married at the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple on June 17, 1956. Ray began his career at the Fresno County Auditor Controller's Office, going on to become a stockbroker and earning his Certified Financial Planner designation through the University of Southern California in 1986. After 32 years with Dean Witter Reynolds, later Morgan Stanley, Ray retired in 1996. Ray was an avid golfer, spending many years at Belmont Country Club often traveling with Mary and friends on golf trips. He and Mary took ballroom dancing lessons and enjoyed dance gatherings. They loved to travel. Some of their favorite places were Japan, Alaska, Canada, and Europe. Ray loved playing cards and was a frequent player at local cardrooms and casinos where Mary would try her hand at slot machines while Ray enjoyed hours at the poker table. Ray was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren, attending many ballet performances, and water polo games. He was a quiet man, yet he was known for his quick wit, kind smile, and compassionate spirit.

Ray is survived by his wife Mary; daughter, Janel Carrigan and her husband Andy Carrigan; grandchildren, Kylie Carrigan, and Keone Carrigan; brother, David Urushima; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Fresno Buddhist Church Family Dharma Center, 2690 E. Alluvial Avenue, Fresno, CA, on Friday, September 14, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be sent to the Family Dharma Center; or Saint Agnes Home Health and Hospice.