Calvert Kitazumi

Calvert “Cal” Kitazumi passed away peacefully on Friday August 28th, 2020 with his family at his bedside. He was 92 years old. Cal is survived by his wife Betty and his children Brad (Leslie), Melanie, Barry, Kevin (Kay) and Lynn (Holger) and grandchildren Marissa, Mitchell, Karen, Cody, Casey, Kyle and Kaelyn.

Cal was born and lived in Sacramento, California until 1942 when Executive Order 9066 was issued during World War II resulting in his family being forcibly interned from 1942 – 1945. Cal spent his initial years in Tule Lake internment camp in California and was later relocated to Amache internment camp in Colorado. After the war he enlisted in the US Navy and served as an Electrician’s Mate Third-Class until December 1952 when he received his honorable discharge. After serving in the armed forces, Cal attended San Francisco City College and Golden Gate University where he received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Cal married Betty Taniguchi on February 9th, 1958 and they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this year. Cal worked successfully in real estate and in dry cleaning where he owned and operated multiple businesses until his retirement 25 years later. Cal and Betty travelled the world in their retirement and greatly enjoyed the company of friends and family.

Cal will be remembered for his story telling, his positive nature and his sense of humor. He was also very generous with everyone and would give the shirt off his back to help those in need. He was often invited to be speaker or MC for many organized events which is testimony to his character and outgoing personality. He enjoyed his spectator sports (SF Forty Niners, Golden State Warriors and SF Giants), but the things that brought him the most joy were the fishing trips with his buddies, family trips to Lake Tahoe or Reno with his wife and kids, and league bowling. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private memorial service will be held on Friday October 2nd, 2020 in the Japanese section at Oak Hill Memorial Park for immediate family members.