Masayuki Okabe

Masayuki (Mas) Okabe, a popular San Jose dentist, passed away on Sunday, April 30, following a fall at home. He will be remembered as a man who appreciated the good things in life: tasty food and fine wines; golfing with friends; an exciting game of poker or hana fude, and--most of all--his wife and family.

Mas was born to Umesaburo and Asao Okabe in Sacramento on December 2, 1929. As a young man, he joined the US Navy and was employed on a ship as a clerk/typist during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return, he attended the College of the Pacific and, subsequently, the USC School of Dentistry. He enjoyed a long and satisfying career as a dentist in downtown San Jose.

He married Shirli Nagatomi in August 1960 and they had two children; a daughter, Tish, and son, Keith, in addition to supporting his children’s school and church activities Mas participated in the San Jose Buddhist Church choir and advised the youth groups. He also was an active supporter of the Bando Mitsusa Kai, one of San Jose’s traditional Japanese dance groups.

Mas is survived by his loving wife, Shirli; his devoted children, Tish Kato (Dennis) of Torrance, and Keith Okabe (Michelle) of San Mateo, and his grandsons, Sean and Quinn Kato. Mas is also survived by his brother Takashi Okabe (Darleen) of San Jose and numerous nieces and nephews.

His warm smile and ready laugh will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.willowglenfuneralhome.com for the Okabe family.