Hatsue Arkakai Mclain

Long-time Tualatin resident, Hatsue (“Sue”) Arakaki McLain, passed away September 22, 2021 at Emmanuel Hospital in Portland. She was a special person who lived an amazing life, and is already greatly missed by her family and friends.

Sue was born February 4, 1935 on Pohnpei Island, in the Pacific, where her family had settled a few years earlier from Okinawa. She was the daughter of Kana and Nabe Arakaki, one of the younger children of a large family. Her father owned and operated a coconut plantation at Pohnpei until after WWII, when most Japanese settlers had to leave. Sue was about 10 when her family returned to Okinawa, and many years later, she remembered how fearful they all were about going back. When they returned, they resettled in the family home near Ishikawa City, Okinawa.

As a young lady in the 1950’s, Sue was married in a traditional ceremony. Her son from this marriage, Hiroshi Maehira, currently lives in Tokyo. About 1961, Sue was married to Norm Christensen, a Marine who was stationed in Okinawa. When he transferred, Sue immigrated with him to the United States, and then to Oregon. They had three sons, David and Jesse Christensen (twins), and Shon Christensen. Her son David died in a tragic accident at age 18; Jesse and his wife (Caroline) live in Madras, Oregon; and Shon Christensen and his wife (Robin) live in Camas, Washington.

In September 1983, Sue married Willis (“Bill”) McLain, and they made their home in Tualatin, Oregon. Bill still lives in the home they shared for 38 years. Sue was several years older than Bill, but until they got their marriage license neither of them knew the age of the other! It was a good match, and they were devoted to each other. For a number of years, Sue worked as a quality control inspector for Pioneer Vigo in Beaverton, and Bill worked in the building next door. Later on, Sue worked as an inspector for a drill bit company in Wilsonville. She continued to work part-time even after retirement, showing sample products at Costco.

Time spent with family was a special joy for Sue, and she always brightened up when her children and grandchildren were around. She had a love of gardening, and spent many hours planting and tending to her flowers. Although of a quiet nature, and small in stature, Sue had a big presence in the lives of people through her kindness, grace, and strength. Despite the hardships of life, she had a positive outlook. She and Bill faithfully attended Beaverton Nazarene Church (now Nexus Church), and many remember her always being perfectly dressed—and usually wearing a hat!

Besides her husband and three sons, Sue is survived by a brother and sister in Okinawa, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial service for her will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, 10 AM, at Youngs Funeral Home, 11831 SW Pacific Hwy, in Tigard. A private burial will follow in Sherwood.