Fred, my older brother, was caring and good to me.

In the early 1940's, in Minidoka, Idaho, we went swimming together in the canal, dog paddling for me and real swimming for you.  It was a happy kid time.  You also taught me to ice skate on the pond - how well I remember my many pratfalls.

Softball pitching was one of your favorite sport during your high school years and I watched in awe - you were soooo accurate and impressive.

I was in seventh heaven when you gave me your automobile in the mid 1950's. You had received a military assignment overseas.  It was my very first car; a 1949 Pontiac "Silver Streak", four-door sedan.  To this day, it remains my all time favorite car.  Thank you, Fred. 

You admirably served in three branches of the U.S. military.  I best remember your Vietnam tour of duty.

No matter where you lived, you always, always kept in touch with your extended family either by telephone calls, cards, letters, gifts or in person. Lucky us.

To me you epitomized positive thinking, thoughtful kindness, patience and always thought of others and their needs.

I will miss you always.  Love and Peace.

I will miss you, Uncle Fred.  You were dearly loved by the Okura clan.

January 28, 2013

How can anyone say goodbye to someone who was so wonderful and kind, who never said anything bad and who had such deep faith in everything and everyone.  

Being your oldest niece, I think I was the luckiest person alive because I was able be be around you the most.  I remember when you were young and had the motorcycle.  I was afraid to get on but you were very persuasive and talke me into holding on tight to you.  As you knew I would, I loved it. I didn't want to get off when the ride was over but of course, I had to share you with my siblings.

You were able to share the glory of the world through the descriptions you gave to us along with the gifts from different countries

I still wear the diamond cross you gave me when I graduated from high school.  It keeps me close to you.  

You have been such a wonderful part of so many of our lives, you will be missed so much.  I love you, you will always be a part of my heart.  Someday we will meet again.  I look forward to that day!

Grandpa, I have so many regrets and wish I had been able to bring my boys to see you, or even come to see you myself. You define the word hero, not just in the military but at home. You were and forever will be an inspiration to all of us whose lives you touched with your good heart, kindness, love and laughter. You never saw the bad side of things, always looking up. And your love for my grandmother will always be my definition for what true love is. You are the best man I have ever known in my life and I pray you will continue to walk at my side and to help me become a man worthy of your respect. Until we meet again Grandpa,my true hero, I love you and goodbye.

fred i wish i could have been there to say goodbye, you tried to teach me to let go and be what God would want. i have so many memories of our family together, thank you for choosing us...we where so lucky to have you! you will always be my dad. i pray i find a man like you one day...high in morals,compassion, patience, love, and love of GOD! love you always, marina

Grandpa - I am so thankful that I was able to come to Texas and see you and grandma a couple years ago. I will always cherish that visit, and remember your excitement as you shared your military stories with us. You are deeply missed and I wish we could have spent more time with you!

The individual time and patience you gave to me was so appreciated.  As your niece you always had time for me, whether it was going to the 4th of July fireworks with my siblings, playing games or just talking; you made me feel special.  When Dad died you were there providing the much needed support.  You have left me with many wonderful memories.  Your influence has made me a better person.  Thank you for having been in my life, Uncle.

Thank you Valentine for sharing this site with us and giving us many more special memories.  I wish you much strength during this difficult time.

Patty Mizuta (Seattle, WA)

To Fred our second dad. Looking back at the pictures on here, i have know you since i was a young teenager. I always knew you as a very wonderful kind person. You were always there if any of us needed you. Thank you for taking such good care of our mom and giving her a good life. You were an angel sent to us. I told you that once and you laugh at that and said no no no. You were to modest about what a good man you were. Now God has called his angel home. You will be missed by us all. Love you always.

In Loving memory of my step father Fred Okura. Ron and I will miss you very much and sorry we were not able to say good buy to you but it is not good buy because we will all see you one day again.I would like to thank for taking care of my mother. You were a great man and will be miss by many.               
                                                         Ron and Priscilla  (Newport News)VA

Uncle Fred,
What a wonderful uncle you were to all of your nieces and nephews - fun filled, laughing/smiling, patient and always, always you made time for us.  You brought the world into our lives through your visits, letters, conversations, and personalized gifts from Japan, Korea, Europe and elsewhere.  Maybe you are the major reason I and my other three sibling developed a love for travel.  Thank you for all the hugs, smiles and wonderful memories that will always remain with us.  We knew you loved and thought about us wherever you were traveling.  I hope that you knew that we all loved you dearly and will miss you.

I loving memory of my step father Fred. Fred you are such a wonderful person and I will miss you. I am sorry I cannot be there to say good-bye, but you will be in my prayers and in my thoughts every single day. I love you

Loraine (Newport News, VA)

Lori, Fred's niece is out of the area at present, but will want to add her message upon her return home on Sunday, January 27th.  He was a very special person.

Uncle Fred,
You were always my hero.  Thanks for playing ball with me when I was young.  I went into the service because of you.  All your years spent in the Navy, Air Force and Army.  I still remember you being in the Seattle Times for pitching your Air Force team to a championship.  I remember Uncle Paul saying you had a bronze star in Vietnam.  Thanks for some great memories.
                                                               Tom.Okura@yahoo.com

Uncle Freddie, I shall miss you always. You were a rock and role model to me. There was so much I needed to talk with you about, perhaps on the other side. Old soldiers never die, they just make one last formation.  Goody bye be at peace.

I really enjoyed all those late night conversations with you and valentine at Dennys.  your laughter will be missed.

In Loving Memory of my brother Fred Okura.  I will miss you always and think of you often.  I am sorry I cannot be there to say goodbye, but you will never be gone in my heart.

I will miss you Uncle Fred - you were so sweet and kind when I was a little girl.  You always took time to teach me, about anything, and you always answered all those questions that only a little kid could ask.  You taught me to never stop learning...to be inquisitive about everything...and I will remember you always.

OBITUARY

Fred T Okura

July 8, 1928 – January 10, 2013

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services