Kiyoko Bates

Kiyoko was born in Sasebo, Japan in 1932. She was the fourth of eight children to Teiji and Misao Shoyama. Growing up in Japan during WWII, she was sent to live with her grandparents in the countryside. She loved the memories she made there with her cousins. In fact, they would continue to meet up every few years for a ‘cousin reunion’. These were always joyful times for her.

It was in Sasebo, while working in a store, that she met Robert Bates. They dated briefly and he told her he would return for her. A year later, he returned, and they were married on December 26th, 1957. Shortly after leaving Japan for California, they were blessed with their son, Bryan, who was born in 1959. Later they lived in Hawaii and then returned to California, where they settled in San Diego. In 1967, they were delighted with the birth of their daughter, Kathy. They would live the rest of their lives in San Diego except for a brief three year stint in Orange County.

Kiyoko was a homemaker, until she took a job with her friends working at the Chicken of the Sea tuna cannery. Kiyoko enjoyed working in her garden, meeting with friends, going to her “walking program”, travelling, and doing anything with her children and grandchildren.

Robert passed away, just weeks before their first granddaughter, Sophie, was born. Having a granddaughter was just what Kiyoko needed to get through the grief. A year and a half later, a second granddaughter, Brooklyn, was born. The two girls became a source of joy, energy, and pride for Kiyoko. She reveled in their laughter, nurtured their dreams, and imparted upon them the importance of love, kindness, and a never give up attitude. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she would tell that to anyone she met.

She is survived by her brother, Katsuyoshi; son, Bryan; daughter, Kathy; and grandchildren, Sophie and Brooklyn. She was preceded by her husband, Robert and her six siblings.

Kiyoko’s memory will be forever cherished by her family and friends. Her strong will, loving heart, and appreciation for life will continue to inspire us all. In our hearts she lives on.

A memorial for Kiyoko will be held on Wednesday, July 9th at 12:30 at the Chapel of the Roses at Glen Abbey in Bonita, California. A reception will follow that the Orchid Room from 2-4pm. She will be interned at Fort Rosecrans alongside her loving husband, Robert.