His character was molded during World War II as the house he inhabited was burned down on three occasions by American B-29 bombers. He narrowly escaped, but witnessed death on many occasions. Nevertheless, he grew to love and respect Americans due to the kindness of occupying soldiers after the war’s end.
In 1966, he came to the USA to attend the graduate school seminary of Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana. There he met his future wife, Janet Simmons. Having been a judo champion in Japan and an all-around athlete, he accepted a faculty position at Tulane University in 1970 because he liked the warm climate and the delicious food. He was a very popular faculty member to his Tulane students, having a charismatic personality that drew people like a magnet.
He always loved children and was a favorite uncle to nieces and nephews. As each of his own three children were born, he doted on them. Over time, he felt called to educate children through after-school judo classes, and the iconic Hayashi Sports Clinic was formed. It served the families of New Orleans for over thirty-five years. He joyfully accepted the children of his former Tulane students as Sport Clinic students. He eagerly anticipated the birth of siblings of current students as their mothers promised that they would be his future students. When former Sports Clinic students began coming to sign up their children, he felt overwhelming satisfaction in having contributed to the lives of the children of New Orleans.
Nothing surpassed the love he had for his own family. He was so proud of and devoted to his own three children. He is survived by his son, Mark Masahiro Hayashi (Genevieve), and his daughters, Amy Rebecca Reed (Maurice), and Lisa Kiku Hayashi. He is also survived by his devoted wife, Janet Simmons Hayashi.
He is predeceased by family in Japan: his sister, Emiko, his brother, Toshio, and his parents Masanosuke and Tatsuko Hayashi. He is survived by his brothers in Japan: Isao, Akio, Tadao and Ario. His eight dearly loved grandchildren also survive him: Mark A. Hayashi, Vivian Hayashi, Emily Reed, Josiah Reed (Jessica), Daniel Reed, Rebecca Reed, Luka Jovanovic, and Lola Jovanovic.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral services held in chapel at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Lansing, Michigan.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18