Akio L Sugimoto passed peacefully at the age of 97 on May 3, 2021, at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. His three children were by his side at his passing. Aki, as he was known to all his friends, was born in Alameda, CA and lived with his adoptive parents, Rinzo and Han Sugimoto, in Newark, CA. He spent fun-filled summers with his brothers, Mas and Yosh Yokogawa in Monterey.
He had quite an adventurous youth. At an early age, he earned a Black Belt in kendo and participated in many tournaments. At age twelve, he was given a 50 mile radius driver's license which allowed him independence and responsibility as he drove his Model T Ford.
Back then it was common for teens to go to Japan to be educated. At age 13, Aki was sent to live with relatives to be given a formal Japanese education. This definitely was not his cup of tea and the relatives happily put him back on the boat home to the U.S.
During his senior year in high school, Aki and his parents were evacuated to an internment camp in Gila, AZ. It was there that he first met his future wife, Mabel Ikeda. Following his internment, Aki and his parents moved to Cleveland, OH where he and Mabel met again. They were married in June of 1948. In 1952, they returned to California and settled in Seaside.
Aki worked briefly in the canneries and then became a gardener on the Monterey Peninsula. He also raised orchids for some of his clients and won many blue ribbons at our county fair. He was a past president of the Northern California Gardener's Association and of the Monterey Chapter of the Japanese American Citizen's League.
Aki enjoyed bowling, fishing, and playing poker, but golf became his passion. He was a founding Don's member of Rancho Canada Golf Club in Carmel Valley from 1969 until the courses were closed in 2016. Aki then continued to golf three times a week at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch where he had his 9th and final hole in one at the age of 95. His love of golf was enhanced by playing with his many golf buddies throughout the years and enjoying their lasting friendship and camaraderie. Aki also kept active by going to the gym where he met people of all walks of life and made many friends.
Aki always had a great story to tell, often the same one he told you before. It's not that he didn't remember telling it to you, he just liked telling it. We'll miss those stories.
Aki was predeceased by his wife Mabel. He leaves behind his daughter, Karen Walther and son-in-law Phil; his son, Les Sugimoto and daughter-in-law Paula; his daughter, Lynne Gyorey and son-in-law Mark. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Paul Sugimoto and his wife Sarah; Jeff Sugimoto, and Nick and Tori Gyorey. He is also survived by his newly-born great-grandson, Rinzo Akio Blake Sugimoto.
His greatest joy was being with family where many wonderful meals and stories were shared. We will miss you dearly Dad, but are comforted that you are now with Mom.
The Sugimoto family is forever grateful to all the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who gave our father such excellent and compassionate care. We are also indebted to his sister-in-law, Sayoko Yokogawa, whose care, love and laughter brought him much joy.
At Aki's request, no services will be held.
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