Fondly remembering Thanksgivings together at the Konos (Nobi and Lillian).


It was a glorious sunny day for Jean's inurnment at Colma today.
Lucky 8 of us in attendance, including the celebrant.
Inspiring candle lighting service even with the pesky breeze blowing them out.
Very nice to get together again to remember a wonderful man. 

Kerri & I share an unusual family descendency. My grandmother Uyeda & her grandmother Matsubara were sisters. My father & Jean are cousins. So, on my dad’s side of the family, Kerri is my third cousin. Are you following me? Ok now, on our mother’s side of the family, my mother & her mother are sisters. When Jean, who is my dad’s cousin, my second cousin, married my mother’s sister, who was my aunt, Jean became my uncle. So when Kerri was born, she is my cousin on my mother’s side of the family & she is my third cousin on my father’s side of the family. Now are you thoroughly confused?

So I’ve known Uncle Jean all my life. When I was little we visited the Matsubara family in Isleton. After he married Auntie Kiyo, we visited in San Francisco, then San Bruno. Uncle Jean taught me to drive a stick shift. He let me drive his hot car almost all the way to Monterey on a family day trip. I remember getting stuck stopped at the top of a hill. I kept jerking trying to release the clutch, rolling backwards & killing the engine. That’s when we switched & he drove! That failure didn’t deter me, my first new car was a ‘67 Mustang with 4 on the floor. So, Uncle Jean, thank you for teaching me to master a manual clutch.

Memories of Uncle Jean from Marlene Kono, Jean’s niece (4 of 4)

DID YOU KNOW? I DIDN’T.

We know how much your Dad loved country music. Did you know he had a knack for the jazz greats? I was taking a class at the Fromm Institute, “Sinatra and the Great Male Jazz Singers.” The only name I recognized was Sinatra’s, and unfortunately, his remains the only name I recall from the class. At the time, I mentioned the class to your Dad and told him about the different singers that my professor was telling us about—your Dad responded to all those names because he knew their music.

AND FINALLY…

Your Dad was kind, generous, and always willing to lend a hand. Countless rides to BART, to church, etc.—he never complained. When your Mom and Dad still lived at home, I’d take the bus to visit them, and your Dad would always offer a ride home or ask if I needed to go to the store. He was always reliable.

When we expanded our house, your Dad was one of the men who helped my Dad with the construction. When my Dad needed to see a doctor and refused to leave the house in spite of our pleadings, your Dad and our neighbor were the ones who convinced him to go. Many stories, many acts of kindness. Your Dad was one of the good guys. We were fortunate and blessed to have him as our Uncle.


Memories of Uncle Jean from Marlene Kono, Jean’s niece (3 of 4)
THAT BOWLING STORY

I couldn’t find the story that your Dad told me, so this is going from memory.

This was when your parents lived at 19th Avenue. Your Dad said he came home from bowling with a bunch of Mexicans and didn’t have his house key. Have no idea who these bowling friends were. Maybe he didn’t have his house key because he got a ride from one of them?

Your Dad’s solution to this dilemma? He kicked in the front door! That door was made of wood and glass, yet (from what I was told) it seems the glass didn’t break. The next part isn’t clear, but I know he made a hole in the wall as he made his way up the stairs—must have been another good kick.

The next day, he was repairing the damage he had done. Grandpa Omaru was helping him. According to your Dad, Grandpa Omaru always called him “his boy,” and, in Grandpa’s eyes, he could do no wrong.

And, your Mom? She slept through the whole thing…


Memories of Uncle Jean from Marlene Kono, Jean’s niece (2 of 4)
19TH AVENUE MEMORIES - FROM MY CHILDHOOD

     When your Mom and Dad, and Grandpa and Grandma Omaru lived on 19th Avenue that was the place to be. Your parents always had the “good” stuff that parents wouldn’t have out for their kids...candy (maybe there were other edibles, but I clearly remember the candy). I especially recall the Double Bubble bubblegum. The children’s playground was across the street, the five and dime store was around the corner, and Joe’s Ice Cream was just a block away.

     The neighborhood has changed since then. Their “old” two-flat home is still there. Argonne Playground is still across the street. The old five and dime store is now Benjamin Moore. Joe’s Ice Cream lost their lease at their long-time corner spot on Geary and 18th Avenue—they’re a short distance away on Geary between 18th and 19th Avenues and remain a cherished neighborhood go-to place for burgers, fries, shakes, and ice cream. At one time, your Dad used to have these motorized model airplanes that he would fly in the playground.
I got my first bicycle because of your parents. Your Mom had an exercise bike—an adult bike on a stand. She traded her bike to a teen neighbor for a junior girl’s bike. I recall your Dad pushing me around their flat while I rode that bike prior to our family bringing it home…


Memories of Uncle Jean from Marlene Kono, Jean’s niece (1 of 4)
DINNER STORIES - December 13, 2008
Usually when your Mom and Dad are over for dinner, your Mom is the “talker” and your Dad is quiet most of the time. After dinner your Dad did a bit of reminiscing. Here are the stories he told that evening.

When your Dad was a kid, he attended the service at the Buddhist church every week because he got a nickel. He explained that a penny went into the box at church, and he had four cents to buy four pieces of candy. Candy was only a penny back then. I’m sure you know all his favorites, such as Baby Ruth, which he would buy even back then. I’m thinking the five cents was meant for the church, so I asked him, “You mean, your parents didn’t know you were doing this?” He answered, “They must have known because all of the kids were doing it.” In those days the Buddhist ministers came from Japan and the sermons were in Japanese. Your Dad said that during the sermon, some of the kids would toss their coins at the collection box. Can you imagine the noise that would make?

When your Mom and Dad got married, during the ceremony Vicki-niece ran up to your Dad. Auntie Reiko chased after her. I asked him if Vicki remembered this, and he said, “She must,” then he asked me, “Weren’t you there?” Hey, I didn’t exist yet! This story reminded me of when Auntie Reiko said how she used to chase Vicki with a fly swatter.

Your Dad recalled the first time he took my Mom and Dad to Isleton. He said the first thing my Dad did was climb a tree. He also followed behind a chicken with a brood. I suppose this farm experience was interesting to my Dad, the “city guy.” From what your Dad said, their family ate their own chickens, so he was telling me about “tying the feet together, securing the wings (so they won’t flap), and hanging them upside down” before they killed it; then what they did to loosen the feathers prior to plucking them. I’m glad he didn’t go into more detail about this process…

Thinking: wanting my memories of time with your parents - I recall Issei ladies always saying “Sami shii, Sami shii” - I now understand. At that time all the Isseis were slowly dying and now it’s the Niseis slowly passing..  (Though most Niseis are living much longer than the Isseis)  thus it is with your parents gone.  I’m surrounded by seniors, where I live and of course most have a health problem so very sympathetic and caring. I couldn’t have found a better place.

I did contact your Father by email a few times. My guilt for not contacting your folks more. 
Your mother loved jewelry, pearls especially. I learned of Mabe pearls from her - You have probably ended up with a lot of jewelry - some husbands would complain, but not your Father. 
She also loved to shop for food at the Japanese markets. I know this 
because her “larder” or “food closet” was always filled to the max with wonderful ingredients.
They think it was juveniles but I remember that their ceramic pig was stolen- I’m sure that pig was filled -unable to put another cent in.
I recall visiting you with your parents in Sacramento - whew! How many moons ago was that? 

One of the interesting conversations I had with your Father was 
about my relatives. He actually knew them better than I.   So many things I wish I had asked. (But that’s how the cookie crumbles - could’ve, would’ve and should’ve.)

These notes are sporadic but that’s how the memories are - but as I remember, Kerri, I will try and send.  The main thing I want you to know is that you were truly their jewel - their smiles when your name was mentioned - priceless.  
FYI: I am living in Cupertino, about 7 to 10 minutes away from my daughter - it’s been a godsend when I’m not “myself” - she is my rock/angel as you were for yours.   With ❤️ - sue hara


Kerri

Although you just came into my life several years ago, I feel like I knew your parents because the way you always spoke of them not to mention take care of them.  You are such a sweet loving incredible individual, that I know your parents are so proud of you and are smiling down on you. What else could a parent ask for !!!!!

Please don't change your ways, as I have gotten to know you, I also love you so much. You're this cute little girl still wrapped up in a mature woman's body with so much kindness and love to give, that we all appreciate you for that so much.  My brother is lucky to to call you his wife and I am so lucky to call you "Sis".

My sincere condolences to you and Kent.

Albert

Dear Kerri, We didn't know your parents very well, but remember being with you and them at Uncle Nobi's and Auntie Lillian's house at Thanksgiving.  Wonderful memories of those extended family reunions.  So sad you are now grieving your Dad's passing.  

I became instantly sad to hear the news of your father's death.  Your parents were such great people.  I remember them as being loving and generous and kind.  I am sad because I know that he was your last living parent, and that it is so difficult to let go.  You are in our hearts.  It hurts a lot to lose ones parents even when you know that they have grown old and are not in good health.  You certainly took good care of them throughout the later years of their lives, and their love for you will never end.  It is there in your memories forever. Sending you a warm embrace and love as well as sincere condolences.  Jan and Jim Spano

I already sent Kerri my memories but for her family/friends.  I want to thank Kerri for notifying  me of Jean’s passing and at the same time Kiyo’s passing. How very very hard for Kerri to lose both within a year. 
They lived in a home with steep stairs (the old Victorian type) in the beginning of their marriage.  When they bought their home in San Bruno is when Kerri was conceived. Happiest day of their lives. Kerri was their treasure, their universe.  
While we both lived in San Francisco, we got together for Canasta and many dinners together.
Even after Kiyo’s dementia was taking over, Jean drove her to my home in San Mateo so we could visit. That’s the kind of man Jean was. Thinking of her.
I can’t remember how or when our friendship began. Jean knew my family and relatives because of the Isleton/Walnut Grove connections.  He knew my brothers and also a few of my relatives that I never really knew.
I was flattered when Kiyo asked to borrow my wedding gown - she looked lovely. The picture of them with their gifts look like two dolls instead of a  married couple.
I also remember that rain or shine, Jean would drive to San Francisco to take her to her church while he patiently waited for her. And it was the same with her hair dresser appointments Yes, Kerri, your father was a very kind and patient man. 

As you stated, Kerri, your parents are now together once more.

OBITUARY

Jean Tsutomu Matsubara

July 31, 1926 – July 12, 2021

Harry A. Nauman & Son

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