George Masao Hayashi

Our loving father and brother passed away on July 29, 2008 in Seattle. Born Nov 22,

1916, he lived with his family in Portland, Oregon until WWII. After the war he moved to Seattle.

On January 20, 1942 he volunteered for the Army, was stationed first at Camp Grant, IL and later became a member of the famed 442 Regimental Combat Team. He served in Italy and France where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. After moving to Seattle he started George's Custom Cleaners. With encouragement from a friend he went to work for the City of Seattle Water Dept. where he retired after 23 years of service.

George was preceded in death by Toyo, his wife of 54 years, their beloved daughter Evelyn Kay Higashi, brother Roy and sister-in-law, Christine. He is survived by son Henry Ken of Renton, brothers Frank Yaye of California, and Tom and sister Lillian Horita Akira, son-in-law, Toby Higashi and grandsons Benjamin and Andrew Higashi all of Seattle.

George's passion was fishing and enjoyed both fresh and salt water angling. He also enjoyed gardening, and inventing/creating objects. He was an active Life Member of the Nisei Veterans Committee and a long-time member of the Japanese Baptist Church.

He will be missed by his family and friends and remembered for his gentle demeanor, goodness, his respect for others and overall positive attitude.

Public memorial service will by held at Japanese Baptist Church, 160 Broadway, Seattle, WA. on Sunday, August 10th, at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Japanese Baptist Church; Nisei Veterans Committee, 1212 S King St, Seattle 98144; Nikkei Concerns, 1601 E Yesler Way, Seattle 98122; or Group Health Hospice.