Glen Kazuteru Kiyonaga

Glen Kiyonaga, M.D. died peacefully in his Shoreline home on Saturday, May 31, 2014. At 63 years of age, he lost his battle with progressive renal cell carcinoma. Glen spent his life in the Seattle area, graduating from Cleveland High School, the University of Washington (Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa), and the University of Washington School of Medicine. Born and raised in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, he returned to his community after residency at Providence Medical Center to serve for more than 30 years as a family physician. Despite advancing illness, he continued treating patients until shortly before his death. He recently partnered with Swedish Physicians to assure continuing primary medical care services to the multi-ethnic Beacon Hill community. Above all, he prized his relationships with patients, many of whom he had known since childhood.

In his active and varied personal life, Glen volunteered as a team physician for high school athletic events and for judo clubs at regional and national levels. Together with his brother, Gary, he coached many youth basketball teams in the Nisei Vets League and guided numerous successful trips to California tournaments. While an avid fan of Husky basketball, football and gymnastics, he also enjoyed musical theater and drum and bugle corps competitions. He was an Eagle Scout who loved salmon fishing with Gerry Miyazaki (married to sister-in-law Nancy). His greatest pleasures also included crab and clam gathering on Hood Canal, hunting Japanese pine mushrooms, gardening, and pairing great meals with fine wines to share with beloved family and friends.

Glen was recognized in 2014 by the National Commission for outstanding quality of care in diabetes management and in heart/stroke care. He was named a “Top Doctor” in Seattle by the Annual Seattle Met Magazine polls covering King, Kitsap and Snohomish Counties. As an Associate Clinical Professor in the UW Department of Family Medicine, Glen mentored numerous UW medical students and health care trainees. He also served for many years as medical director for mental health and drug addiction organizations. Most recently, he was selected by the King County Academy of Family Physicians for this year’s “Family Physician Community Service Award.”

Glen is survived by his beloved wife Colleen; daughters, Dr. Kristi and Dr. Julie; brother Gary (and wife, Katie); uncle Mits (Kazzie) Kawachi; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. It is most fitting that Glen’s two daughters will continue his proud legacy of service in health care.

A private family celebration of his life will be held later. His family would love for you to share memories of Glen with them on the Bleitz site.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Amy Yee Tennis Foundation, 5453-37th Ave. SW, Seattle, 98126; Nikkei Concerns; Densho; or to a charitable organization of your choice.