George M. Hiratsuka

George M. Hiratsuka, a long time resident of Colorado, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at the glorious age of 99. He was dearly loved by family and friends and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

George is survived by his nephew, Jon Hiratsuka; his grandchildren William Cole, June McHenry, Dorie Hubbard, Jenna Akridge; and several Great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mozo Hiratsuka and Sueno Kunitake; his wife, Junia Hiratsuka; his sister, Jane Shigeko Hiratsuka; and his three brothers, Shigeki Hiratsuka, Masaki Hiratsuka,

and Roy Shoji Hiratsuka.

George was born on January 10, 1922 to Mozo Hiratsuka and Sueno Kunitake. He grew up in Stockton, California and attended Liberty Union High School in Brentwood, California. During World War II, George was imprisoned in an internment camp in California before being transferred to the Amache internment camp in Granada, CO. George was imprisoned for the duration of World War II. Upon his release from the internment camp, George was given $20 and was wished “Good Luck!”

Throughout his life, George had many different occupations. He farmed with his father on their family farm, brewed and imported Sake for the Denver Brewing company, worked as a logger/lumberjack in the Rocky Mountains, and owned and operated a Conoco service station in

Denver, CO. In 1963, George began a career with Yellow Cab Company which would last until his retirement at the age of 90. During that time, George transported passengers and lost airport luggage to destinations all throughout the state of Colorado.

George resided in Colorado for most of his life with his wife Junia Hiratsuka. They lived in Brighton, CO for many years before finally settling in Thornton, CO where they would live for the remainder of their lives. George and Junia both enjoyed gardening, feeding wild birds, and taking care of their only children, which were their dogs Sparky and Sparkles.

George will be laid to rest next to his wife on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Crown Hill Cemetery in Denver, CO. A small committal service will be held with family & friends at 12:00pm at the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Anyone wishing to honor George and pay their respects are welcome to attend. Guests will gather at Staging Area "C". Once everyone has arrived, there will be a procession to the mausoleum.