Susumu “Chokey” Tamashiro passed from this world on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Santa Cruz, CA. He was 87 years old and still worked 3 days a week as a gardener for customers who were like family to him. He worked for many of them for over 40 years.
Chokey, as he was known as on the mainland, was born in Lahaina, Maui on October 3, 1930. He moved with his family to Kapaa, Kauai where he and his family worked on the sugar cane plantations. He eventually came to California to work as a machinist in San Francisco but he did not enjoy the city life. He settled in Watsonville where he met the love of his life, Joyce, and they were married in 1957. Joyce preceded him in death in 2016 after 59 years of marriage. They had 3 children, Vicky and Jill Tamashiro and Kris Tamashiro-Leon. Susumu had a son in law, Dennis Leon and 2 grandchildren, Kieli and Ty Leon, whom he adored.
Susumu was preceded in death by his parents, Chotaro and Kame Tamashiro, as well as his 4 brothers, Chokichi, Chosei, Choye, and Masanobu. His 3 surviving sisters, Yoshiko, Kimie, and Toyoko all live in Hawaii. He also leaves behind several sisters- and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
During his life Susumu loved fishing and was a regular bowler for many years on Wednesday nights in the Nisei League. He also enjoyed watching the San Francisco Giants and 49ers games, playing cards, and taking trips to Las Vegas.
A service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alum Rock Counseling Center, Cadwallader School, Mr. Callahan’s class, or Silver Creek High School, Ms. King’s class. Mehl’s Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.
