YAMADA, HIDEO “JOHN”, 86, passed peacefully March 8, 2019. Born in Oakdale, California September 17, 1932 to Sake Yamada and Sekino (Iwasaki) Yamada of Japan. John was 1 of 11 siblings. In 1942, during his early years, he was sent with family to Stockton Assembly Center, then Rohwer Relocation Center, Arkansas, where he began Elementary School.
After camp the family returned to Oakdale where he finished Oakdale Elementary and Oakdale H.S. Completing his AA at Modesto Junior College, he met Lillia (Makita), whom he married after graduating. He enjoyed 63 years of marriage, 2 sons and a daughter.
John had a long career at UC Berkeley LBL and LLL where he worked as an electrical technician. Concurrent with is lab duties John enjoyed his 40 years Naval Reserves retiring as Chief Petty Officer.
John was active with civic organization in the mid 1970’s to 2013. He volunteered with Eden Township JACL, JACL NCWNP District, Eden Township Athletics League, Eden Township Japanese Senior Center, NCJSC Shinnenkai, Asian American Together of Castro Valley, Asian Law Caucus, and United Methodist Church of Castro Valley.
John is survived by his wife Lillia, sons Wesley and James, daughter Sherry with Son in law Ron Noda.
The memorial service for John will be held at the United Methodist Church of Castro Valley, 19806 Wisteria Street, Castro Valley, California 94546 on Saturday March 30, 2019, at 11am.
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