TSUKAMOTO, JOHN CHISATO was born on Oct. 30, 1938 to Thomas Tamotsu and Tsugie Murase Tsukamoto in San Francisco, California. He passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024.

John spent his early years in San Francisco and was affectionately nicknamed “Butch” by one of his aunts who was a fan of the child actor “Butch Jenkins.” In 1942, at just three years old, John and his family were interned along with 120,000 Japanese American citizens, first in Tanforan and then Topaz.

Growing up, John was a member of the Boy Scout’s Troop 12 Drum and Bugle Corp, where he played the bugle and loved to hike and swim during boy scout trips to Camp Royneh. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1956 where he was a member of the Track Team, running the 400 meter race. He also played basketball, bowled and was an avid skier.

John went on to attend UC Berkeley, where he earned a degree of doctor of pharmacy in 1962. After graduation, Butch joined the army before beginning his pharmaceutical career at Kaiser in Oakland. He transferred to Mt. Zion and then spent the remaining years of his career at Kaiser in San Francisco.

John met the love of his life, Marge, at Pine Church where they later married on Oct. 6, 1963. They made their home in San Francisco and enjoyed many years traveling the world together. Their adventures began with a trip to Mexico City in 1968 where they visited Cuernavaca, the pyramids and the magnificent Museum of Anthropology. They would later embark on a 30-day bus tour of Europe, and set sail on cruise ships at ports-of-call including Norway, Sweden, Gibraltar, Italy, Spain and France. They also made multiple visits to Hawaii, Korea, and Japan, where they spent time with family and friends. Two cruises to Alaska capped their love of travel.

When he wasn’t travelling, John remained an active member of Pine Church. He also volunteered for the Kimochi Lunch Program, was a faithful patron for the Civic Light Opera and regularly attended rehearsals of the San Francisco Symphony. Continuing his passion for running, John marked his 60th birthday by running in the San Francisco marathon.

A true gentleman and generous beyond measure, John was a loving husband, cousin, and best friend. Loved and cherished deeply, John will be greatly missed. He is predeceased by Marge, his wife of 59 years. John is survived by many dear cousins and his friends who were more like family.

Donations may be made to Pine United Methodist Church or charity of choice.

A celebration of life will be held at Pine United Methodist Church in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at 11 a.m.