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WHO WE ARE
We are an organization dedicated to the preservation of Okinawan customs and traditions. Our membership is comprised of both Okinawans, Okinawan descendants and non-Okinawan members who share our love for the Okinawan culture. There are about two hundred families in the Chicagoland area and we also have many other members from other states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and even California.
IN MEMORY OF -- GEORGE HIGA
On Tuesday, November 10, 2020, George Higa, a loving husband, and father of two passed away, due to complications from COVID-19, at the age of 97.
George was born on February 1, 1923, in Sanger, CA to Taketa and Naoko Higa. Orphaned at an early age, George led a difficult life, working in the sugar fields and later being sent to the Japanese-American incarceration camps.
George proudly served his country in the Army and eventually made his way to Chicago where he met and married his wife of 67 years, Misao Asato.
Following the war, George received his training in massage therapy and had a 50+ year career working at the LaGrange YMCA Men’s Health Club.
George was loved by the club membership, his friends, and most of all, his family. He touched many lives and brought healing to hundreds. Known for his big smile, wonderful laugh, huge heart, his beloved Cubs, and most of all the love for his family, George was a man who through his hard work and sacrifice was an inspiration to all who knew him.
George was put into hospice care and that classification allowed Misao, Bob. Perry and Eugenia (Perry’s girlfriend) to visit George. All were blessed to spend 3+ hours with George before he quietly and peacefully passed.
Huge accolades to the many health care professionals of Elmhurst Hospital who took care of Dad in his last days.
George is survived by his wife Misao, his sons, Bob and Perry, two grandsons, Bill and Chris (Mary), and great-granddaughter, Charlotte (Charlie).
At this time, there are no funeral or memorial services planned.
CHICAGO KENJINKAI SECTION STARTS AT 1:18:00 - INTERVIEWEE MINORI YAMAKI
CHICAGO KENJINKAI SECOND INTERVIEW STARTS AT 2:04:39
- INTERVIEWEE MINORI YAMAKI
A Little Fun from a Chicago Kenjinkai Alumni:
Mayumi Seino's son, Spencer (19) is living in Japan with his karate teacher and posted this video on YouTube.
He is enjoying Japan and would like to be a musician someday.
Good luck to you Spencer!