Robert Yuzuri Saito
May 24, 1939 - January 15, 2014
Obituary
Robert Y. Saito, 74, of Mercer Island, Washington passed peacefully away the morning of January 15, 2014 with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife Helen (Kihara), daughters Christy and Laurie Saito, son-in-law Jeff Hardie, and beloved grandson, Griffin Saito-Hardie. He also leaves behind his younger siblings, Keiko (Jun) Terayama and Michael (Karen) Saito and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was born in Seattle, Washington to George and Fumiye Saito. He spent his early days in West Seattle before being relocated to Minidoka, Idaho during World War II. After the war, he returned to West Seattle with his family where he graduated from West Seattle High School. He was a graduate of the University of Washington and earned his MBA at the University of Oregon.
Bob married Helen, his high school sweetheart, in December of 1964. They started a family with the arrival of their first daughter, Christy, in Bellevue, Washington. Two years later saw the birth of their second daughter, Laurie. The family then moved to Mercer Island where they spent many happy years amongst good friends and relatives.
Bob retired in 2006 after a long mortgage banking career as CFO of HomeStreet Bank and Seattle Savings Bank.
Robert was an avid golfer and was known in his circle for hitting “the long ball.” He also enjoyed fishing, skiing, tennis, traveling, cooking and photography. Later in life, his family became his main focus and his grandson was lucky enough to spend his early years enjoying his grandpa’s unwavering attention and devotion. They were truly “best buddies,” sharing countless laughs and adventures until the very end.
We will miss Bob’s quiet strength, determination, incredible work ethic, generosity of spirit and thoughtfulness. We appreciate all that he did for his family and friends and will try to embody all that we have learned from his lifetime of leading by example.
A private family memorial will be held on February 1st. Donations can be made to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington Cancer Research Fund, Acct. 65-7701, 825 Eastlake Ave. E., MS G4-830, Seattle, WA 98109 Attn: Dr. Higano/Robert Saito.
Mike— I was sorry to read of your brother’s passing in the paper. He was ahead of my brother Jim by one year so I never met him. But, judging by how nice your sister and your father both were I’m sure your brother was also the same and will be greatly missed. John
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Bob in the papers the other day. I first met Bob when he was dating Helen who was living a few houses from I lived in Seattle. I later met him while working at Main Fish Company. He was a calm, up beat, self assured and well dressed person and always smiling. He was a good listener who would look at things from both sides of issues before coming to any conclusions.
My sincere condolence to the Saito and Kihara Family for their loss.
Bob and I were the only two students at WSHS of Japanese decent. I lost track of Bob after 1960. Many of our mutual High School friends ask me what happened to Bob. I wish I expended more effort in tracking him down as he was so close. I still think of Bob every time I drive by the childrens’ playground in WS. (where the green houses were located) My thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s family and friends.
Helen and family, so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Patty and I are in AZ for the winter so will be unable to see you in your time of sorrow, but wish to extend our condolences and to say how much of great memories we have of you and Bob from our times a few years ago. Loved reading of Bob’s devotion to your grandson!! John &Patty
Dear Helen, Christy, Laurie, & Family:
We cannot tell you how sorry we are – are thoughts are with you.
We have such good memories of golfing and traveling together. How can we forget Bob’s great smile when he made fantastic shots? Needless to say, he smiled a lot as he was a very good golfer.
The wonderful memories that we all have of Bob will always keep with him with us.
With lots of good thoughts and love –
Donnie & Naomi
Helen and Family:
It was good to read about Bob’s obituary – I’ve really lost touch with everybody since I married Jerry and moved to Rainier, WA. over 10 years ago. We want to express our deepest condolence and sympathy and send our prayers and love to you and your family during this difficult time.
Thinking of all of you,
Yoshiko & Jerry
Michael, i was looking for you and your brother and sister, and finding out that Bob passed away. is it possible to meet for lunch,