Hideo Hoshide
September 25, 1917 - March 28, 2013
Obituary
Hideo HOSHIDE
Every indication–to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and anyone who knew him–was that Hideo Hoshide would march his way to a 100th birthday celebration with trips through a large buffet and another winning visit to a penny slot machine. But on Thursday, March 28th, Hideo Hoshide passed away while preparing to enjoy one of his favorite things: spending an evening with family. Just one hour beforehand, he told his daughter Janet about the great day he was having, featuring a visit by Japanese school children and some afternoon ice cream.
Born September 25, 1917, in Tacoma, Washington, Hideo spent several younger years in Japan, before returning to Tacoma where he graduated from Lincoln High School. He then started generations of Husky fever at the University of Washington in Seattle, majoring in Political Science, Far Eastern Studies, with a minor in journalism. Prior to World War II, Hideo worked as sports editor for community newspaper, The Japanese American Courier.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he was removed along with his wife, Shizuko Hoshide (deceased), to Pinedale Assembly Center, California. They were then transported to Tule Lake incarceration camp, California, followed by a move to Minidoka incarceration camp, Idaho.
Still, Hideo was recruited to work for the U.S. Army’s Office of Strategic Services (OSS). He was stationed in India and Burma, and proudly served a classified role that he couldn’t discuss for many years. At the end of World War II, he travelled to Hiroshima, Japan, to conduct a U.S. government survey studying the effects of the atomic bomb on Japanese citizens.
Upon returning to Seattle in 1946, he became Associate Editor for The Northwest Times. He later worked for the Boeing Company and was a founding member of the Seattle Nisei Veterans Committee, working on the group’s newsletter for thirty years. He also served as a Boy Scout leader at Troop 53 and the Chief Seattle Council for over fifty years and was recognized with the Silver Beaver award.
Through 95 ½ years of life, Hideo spent only one night in a hospital. He forever reminded family that it was purely precautionary and he didn’t need to be admitted.
Hideo was preceded in death by his parents Kikuzo Hoshide and Tsuta Hoshide (Okamoto) and his wife, Shizuko. He is survived by his sister, Yaeko Nakano of Tacoma; his children, Janet Sachi Aoki (Earl), Bob Hoshide (Lorraine), Linda Hoshide (Charles Furukawa); grandchildren, Kerry Carty (Scott), Russell Aoki (Margie), Dana Hoshide, Kenji Hoshide (Rachel Kitagawa); and great-grandchildren, Ella and Ethan Carty.
Remembrances may be sent to Japanese Baptist Church, Nikkei Manor or any charity to continue Hideo’s legacy of giving. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 20th, 2 pm at Japanese Baptist Church, 160 Broadway, Seattle.
http://kerrycarty.com/blog/2012/06/wait-one-more-dad-to-show-off/
My deepest condolences to the family during your time of grieving. Hideo was a true inspiration to me and many others by his service to others.
What a beautifully written tribute dedicated to a remarkable man. He lived such an amazing life packed with so many accomplishments and so much joy. I count myself as one of the lucky ones to have known Mr. Hoshide and his wonderful family. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy as you share the memories made together.
Hideo was such an inspiration to all of us at Japanese Baptist Church. I especially appreciate that he remembered that my mother-in-law loved lilacs, and he brought her lilacs from his garden. Blessed homecoming, Hideo!
It was just weeks ago that I was driving by Nikkei Manor and saw Hideo standing. With all the street noise we couldn’t hear each other, but he waved with his usual smile. I was so shocked to hear that he had passed……and that I didn’t know about his service.
Well beyond the few years he was “Uncle Hideo” he was an inspiration and a true community leader. It’s sad that we learn things after someone passes; I knew he loved the Huskies, but never knew that he came by his writing/editing skills at the UW. Were it not for the situation nisei faced, he might have been an editor at the Seattle Times or PI…….
My love to Sachi (who’s Janet???), Bob, Linda, Kerry, Russell, Dana, Kenji and those great grands and family.