THOMAS KAZUO FUJIWARA With great sorrow we announce the passing of Thomas Kazuo Fujiwara, age 83, on January 25, 2016 in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Tom was born on June 30, 1932 in Kakaako, HI to Jikuro and Hisano Fujiwara and he had 13 brothers and sisters. The family eventually settled in Kunawai Lane in the Liliha area. Tom graduated from Farrington High School in 1950, having participated in varsity football and amateur boxing. Golf became his great love in later years. He was a featured vocalist on a locally produced TV show, Campus Canteen, where he met his future wife, Colette Carter of Hilo. In 1955 he began his career as a night-club vocalist/impressionist at the Top of the Biltmore in Waikiki followed by engagements at the Clouds, Ginbasha, Club Hubba-Hubba, and the Oasis Night Club, among others. It was while emceeing at the Oasis that he was discovered by Hawaii Five-O spotters and thus began his long association with "5-O". Starting with his first role as a kendo instructor in 1969, he went on to portray doctors, lawyers, and all manner of crooks in 26 episodes of the hit series. This led to his appearance in feature films: "Midway" and Donnie and Marie's "Going Coconuts" as well as TV shows: Charley's Angels, Vegas, Hart to Hart, Waikiki, Six Million Dollar Man, Jake and the Fatman, Byrds of Paradise, and Magnum P.I. Tom topped off his singing career by entertaining the elderly at 30+ care homes from 1991 to 2004 and was selected "Hero" for his volunteer service. The family wishes to thank Ann Pearl Nursing Facility and St. Francis Hospice for the loving care provided by both organizations. Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Colette Carter Fujiwara, sons Rick Jun (Deborah) and David Jikuro, daughters Robin Motoko Flanagin (Charles), and Holly Tomie Fujiwara and grandchildren Sean, Chris, and Claire, brothers Ernest and Ronald, sisters Betty Tokunaga, Florence Hashimoto (Mutsuo), Edith Kato, Helen Tachino, Janet Shigaki, Elsie Gono (Stanley) and nieces and nephews. Visitation: Tuesday, February 9, 2016, 10am at St. Anthony's Church, 148 Makawao St., Kailua, Mass: 11am, burial: 2pm at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery. Casual attire. Condolences: borthwickoahu.com
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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