GEORGE MIYACHI
Public Affairs Officer, Federal Aviation Administration Passes Away
George Miyachi, Retired Public Affairs Officer, Pacific Region, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) passed away Monday Nov. 1, 2010 at age 81. His career began as a press photographer for the Hawaii Times, then as a photographer for the Naval Supply Center in Pearl Harbor. He is the recipient of Life Magazine's press photo of the year award and his photos were widely published throughout his career. His press pass gained him access to photograph celebrities and political leaders, once walking and talking privately with President Truman on Coconut Island in Kaneohe Bay for over an hour. His photograph of the Iolani championship football team became Father Brays favorite and is showcased at Iolani. As a public affairs officer with the FAA he is credited in quelling a two year series of bomb threats against commercial jetliners by properly identifying the connection between Rod Serling's movie "Doomsday Flight" and the rash of bomb threats during that period. George realized that when "Doomsday Flight" would play in a particular region, bomb threats would arise from the area the movie played. As a result of George's insightful analysis the movie was pulled from national telecast and the bomb threats ceased. Turning planes around in mid-flight and searching those on the ground had cost the airlines millions of dollars over a two year period, not to mention the toll on terrified passengers. During his career with FAA, he handled the Air Traffic Controllers Strike for the Pacific Region under Ronald Reagan, speaking to the press on a on call basis for the entire crisis. He also assisted Jack Lord with the use of FAA facilities and control towers during the filming of the original "Hawaii 5-0" television series.
He served as a deacon at Olivet Baptist Church, Honolulu and First Baptist Church, Pearl City and was not ashamed to call Jesus Christ his Savior. (He met his sweet heart Stella at Olivet Baptist Church.) Selected 1983 Federal Civilian Retiree of the year for quality work for over 19 years and for motivating high school dropouts.
He is survived by his wife Stella Miyachi (Hidano), his son Randall Miyachi, (wife Susan) and Georgina Christine Christian, (husband John), and Ginny Lynn (deceased). Three grandchildren, David Miyachi, Christina Christian and Heidi Christian. His brothers Henry Miyachi (wife Emi), James Miyachi (wife Hannah) and Harry Miyachi (wife Ethel) and his sister Molly Honda (deceased)(husband Torao (deceased).
George was an supporter of the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Baptist Academy and National Cancer Society. Served as an commissioned officer in the Hawaii Army National Guard in Public Affairs.
He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his country, his wife, his children & grandchildren, his family, church and community. Aloha Oe George we will miss you! Until we meet again!
Memorial Service Saturday 11/20/10, at Waialae Baptist Church, 10:30-11:30 Visitation, 11:30 Memorial Service followed by Lunch, 2:15 Internment at Diamond Head Memorial Park
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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