DR. THOMAS HIROSHI TERUYA March 5, 1936 - January 21, 2015 Thomas Hiroshi Teruya, M.D., 78, of Honolulu, passed away on January 21, 2015, at Queen's Medical Center. Born in Honolulu, in 1936, to Yoken and Nancy (Ushi) Teruya, Tom was the eighth of nine children. He grew up working on his family's fruit and vegetable farms in Kailua and Waianae. Wanting to get the best education he could, he enrolled at Iolani School in 7th grade. He graduated with honors and left Hawaii to attend Kenyon College in Ohio. Tom was so homesick for Hawaii, that he decided to be a doctor so he could come home and practice. He graduated from Hahnemann Medical College in Pennsylvania, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. He interned at Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu, and completed his residency at Los Angeles County General Hospital. After serving two years in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, he returned to Hawaii to begin his private practice. He chose obstetrics because he took pride in bringing new life into the world. In 1969, Tom joined the Honolulu Medical Group. Five years later, he joined a private practice, which has thrived and now includes six doctors. He enjoyed admitting privileges at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children and The Queen's Medical Center, where he was known by patients and staffers for his expertise and comforting bed-side manner. In 1990, he humbly received the Ke Kauka Po'okela (The Outstanding Physician) Award from Queen's. Tom was dedicated to providing the best care and most current treatments and continued his education by participating in seminars and conferences. He was a member of The American Medical Association and The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The well-being of his patients was the focus of his professional life for over 45 years. He made himself available to them 24 hours a day, and wouldn't rest until he knew they were cared for. Several years ago, he scaled back his practice and concentrated on gynecology. He was able to spend more time at the golf course, often golfing four times a week at Waialae Country Club. He was an avid sports fan and regularly attended University of Hawaii football and volleyball games. Most importantly, he traveled several times a year to visit his grandchildren in California. Nothing made Tom happier than spending time playing games with them. He loved being able to watch them practice karate and play hockey, soccer, baseball. He was a proud "Papa" who always shared how pleased he was with his grandchildren's accomplishments. He is survived by his wife, Margie; son Dr. Theodore; daughter Mia (Stephen Odell); brothers Minoru (Kay), William (Mitsue) and Paul; sisters Lillian Kamisato and Betsy Oshiro (Wally); and three beloved grandchildren, Trevor Odell (15), Trent Teruya (10) and Chloe Odell (8). He was preceded in death by daughter, Tracey. A service celebrating Tom's life will be held at Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary-East Chapel on Sunday, February 15th. Visitation begins at 2:30 p.m. Service begins at 4 p.m. Aloha attire is welcome. Private inurnment on Monday, February 16th. *- Dr. Teruya was a U.S. Navy Veteran
DR. THOMAS HIROSHI TERUYA March 5, 1936 - January 21, 2015 Thomas Hiroshi Teruya, M.D., 78, of Honolulu, passed away on January 21, 2015, at Queen's Medical Center. Born in Honolulu, in 1936, to Yoken and Nancy (Ushi) Teruya, Tom was the eighth of nine children. He grew up working on his family's fruit and vegetable farms in Kailua and Waianae. Wanting to get the best education he could, he enrolled at Iolani School in 7th grade. He graduated with honors and left Hawaii to attend Kenyon College in Ohio. Tom was so homesick for Hawaii, that he decided to be a doctor so he could come home and practice. He graduated from Hahnemann Medical College in Pennsylvania, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. He interned at Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu, and completed his residency at Los Angeles County General Hospital. After serving two years in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, he returned to Hawaii to begin his private practice. He chose obstetrics because he took pride in bringing new life into the world. In 1969, Tom joined the Honolulu Medical Group. Five years later, he joined a private practice, which has thrived and now includes six doctors. He enjoyed admitting privileges at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children and The Queen's Medical Center, where he was known by patients and staffers for his expertise and comforting bed-side manner. In 1990, he humbly received the Ke Kauka Po'okela (The Outstanding Physician) Award from Queen's. Tom was dedicated to providing the best care and most current treatments and continued his education by participating in seminars and conferences. He was a member of The American Medical Association and The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The well-being of his patients was the focus of his professional life for over 45 years. He made himself available to them 24 hours a day, and wouldn't rest until he knew they were cared for. Several years ago, he scaled back his practice and concentrated on gynecology. He was able to spend more time at the golf course, often golfing four times a week at Waialae Country Club. He was an avid sports fan and regularly attended University of Hawaii football and volleyball games. Most importantly, he traveled several times a year to visit his grandchildren in California. Nothing made Tom happier than spending time playing games with them. He loved being able to watch them practice karate and play hockey, soccer, baseball. He was a proud "Papa" who always shared how pleased he was with his grandchildren's accomplishments. He is survived by his wife, Margie; son Dr. Theodore; daughter Mia (Stephen Odell); brothers Minoru (Kay), William (Mitsue) and Paul; sisters Lillian Kamisato and Betsy Oshiro (Wally); and three beloved grandchildren, Trevor Odell (15), Trent Teruya (10) and Chloe Odell (8). He was preceded in death by daughter, Tracey. A service celebrating Tom's life will be held at Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary-East Chapel on Sunday, February 15th. Visitation begins at 2:30 p.m. Service begins at 4 p.m. Aloha attire is welcome. Private inurnment on Monday, February 16th. *- Dr. Teruya was a U.S. Navy Veteran
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
