MASAYOSHI WAKAI March 14, 1916-September 5, 2015. Masayoshi Wakai departed this life for his Heavenly and Eternal home. He was 6 months and 9 days from his 100th birthday. 'Mas', as he was affectionately known had played many roles during his long and productive life. In his lifetime he was pastor, teacher, educational supervisor, counselor and community leader. In the year 1921, at age 5 he, his parents and sister emigrated from Hiroshima Japan the Prefecture in which he was born. Mas was raised in Kapa'a, Kauai, the eldest of seven children. Mas graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1939 and the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley in 1942 just as the Second World War broke out and was promptly interned. After the relocation of the Japanese from the West Coast, the US Government allowed Japanese Americans to travel inland. Mas's travels took him first to Topaz, Utah, then to Chicago, Illinois. It was there in Chicago that he was to meet his future wife Helen Miyoshi. A decision he always cherished. He and Helen returned to Hawaii in 1946 at which time he received the call to pastor the Honomu Christian Church, then later to serve as Chaplain to both the Kulani Prison Honor Camp on the Big Island and the Koolau Boys Home in Kailua, Oahu. On retirement, he and Helen received an appointment to a Methodist Junior College in Isahaya Japan. They taught English, visited relatives, and traveled to China. He and Helen were later to travel to Germany to experience the Passion Play at Oberammergau, and then visited Israel. Mas remained active in the community, performing weddings for young Japanese speaking couples through the sponsorship of the late Rev. Paul Osumi. He also served several terms as President of the Kiwanis Club of Kaneohe. Mas dedicated his life to the service of others. His was a quiet faith displayed mainly through his actions. He will be remembered for his stoic good nature, his sense of humor and his infinite abundance of generosity and kindness. He is survived by sons, Eugene and Allen, grandchildren Aimee and Christopher. Services will be held at the Atherton Chapel on the grounds of Central Union Church on October 22, 2015, Thursday. Casual Attire. Visitation 4.30 pm. Services at 5.00 pm. Reception to follow.
MASAYOSHI WAKAI March 14, 1916-September 5, 2015. Masayoshi Wakai departed this life for his Heavenly and Eternal home. He was 6 months and 9 days from his 100th birthday. 'Mas', as he was affectionately known had played many roles during his long and productive life. In his lifetime he was pastor, teacher, educational supervisor, counselor and community leader. In the year 1921, at age 5 he, his parents and sister emigrated from Hiroshima Japan the Prefecture in which he was born. Mas was raised in Kapa'a, Kauai, the eldest of seven children. Mas graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1939 and the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley in 1942 just as the Second World War broke out and was promptly interned. After the relocation of the Japanese from the West Coast, the US Government allowed Japanese Americans to travel inland. Mas's travels took him first to Topaz, Utah, then to Chicago, Illinois. It was there in Chicago that he was to meet his future wife Helen Miyoshi. A decision he always cherished. He and Helen returned to Hawaii in 1946 at which time he received the call to pastor the Honomu Christian Church, then later to serve as Chaplain to both the Kulani Prison Honor Camp on the Big Island and the Koolau Boys Home in Kailua, Oahu. On retirement, he and Helen received an appointment to a Methodist Junior College in Isahaya Japan. They taught English, visited relatives, and traveled to China. He and Helen were later to travel to Germany to experience the Passion Play at Oberammergau, and then visited Israel. Mas remained active in the community, performing weddings for young Japanese speaking couples through the sponsorship of the late Rev. Paul Osumi. He also served several terms as President of the Kiwanis Club of Kaneohe. Mas dedicated his life to the service of others. His was a quiet faith displayed mainly through his actions. He will be remembered for his stoic good nature, his sense of humor and his infinite abundance of generosity and kindness. He is survived by sons, Eugene and Allen, grandchildren Aimee and Christopher. Services will be held at the Atherton Chapel on the grounds of Central Union Church on October 22, 2015, Thursday. Casual Attire. Visitation 4.30 pm. Services at 5.00 pm. Reception to follow.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
