Roy Tsuda, 80, of Honolulu, Hawaii and Chalan Pago, Guam passed away peacefully on December 7, 2020. He was born on December 25, 1939 to Thomas and Setsuko Tsuda. Roy is survived by his wife, Sally, three sons, Mark (Sylvia), Craig (Maribel), and Ryan, two grandsons, Ian (Kirsten) and Kyle, and one great-granddaughter Emma. He is also survived by a brother Dick (Cassie) and two sisters, Betty (Robert) Clark, and Karen (Carl) Sakamoto.Roy was a '57 graduate of Iolani and the University of Hawaii at Manoa (BA '63, MS '66), and obtained his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1970. His pursuit of scientific knowledge in the field of algae began during his early years at UHM, eventually leading him to continue his research and publications at the University of Guam. Roy served in many capacities including teaching professorship, Dean of Graduate School, Academic Vice President, and Interim President. Roy's scientific explorations took him to many islands in the Western Pacific where life-long linkages to his work and impact remain. In 1982, a very proud father (Thomas Tsuda) accepted the award of a "Distinguished Alumni" for Roy during the UHM 75th anniversary celebration.
Even after retirement from UOG, Roy maintained an active presence in the scientific community when he established the Environmental Services Division at Duenas and Associates, an engineering consultant firm. After 37 years on Guam, Roy and Sally relocated to Honolulu to be closer to his parents, and served as a research associate with the Botany-Herbarium Pacificum, Department of Natural Sciences at the Bishop Museum until the very end.
With all his professional successes, Roy's true joy came from reveling in his family's accomplishments and happiness. Beloved by his family who fondly cherish memories of him as the dedicated dishwasher/garbage collector, Roy will always be remembered and loved as our brother, husband, father, and grandfather. Private services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements Provided By:
Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary
