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Gengoro "Goro" Higa died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88 on July 6, 2021 at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. He was born to Seitoku and Kamata Higa, immigrants from Okinawa on September 21, 1932 at Kamaemauka, Hakalau on the Big Island of Hawaii. Goro was the second youngest of 12 children and graduated from Hilo High School in 1950. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17, fought in the Korean War, and also served 3 tours in Vietnam. Quiet and humble, you would never guess that he was a bonafide hero. In 2 separate enemy engagements he saved multiple lives with no regard for his own. For his bravery, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for Valor. In 1960 he was stationed in Richmond, Virginia, where he worked as an ROTC instructor at the University of Richmond and also supervised the sharp shooting club. After 30 years in the Army, Goro retired as a Command Sergeant Major in 1980 having been awarded numerous other medals and citations, including the United Nations Service Medal. Wanting to still be of service to his community, he became a deputy sheriff and later a court bailiff. While in the military, Goro met Nobu Ishikawa and were married in 1957. They were together for 59 years until Nobu's passing in 2016. Although they had no children, his ROTC cadets looked up to him as a father figure. The couple purchased a home in Lacey, Washington where they grew fruit trees and vegetables. Goro is survived by his younger sister Clara and numerous nieces and nephews. Goro's memorial and burial will be on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater, Washington. The viewing will start at 12 noon (Pacific Standard Time) and the service will begin at 1 pm. Burial is at 2pm followed by refreshments. The service will feature aloha attire and can be viewed on Facebook via Mills & Mills.
Gengoro "Goro" Higa died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88 on July 6, 2021 at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. He was born to Seitoku and Kamata Higa, immigrants from Okinawa on September 21, 1932 at Kamaemauka, Hakalau on the Big Island of Hawaii. Goro was the second youngest of 12 children and graduated from Hilo High School in 1950. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17, fought in the Korean War, and also served 3 tours in Vietnam. Quiet and humble, you would never guess that he was a bonafide hero. In 2 separate enemy engagements he saved multiple lives with no regard for his own. For his bravery, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for Valor. In 1960 he was stationed in Richmond, Virginia, where he worked as an ROTC instructor at the University of Richmond and also supervised the sharp shooting club. After 30 years in the Army, Goro retired as a Command Sergeant Major in 1980 having been awarded numerous other medals and citations, including the United Nations Service Medal. Wanting to still be of service to his community, he became a deputy sheriff and later a court bailiff. While in the military, Goro met Nobu Ishikawa and were married in 1957. They were together for 59 years until Nobu's passing in 2016. Although they had no children, his ROTC cadets looked up to him as a father figure. The couple purchased a home in Lacey, Washington where they grew fruit trees and vegetables. Goro is survived by his younger sister Clara and numerous nieces and nephews. Goro's memorial and burial will be on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater, Washington. The viewing will start at 12 noon (Pacific Standard Time) and the service will begin at 1 pm. Burial is at 2pm followed by refreshments. The service will feature aloha attire and can be viewed on Facebook via Mills & Mills.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
