Carl Sakaki's Obituary
Carl Hideo Sakaki (76 yrs) passed away peacefully at home in Kahului on July 6, 2021 in the presence of his family. He was born in Wailuku on April 13, 1945. He graduated from Baldwin High School then attended Utah State University majoring in Fishery and Wildlife Management. Soon after graduation in 1967, he began serving in the U.S. Army after receiving a commission through the ROTC program. While stationed in Erlangen, Germany in the Armor Corps, he married Sylvia M. Kaya, a Baldwin, and Utah State University graduate whom he had begun dating while they were both attending the university. Captain Sakaki, an Army Ranger, served a year's tour in Can Tho, Vietnam.
After his military service, Carl and Sylvia returned to Maui where they raised their 2 daughters. He began his own landscaping and maintenance business in 1975 in which he was self employed for 46 years. He was a humble person, good natured, helpful, and an amicable fellow who loved to "talk story" to everyone and anyone. He was equally known for his love of turtles which in numbers well over a hundred that roam freely in his enclosed yard. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family on family gatherings and outings.
Carl is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sylvia, daughters Teri (Adam) Claybaugh and Cindy (Jayson) Yang, grandchildren Annalise and Nicholas Claybaugh, Kayci and Matthrew Yang, all of Kahului. Sister, Dawn Kashiwa, lives on the Big Island. The family thanks the dedicated staff of Maui Memorial Medical Center and Hospice Maui for their devoted care and attention to Carl. Due to Covid, private services were held.
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