Kazuo "Pops" Koyanagi's Obituary
Kazuo “Pops” Koyanagi, 98, of Wailuku, Maui, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, surrounded by family, under the care of Hospice Maui.
Pops was born on April 27, 1926, in Waiehu, Wailuku, Maui. His parents were Motokichi and Kanoe Koyanagi who immigrated to Maui from Fukuoka, Japan. He and his four siblings, Harue, Yuriko, Matsu, and Yoshio grew up in Waihee raising vegetables. Pops attended Waihee School and started working for Wailuku Sugar Company at 16 years old. He worked in the sugar cane fields and later as a welder. He retired after over 45 years of service in May of 1988.
He married Tatsuyo Yamaoka on August 24, 1957. Kazuo enjoyed dancing, giving massages, and spending time with his family.
Visitation will be held from 9-10am on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Nakamura Mortuary. The service will start at 10am. Burial will follow at 12:30pm at Maui Memorial Park in Wailuku.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Tatsuyo Koyanagi. He is survived by his son, Brian (Rosalina) Koyanagi; 3 grandchildren, Michelle, Kristofer (Ashley) and Jamie Lyn; 2 great-grandchildren Kayden and Miya and his sister Yuriko Ajifu.
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