Tsuneyuki Yamanishi's Obituary
Tsuneyuki “Richard” Yamanishi passed away at the age of 98 on November 2, 2015, at Hale Makua, Kahului. Tsunemuki was born on March 5, 1917 in Sprecklesville, Upper Camp 3, Maui.
He grew up and lived there during the early years of his adult life with his father, later moving to Kahului. Tsuneyuki worked for 49 plus years for Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company as an irrigation worker, or as he said, a hanawai man. Uncle Tsu lived plantation style, being frugal and independent in all things, but one – he relied on friends and family for distance traveling, not having a driver’s license or car! While frugal, he could be generous, helping his family and donating to the Sugar Cane Museum. He was an avid reader with a wide range of interests, from historical novels and westerns to National Geographic magazines and comic books (especially “Beetle Bailey”).
After amending his Kahului sandy yard with top soil, he could spend hours working in his vegetable garden. Uncle Tsu enjoyed golf, being a former caddy at the golf course in Sprecklesville. He also enjoyed pro and college football, and chicken fighting. After retiring from HC&S, he spent time in Mississippi and Tennessee on chicken farms, giving advice and helping with raising chickens. We were always a little worried about his trips back and forth, even though he did not seem concerned for his safety when traveling alone. He was confident he would get to where he needed to be.
Uncle Tsu was the last of his family. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Valerie and Cynthia; Faith and Jeff; Bobby and Pearl; Patrick, Lynne, and Jill; Larry, Lora, and Craig.
Private services were held. His ashes will be scattered at a later date in a private ceremony.
We will remember Uncle Tsu and mourn his passing, He will be missed.
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