Yatsushiro, Vance's Obituary
Vance Yatsushiro, 81, passed away on May 12, 2026. He was well known across the island for his long career in local schools and his absolute favorite weekend pastime: scouting out the best garage and yard sales around Maui.
Vance was born and raised on Maui, attending Wailuku Elementary, Iao Intermediate, and Baldwin High School. He went on to study at Pacific University and Kansas State Teachers College, eventually returning home to earn his Master’s Degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Over the years, Vance wore many hats—working as a teacher, counselor, vice principal, and principal. He touched generations of local families through his time at Baldwin, Kihei, Lahaina, Lihikai, Lokelani, Paia, and Puunene schools. He was also a long-time member of the Iao Congregational Church.
Vance enjoyed many hobbies and lived life to the fullest. In his younger years, he was a collegiate bowler for Pacific University in Oregon. Later on, you could find him golfing, fishing, flying remote control gliders, screen printing shirts and signs, or working on his bottle and stamp collections. He loved hunting so much that he spent years teaching others how to do it safely as a Hunter's Safety Course instructor.
More than anything, Vance was proud of the family he built. He is survived by his sister, Dale Yatsushiro; ex-wife, Aimee Yatsushiro; daughter, Lori (Scot) Yatsushiro; and son, Rylan (Noelani) Yatsushiro. He held a very special place in his heart for his grandchildren, Blake and Ekela Jean, who always brought a huge smile to his face.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Nakamura Mortuary in Wailuku. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am.
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