Wallace "Wally" Yanagi's Obituary
Wallace “Wally” Tadao Yanagi,
age 95 of Wailuku, Maui, took
his last breath on Wednesday,
May 11, 2022, surrounded by his
loved ones. Wally was born on
December 25, 1926, in Wailuku to
parents Kenji & Tamaye Yanagi.
Wally graduated from Henry
Perrine Baldwin High School. He
then enlisted in the Army while
attending New York University and
George Washington University. He
obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in
Accounting and a Master’s Degree
in Business Administration. He
returned home to Maui where he
met and wed his loving wife,
Nancy. They had 5 children
together, including identical twin girls. Wally worked for Maui Memorial
Medical Center as the hospital’s Administrator for 30 years. During his
tenure, he helped spearhead Maui’s first Emergency Room.
Wally was passionate about real estate, the stock market, Broadway
musicals and traveling - Las Vegas and New York City were his absolute
favorite cities to visit. He loved his ‘55 Thunderbird, a hot streak on the
craps table, a good cigar, cold beer and his pups Ally & Kia. He was an avid
art collector, he especially admired the talent of his late friend & artist
Tadashi Sato. Wally was a kind and generous friend to so many. He will be
remembered as a humble man with a laugh that would fill up a room.
Wally is survived by his children Jansen Yanagi, Dale Yanagi, Ann Yanagi,
Michael Yanagi and Adrian “Kimo” Yanagi. His brother, Stanley Yanagi
(Susan) of Gardena, CA. His grandchildren Sara Nikaido (Chad) of Waikapu
and Jena Rodriguez (Miguel) of Long Beach, CA. His great grandchildren,
Naia Nikaido and Zane Nikaido. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy
Yanagi. They were married for 46 years until her untimely passing in 1997.
Private service to be held, with live streaming for those who cannot attend.
In remembrance of Wally Yanagi’s life, the family asks that charitable
donations to be made to Maui Health Foundation, www.mauihealth.
org/foundation and/or Islands Hospice https://
www.islandshospice.com/.
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