George Shoji Hamada

Hamada, George Shoji 86 Sep. 22, 1927 to July 14, 2014 George was born in Olympia, Washington, as a second-generation Japanese American to Tokuichi and Hana Hamada.  He was sent to Japan with his older brother, at the age of four, where he was raised by his aunt.  At age 16, he was conscripted into the Japanese Air Force and spent much of the war as a prisoner-of-war in Taiwan, leaving in 1945.  George later studied law at Ritsumeikan University.  Upon his return to America, he worked to support himself while learning English.  In 1959, he was married to Kashu, a union that remained strong through the rest of his life.  He spent 35 years working for Norcrest China, before retiring.  He had two daughters, Michiko and Akiko, during this time.  In 1974, George and Kashu opened Zen, a restaurant in Portland, which they maintained until 2000.  He cultivated a diverse set of interests, including calligraphy, judo, classical music, watching baseball and sumo wrestling, and gardening. George was an avid reader and had many cherished animal companions, including a very smart bird, and beloved dogs and cats.  Throughout his life, George worked tirelessly to support his family and friends, and was a loving and engaged husband, father, and grandfather.  The determination and kindness that characterized George were admired and emulated, as he profoundly influenced those who knew him.  He left a legacy of excellence, in all respects, which will always be remembered.  Services to be held at the Oregon Buddhist Temple on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 1:00.