Leo Ryo Kawasaki

Obituary Leo Ryo Kawasaki Leo Ryo Kawasaki passed away peacefully on December 24, 2013. He was 91 years of age. Leo was born on April 4, 1922 in Fife, WA to Hikozo and Rikuye Kawasaki and lived the majority of his life in Fife and Tacoma. Leo graduated from Fife High School in 1940, then attended the College of Puget Sound. While in college, he earned a private pilot's license and had planned to pursue his commercial pilot's license. His studies were cut short, due to his family's forced internment during WWII. In 2009, he was awarded an honorary BA degree from the University of Puget Sound. Married to Chiyeko Tadaye (Fujimoto) Kawasaki for 58 years until her passing in 2010, they raised four children and owned/operated Capital Cleaners until their retirement in 1991. Leo is survived by his sons, Gary (Shirley Naganawa) and Mark; daughters, Ann Kawasaki Romero (Rocco) and Joy Walton Kawasaki (Bruce); grandchildren, Tedi and AJ Romero; siblings, Mitsuko Ohashi and Hachi Kawasaki (June); in-laws, Michiko Kawasaki, Yoshiko Sugiyama, Kimiko Tanbara (George) and Ken Okawara; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Tadaye; and siblings, Keinosuki, George, Don, Kuni Tanaka, Kashiko Goon and Maki Okawara. A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tacoma Buddhist Temple, 1717 South Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.