William Masatoshi Sugiyama

Obituary William M Sugiyama was born in Livingston, CA on November 20, 1919 to Ichiji and Ryo Sugiyama. He passed away peacefully on the morning of September 3, 2009. Bill graduated from the UC, Berkeley and received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University. After marrying the love of his life, Yoshiko, he made the military his career. He was honored with several medals including the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. He retired from the Army in 1982. He went on to embrace the Buddhist religion as a member and student of the Tacoma Buddhist Temple. He loved to read, play chess and go, with his children and grandchildren, playing the harmonica, snow skiing, and taking care of his yard. He will be remembered for his great laugh that made everyone smile. He was a strong, admirable, kindhearted man who made an impact on those he came in contact with. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Yoshiko, daughter, Mitsu, son, William Jr, two grandsons, Willy, and Caleb, brothers, Henry, Andrew, Arthur, sisters, Mabel, Helen and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Stanley, and sisters, Mary and Francis. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Franciscan Hospice House for their compassionate care. A memorial service will be held at Tacoma Buddhist Temple, 1717 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402 on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tacoma Buddhist Temple or the Franciscan Hospice House, 2901 Bridgeport Way W, University Place, WA 98466