Memorializing Robert Masahiro Yoshikawa

MEMORIALIZING ROBERT MASAHIRO YOSHIKAWA -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 21, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2004

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and contributions of Mr. Robert Masahiro Yoshikawa who recently passed away. He was a pillar of the community and a personal friend of mine. Mr. Yoshikawa made an immeasurable impact on all those around him through his career, his volunteer work, and his devotion to family. His tireless efforts improved the lives of countless people in his community.

I met Robert Yoshikawa many years ago when we were both students at San Jose State University. From that moment on he continually amazed me with his unwavering selflessness and his extraordinary dedication to the community. Throughout his life, he consistently put others before himself through volunteering and his active involvement with his church, his family activities, and his neighborhood.

For those who are unfamiliar with Mr. Yoshikawa's life, I would like to take a moment to highlight some of his extraordinary contributions. In addition to serving as President of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, Bob served on the board of directors of both the SJBC and Fuji Towers and played an integral part on many committees. Mr. Yoshikawa was also a past chairman of church ministerial affairs and Obon committees, as well as a charter member and current president of Young Japanese Adults. In 2002, Robert was presented with the Volunteer Recognition Award by the Junior League of San Jose.

In addition to his extensive volunteer work, Mr. Yoshikawa was a wonderful husband to his wife Phyllis and father to his sons, Mark and Scott. He served as an ideal role model for his sons, teaching them right from wrong, imparting to them a spirit of service, and making time to involve himself in their lives and activities. He could often be seen videotaping his sons' football games or driving them to various Boy Scouts, sporting or church activities in his Chevy Suburban. He would constantly guide his sons with sage advice from his experience and the experiences of his own father. He was a man of strong conviction, who stood behind his decisions without wavering.

Robert Yoshikawa, a second generation American, was born in Newcastle, California in 1940. Upon graduating from high school, he attended Sierra Junior College before matriculating on to San Jose State where he received a degree in mechanical engineering and met his future wife, Phyllis Osaki. The couple first lived in an apartment in Sunnyvale, but spent the past 37 years in the house in San Jose that they watched being built. It was there they raised their two boys. Robert worked at Lockheed Martin until his retirement in 2003. At Lockheed, Robert's robust engineering skills and attention to detail were instrumental in the success of several important projects. He was praised for being accurate and efficient, and his remarkable patience and experience made him a valuable mentor to the younger engineers at Lockheed.

Upon retiring from his job at Lockheed Martin after 40 years, Mr. Yoshikawa embarked on yet another chapter in his full life. Though he and Phyllis had already traveled the globe, he had even more trips planned and was enjoying his return to improving his golf game with other retired friends. Always wanting to be useful, he also agreed to volunteer at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose as just one more in his myriad of community services. It was on March 24, while volunteering at the museum, that Mr. Yoshikawa died of a heart attack. Since he was in apparent excellent health, his passing came as quite a shock to all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a friend and a role model. I knew Robert for 40 years and he was as inspirational to me the last time I saw him, as he was when we first met. I know that the people of the Bay Area appreciate everything that this wonderful man has done for them and I feel privileged for having known him.

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