KEN YONEMURA Obituary

KEN MASAO YONEMURA, SR With profound sadness, love, and respect we say our final farewell to Ken Masao Yonemura; a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted friend. With his family beside him, Ken transitioned peacefully on December 4, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and his son Ken, Jr. His legacy is carried on by his daughters: Jill Kojima (Randy), Lila Yonemura (Bruce), Dani Tejada & Joy Oda (Todd); 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. A private family gathering was held to celebrate his life. Honoring his wishes, his ashes were scattered at sea. Ken was born on March 26, 1934, on the Big Island (the 3rd of 4 children) to Ryoichi and Kimiyo Yonemura. He was raised in Hilo and at an early age, developed his love of the ocean. Throughout his life, he swam almost daily until his passing. For over 40 years, his weekly 19 holes with his associates and lifelong friends at the Waialae Country Club were also a big part of his life. In 1957, Ken began his 50-year career with Swift & Company in Honolulu, as a Sales Associate. He swiftly moved up the ranks leading the Hawaii division as their General Manager until his retirement in 2007, having the top sales in the nation. Ken had a large presence in all the lives he touched. Generous to a fault, gregarious, competitive, headstrong, compassionate, and humble. He loved life, his family, and his friends.