Tsutomu "Tom" Ihara's Obituary
Tsutomu "Tom" Ihara was born on November 29, 1929 to Shigezo & Shige Ihara in Lahaina, Maui. The youngest of four siblings, he was raised on Front Street, and attended Kamehameha III School and graduated from Lahainaluna High School in 1949.
During the Korean War, he was drafted into the Army and was deployed to Alaska in 1951. He returned home in 1953.
Two years later, he married the love of his life, Mildred Nakamura, on March 26, 1955 in Lahaina, Maui. A week later, they moved to Oahu, and Tom worked as a mechanic at Nuuanu Auto Company. In 1956, they welcomed their son Dean, and in 1958 they were blessed with twin daughters, Wendy and Wanda. Tom then started to drive the bus that allowed him to help with the children by going home during his shifts to wash diapers.
In 1962, Tom was hired as a US Post Office Mail Carrier. He truly enjoyed delivering the mail to residences and met a lot of people. He started at the main post office in Honolulu, and later transferred to the Kapalama Station. After 30 years, he retired from the post office.
Tom was a sports enthusiast and loved ping pong, shooting pool, bowling and swimming. He would watch sports all day on Sundays. His favorite place to visit was the California Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. He treasured the special times with family and friends. Tom lived a full life, and loved all the precious moments he shared with family and friends. The Ihara ohana lost Tom on February 26, 2024. Private services were held.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife Mildred, son Dean and his wife Gail, daughters Wendy Kishida and her husband Dyck, and Wanda Takaki and her husband Dexter.
Tom has 7 grandchildren: Sean (Cherish) Ihara, Shane Ihara, Dexter (Kristine) Kishida, James (Heather) Kishida, Tiffany Kishida, Brandon Takaki, and Bryce Takaki.
Tom has 4 great grandchildren: Sadie Kishida, Eli Kishida, Jayden Kishida, and Hailey Kishida
Tom is also predeceased by his sisters Ms. Takeko Masaki, Ms. Matsuko Tajima, and his brother, Tetsuo Ihara
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