Yoshimi Mike Shiraki
Dec. 16, 1931 – Nov. 15, 2019
SHIRAKI, YOSHIMI “MIKE,” 87, passed away Nov. 15, 2019 following a four-month hospitalization in Hakodate, Japan and Santa Monica, CA. His strong will and determination has carried him throughout his life; and his charismatic smile, sincerity and jest has touched many.
Born Dec. 16, 1931 in Santa Paula, CA, Yoshimi spent his early years in Moneta (Gardena) with his parents Heitaro and Nakae Shiraki, and older sister Yukiko (Tomita). In 1941, he met his brothers Tadashi, Shigeru and Motokazu for the first time, and spent his middle school years in Wakayama, Japan. Returning to the U.S. in 1948, he stayed with relative Bill Matsutani while attending San Pedro High. From age 19, he lived on his own, finding work at the cannery, nursery, and in gardening.
He was drafted and served as a linguist for the U.S. Army in Korea from 1952-54. He married Yuki Ige in June 1957, and they raised son Keith and daughters Jill, Traci and Gail. For 39 years, he enjoyed a fulfilling career as an engineer at McDonnell Douglas in the spacecraft division.
Since his retirement, Yosh and Yuki enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. He remained active in the community, often meeting friends for golf, bowling, bridge, or coffee and traveling to Japan, Europe, Canada and Hawaii.
He is survived by his wife Yuki; children Keith, Jill Shiraki (Wilbur Obata), Traci (Alan) Saruwatari, and
Gail Shiraki (Brian Bartolome); grandchildren Camille Obata, Ryan and Cory Saruwatari.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m., at WLA United Methodist Church, 1913 Purdue Ave., Los Angeles.