Ben Kazui Hanaki was born to Eizo and Chiyoko Hanaki on Feb. 25, 1918 in Seattle, Wash. He was raised by his grandmother in Japan until his teen years, then relocated to Los Angeles and attended Pasadena High School. He then moved to Washington and worked at Longview Lumber until he was drafted. He was a Quartermaster Specialist Sergeant when he was discharged from the military. He worked as a Produce Manager for over 35 years. He was married to Fumiko Seki for 66 years. His interests were gardening, playing the ponies, watching baseball and playing poker with friends. He is survived by his wife, Fumiko; his son Harry; daughter-in-law Carol; daughter Suzanne; son-in-law Van Ogami; grandchildren: Eric, Eric’s wife Ellen, Melissa, Joy, Dale, Dale’s wife Tiffany, Gavin; and great grandchild Robert.
The memorial service will be held at Rice Mortuary in Torrance on Saturday March 12, 2011 at 2pm. Please go to the mortuary’s website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the service.
Rice Mortuary – Torrance (310) 792-7599
Ben Kazui Hanaki
