Sept. 16, 1926 – March 24, 2012
Sam Kiyotoki passed away peacefully on March 24th at his home in Villa Park, Calif. He was born Sept. 16, 1926 in the agricultural community of Watsonville, Calif. After graduating from the USC School of Architecture in 1953, he married Ellen (nee Hirano) on March 11, 1956 and vigorously embarked on a career as an architect, primarily in the field of residential design and land planning. His career encompassed projects in Japan, Morocco, Tahiti, Hawaii, and other states within the U.S., and among other honors was recognized in 1984 by the Orange County AIA with its 25-Year Award for The Bluffs project in Newport Beach. He also raised four children, all of whom have benefited from his life experiences and examples.
He is survived by his wife Shizume Ellen, daughters Carol, Emi and Susan (husband Harlan Arita) and son Gene, and by his two brothers Paul (May) and Joe Kiyotoki and their respective families.
A celebration of life will take place on April 7 at 5 p.m. at the Orange County Christian Church (which he designed in 1992), 4872 Bishop St. in Cypress, Calif. (casual attire requested). Per the family’s wishes, no flowers or monetary contributions please; just your presence in remembrance.
www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441
Sam Kiyotoki
