Victor Katsuo Masaki
1942 – 2021
Victor passed away at age 79 in Manhattan Beach, California on February 3, 2021 with family at his bedside following complications from Parkinson’s. He was the eldest son, second of seven children of Setsuo Jim and Haruko Helen (nee Fujikawa) Masaki. At the age of nine months his family was relocated along with others of Japanese ancestry living on the West Coast. After a few months at the Santa Anita Assembly Center (race track), they were sent to the Rohwer Relocation Center, an internment camp near McGehee, Arkansas.
Within a year, the family was able to move out of camp on a work permit to Brigham City, Utah. At the end of the war the family returned to their farm in Torrance, California. Vic attended Torrance schools, graduating with the Class of 1959. He was active in student government serving as Student Body President in his senior year. Vic attended UCLA before acceptance to the School of Pharmacy at USC. After graduating, he continued at USC for an MBA in Finance.
Vic assumed the role of family patriarch after his father’s passing in 1965. He admirably attended to the family’s welfare especially in financial matters. Professionally he was accomplished as the Business Manager for Western Radiology Medical Group in Culver City. He had exceptional talent and knowledge in financial matters.
He was a proud member of the Manhattan Beach Country Club, and for many years enjoyed playing tennis and socializing with other members. Downhill skiing was another love which allowed him to travel with family and friends to many ski resorts (Mammoth, Whistler, Sun Valley, Beaver Creek, Park City, Steamboat, as well as Switzerland and Austria). Off-road motorcycling was another favored activity of which there are many stories of his misadventures.
Vic is survived by his son, Craig (Charity), and grandson, Alexander. He is also survived by his sisters: Irene (Carl) Christensen, Christine (Larry) Chen, brothers: James and John (Jeanne), an uncle, Nori Uyematsu, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard (D’Ann) and sister Aki/Helen (George) Yamaoka.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when it is safe for family and friends to gather.