Dennis Masao Yamamoto's Obituary
Dennis Yamamoto Obituary
Dennis was born on July 15, 1945, to Yutaka Yamamoto and Fumiko Yamamoto at the Poston Japanese-American incarceration camp, near Parker, Arizona.
After graduating from Dinuba High School in 1963, he went on to earn his Doctorate Degree at Pacific University in 1968. He was married to Caryn Hayashida from 1968 to 2001. They have two daughters, Erin Kennison and Audra Yamamoto-Swafford.
Dennis enjoyed a full and varied career. He went on to practice optometry, serve as an Administrator at University of Indiana and Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and was active as a Lobbyist in Washington DC on behalf of the American Optometric Association. He spent 8 years as a consultant and entrepreneur based in Hilo, Hawaii, which included owning the first Apple computer store on the Big Island. He was also involved with local politics. He then continued his consulting and entrepreneurship in Honolulu, Hawaii for another 33 years, working closely with companies such as Air Transportation International and New Dream Team amongst others.
He enjoyed being with everyone he called family, and his many friends of all ages, dining out, following college football and basketball games, traveling, spending time on his boat, keeping up with the latest technology, and talking about politics.
Dennis was predeceased by his father Yutaka Yamamoto, and his brother Steven Yamamoto.
He is survived by his partner in life Yun Ja Kim, mother Fumiko Yamamoto, sister Joyce Sasai (husband Steve Sasai), two daughters Erin Kennison (husband Blaine Kennison) and Audra Yamamoto-Swafford (husband Damon Swafford), and two grandsons Zack and Cody Kennison.
Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Mililani Downtown Mortuary (20 S. Kukui St., Honolulu, HI 96813). Visitation begins at 9:30 am, and service to start 10:30 am.
Attire: Casual
Flowers: Welcome
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