Wallace Osato

Wallace (Wally) Hideo Osato was born on February 12, 1933 in Honolulu Hawaii to Risaburo and Haruko Osato. Wallace attended local schools and graduated from Kaimuki High in 1951. Upon graduating, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he traveled around the country and served in the Korean War. He decided to settle in San Francisco and work as an air mechanic employed by Pan American and United Airlines. It was after attending church, that he met and soon married his wife Arlene (Lou) Ishizuka. After living in San Francisco, they relocated to Watsonville where he began his career working for the family farming business, Sakata Ranches Inc. Not having any experience in farming, Wally started at an entry level position but soon gained more responsibilities and retired as President of the company. Wally’s passion for growing, carried over into his personal life as he was an amazing gardener. From seeds, he would germinate and grow vegetables like corn, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs.

Wally’s favorite past times also included cooking and singing. He had a gift of being able to taste a dish, analyze it and then go home and duplicate it. His passion for singing Karaoke began at a young age as his brother Alan notes: “He was singing from pre-teen years often at my dad’s parties.” Wally was a member of several singing clubs in the Bay Area and enjoyed performing for audiences large and small. His home Karaoke set up was often used when friends came to visit him.

Wally was proceeded in death by his wife Lou in 2013. He is survived by his daughter Lori Pfeiffer, son Steven Osato and wife Song, and daughter Shari Clayton and her husband Todd. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Nikki and Lindsey Pfeiffer, Lushea and Nathan Osato, and Jeffrey and Ashley Clayton. In Hawaii, he is survived by brothers, Paul, Glen and Alan, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL (Japanese American Citizen League) PO Box 163. Watsonville, CA 95076 or Westview Presbyterian Church 118 1st St. Watsonville, CA 95076

Sayanara Dad …. (His favorite Karaoke song)