Kozo Minaga Obituary (1925 - 2010)

Kozo Minaga 1925 ~ 2010 Kozo Minaga, 84, passed away at home on April 2, 2010 surrounded by his family. Kozo lead the family down an inspirational 12-day path that allowed his newly diagnosed cancer to take its natural course and to die with dignity. He was born on May 2, 1925 in Ogden, Utah to Yasuzo and Takano (Tanabe) Minaga. He attended Weber High School and graduated in 1943 where he took over his father's farm in West Haven, Utah. Kozo had a thriving produce business where he sold to many of the local grocery stores for over 44 years. Kozo loved working outdoors, so in his retirement he mowed many of his neighbors, as well as, his children's yard. Kozo had a green thumb and the lawns he took care of were always the greenest and most precisely cut and trimmed. He enjoyed watching, mentoring and caring for his grandson, Matthew, in Utah and cherished his many visits from his grandchildren, Daniel & Alyssa, from San Jose. Kozo also enjoyed his many trips to Wendover and Las Vegas where he took his chances hoping for a loose slot machine. Kozo will be remembered and forever loved by his wife of 55 years, Hisako (Kano), and children, Karie Minaga-(Marcus) Miya, Vicki (Glenn) Ballard and Mark (Gail) Minaga; brother Uke and Goro Minaga; grandchildren Daniel, Alyssa and Matthew; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Chico Minaga and sister June Schneider. The Minaga Family expresses their deep appreciation to the entire medical team (Dr. Michael Pirozzi, Dr. Gary Garner, residents & nurses throughout Intermountain Medical Center) involved in Kozo's care during the past 12 days. They were charged with taking the patient/family from disbelief & shock to acceptance & caring for Kozo as he wished. Huge appreciation to Vista Care Hospice staff including Cliphane Brough, RN & Heather Householder, CNA who took loving care of our father and the family. Friends may call on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 3 p.m. at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple 211 West 100 South (Japan Street). The funeral services will follow at 5 p.m. Family request that in lieu of flowers you donate to a hospice unit of your choice. VisitationSalt Lake Buddhist Temple 211 West 100 South (Japan Street) Salt Lake City, UT April 10, 2010 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM ServiceSalt Lake Buddhist Temple 211 West 100 South (Japan Street) Salt Lake City, UT April 10, 2010 5:00 PM