Hisao Kusayanagi

Tom was born in Vacaville, CA to Japanese farmers. When he was a young child, the family returned to the Kasai/Edogawa area of Japan. Raised on his family's farm, Tom attended law school and went to work as a prosecutor in Tokyo. After trying a single criminal case, Tom decided that practicing law was not for him. This decision caused great tension in his family. At the age of 21, Tom purchased a $226 boat ticket to return to America. Upon his arrival in Oakland, he briefly attended UC Berkeley before running out of funds. He used his other talent, landscaping, to make ends meet.

In Oakland, he met his wife of 71 years, Sumi. They married October 14, 1951, settled in Morgan Hill, California and welcomed their only child, Gordon, in 1953. After working in the strawberry fields, Tom worked as the store manager of both the Willow Glen and Salinas "Handyman" stores for over 20 years. Later in life, he owned and operated a wholesale flower nursery in San Martin with two of Sumi's brothers. He didn't technically retire until well into his 80's. Sumi passed away in 2022 at the age of 96. Tom remained in his home in Morgan Hill until his passing.

Tom believed in hard work, generosity, and in treating people well. He had a mischievous side, and his sense of humor was unmatched. He was a very proud man who remained stubbornly independent – even in his last days.

He is preceded in death by both Sumi and Gordon. He is survived by daughter-in-law Stephanie Kusayanagi-Dees, grandson Scott Kusayanagi (Lori), granddaughter Sarah Tada (Clint), and beloved great-grandsons Cameron, Brady, Dylan, and Cody. Anyone wishing to do so may donate in his memory to the Morgan Hill Buddhist Community Center, 16450 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill.

Published in Gilroy Dispatch and Morgan Hill Times · August 15, 2024