Akihiro Hane

Akihiro 'Aki' Hane passed away January 18, 2021 at the age of 84 years.

He was born in Hollister and raised in Watsonville. He was sent to the Poston, Arizona Internment Camp with his parents during World War II. He graduated from Watsonville High and received his BA from the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, Ca. He was a talented artist who worked in oils and watercolors. Few knew he was a fine portrait artist and wood carver. He designed local business logos and did the graphics for the Watsonville Buddhist Temple letterhead. Aki was drafted and served in the US Army, stationed at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas; he was honorably discharged. After many years as a Zoning Officer, Aki retired from the City of Seaside Planning Department.

During his early retirement at the young age of 50 years, Aki enjoyed visiting and keeping in touch with his Army buddies near and far. He had many friends in the Sunset Beach Homeowners Community; he loved living in his 'beach house' on Toad Hollow. He was very involved with the many changes and improvements to the Sunset Beach Community especially the upgrade of the Water System with Pajaro Dunes and Watsonville Water, which took 3 years. The following story is from Sam Singer's "AKI" interview in 2011. Aki welcomed the many new residents by greeting them with, "Hi! Welcome to Sunset Beach, I'm Aki Hane!" He was a real character and everyone seems to have a great Aki story. Here is how Sunset Way was renamed 'Toad Hollow': Lois Wood, mother of Dean Wood and Jane Borg, friends and neighbors of Aki's, always referred to herself as 'The Toad of Toad Hollow'. After 9-11 the County required any street with 3 or more homes required a formal name. Aki wanted to change it to 'Lois Lane'; however, it was already taken. So, the next best thing was TOAD HOLLOW.

He especially liked going to the Flea Market and estate sales to find 'treasures'. We all remember his love of foreign-made vehicles, and owned, beginning with several Jaguars, 2 Fiat Abarths, Mercedes, Porsche Carrera (his favorite) that he drove during his last years, and his Aston Martin Vantage. He was proud to display his Lotus at the Monterey Concours D'Elegance. He was very, very sad when he was no longer able to drive. He enjoyed going to wine tastings and adding to his wine collection from California wineries. He will be remembered as a kind, empathetic, generous, talented, also a genuine and intriguing person. Aki will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was predeceased by parents Kiichiro and Machii Hane, and recently by his brother Ken. He is survived by his brother Tatsuo and sisters Judy Hane of Watsonville, and Reiko Akiyoshi (Thomas) of Santa Cruz. He leaves nephews Andrew Akiyoshi of Dublin, Jeff (Holly) Akiyoshi of Santa Cruz, great nephew and niece Seiji and Emi, step-nephew Elijah Stone, and many cousins.

Aki was a lifelong member of the Watsonville Buddhist Temple. No public memorial services will be held due to Covid restrictions. The Hane family would like to thank Rachelle's Home, and Bridges Hospice for his care and comfort the last several years.

Published in The Pajaronian · February 18, 2021