Donald Omori US (Ret.) Army

COL. DONALD N. OMORI, US ARMY (RET)The cheerful and song-loving Donald Naoki Omori, age 79, died Monday, April 15, 2013 at the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque. Don, a survivor of colon and prostate cancer, had been residing and receiving care at Princeton Place over recent years, and was well known among the staff for his upbeat nature and always having a joke or positive word. He departs this world to join his wife, parents and first born son, Scott. Don is survived by his and Yolanda's children and grandchildren. Born and raised on the lush island of Maui, the son of Rikio and Matsue (Inouye), Colonel Omori served a career in the United States Army and enjoyed his last 40 years as a resident of Albuquerque. From his youth, Don was an avid sports lover and celebrated having been a starter on the first high school boys basketball team from Maui to win the Hawaii state championship. Don came to the mainland to attend Indiana University and began a family early in his military career shortly after graduating. Colonel Omori is a veteran of the Vietnam War and was awarded a Bronze Star. Following his military career and having settled in Albuquerque, Mr. Omori enjoyed helping young people learn math and other subjects at La Cueva High School and other city schools. Don and his late wife, Yolanda Armijo Omori also spent many years sharing the gift of music across the city and beyond. Perhaps they are united in song again today. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bear Canyon Ward LDS Chapel, 11750 San Victorio Ave NE. Colonel Omori's remains will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery and also with his parents in Wailuku, HI. In lieu of flowers, please provide donations to The Wounded Warrior Project, .