Harold
Harold S. Murata
d. June 29, 2016
Harold S. Murata, our beloved father and grandfather, died on June 29, 2016, at the age of 97 (or 98 depending upon who is telling the story). He was the last of a large sibship, outlived all of his friends, and thought that he had lived long enough. Harold was preceded in death by his ex-wife Flora with whom he maintained a cordial relationship over many years. He is survived by his three sons, Kenneth K. Murata, PhD, and wife Vicky, Glen H. Murata, MD, and wife Joyce, and Gary T. Murata, MD, and wife Susan - along with many grand and great-grandchildren.
Harold was living independently and scootering around the neighborhood just five days before he died. He took great pride in caring for himself and many others along the way, became financially secure by living a frugal life, and explored many countries throughout the world on his own. He was born on January 20, 1919, to Jutaro and Tsuru Murata in Mabton, WA. He was raised on the family berry farm in Sacramento, CA, and left high school to help make it successful. At the onset of World War II, all of the family's assets were confiscated; his wife and first son were incarcerated in Manzanar; and Harold was drafted into the army. He joined a small number of Nisei who refused training for combat because their families had not been given the rights that should have been accorded every American. At any other time, Harold and his colleagues would have been considered champions for civil liberty. However, in a time of war, this group was treated quite harshly and not recognized for their courage and dignity until many decades later. After the war, Harold rejoined his family, became a TV repairman, and taught his children to take pride in their heritage. He was a quiet, modest man who never let poverty, injustice, or hardship color his wonderful outlook on life.
Harold requested that no services be held and that his ashes be scattered off the coast of California. He should be remembered for what a simple man can accomplish in the face of adversity.
FRENCH - Wyoming
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
(505) 823-9400
Harold was living independently and scootering around the neighborhood just five days before he died. He took great pride in caring for himself and many others along the way, became financially secure by living a frugal life, and explored many countries throughout the world on his own. He was born on January 20, 1919, to Jutaro and Tsuru Murata in Mabton, WA. He was raised on the family berry farm in Sacramento, CA, and left high school to help make it successful. At the onset of World War II, all of the family's assets were confiscated; his wife and first son were incarcerated in Manzanar; and Harold was drafted into the army. He joined a small number of Nisei who refused training for combat because their families had not been given the rights that should have been accorded every American. At any other time, Harold and his colleagues would have been considered champions for civil liberty. However, in a time of war, this group was treated quite harshly and not recognized for their courage and dignity until many decades later. After the war, Harold rejoined his family, became a TV repairman, and taught his children to take pride in their heritage. He was a quiet, modest man who never let poverty, injustice, or hardship color his wonderful outlook on life.
Harold requested that no services be held and that his ashes be scattered off the coast of California. He should be remembered for what a simple man can accomplish in the face of adversity.
FRENCH - Wyoming
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
(505) 823-9400
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