Satoshi Yamamoto

Satoshi Yamamoto passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on July 17, 2023, after a brief but hard-fought battle with a rare aggressive form of cancer.

Born to Japanese immigrants Hideo and Hide Yamamoto on July 1st, 1945, in Tule Lake Internment Camp in Newell, California, Satoshi was the youngest of 10 children.  After the war, the family moved back to Washington and Satoshi grew up on a farm with his siblings.  Always having a knack for fixing things, Satoshi found a love of cars as he came of age.  While working at an auto body shop, he built his own drag race ’57 Corvette and found some fame at the local track.  Then he built a ‘63 Vette and continued to take home trophies on the show circuit as well.

In 1971 Satoshi married the love of his life Pearl Kano.   They bought a house in Renton and had their first son Tate in 1976.  Wanting the security to provide for the family, Satoshi joined the Bellevue Police Department in 1978.  The family moved to Bellevue and had their daughter Tara in 1979.  Satoshi was a dedicated husband and father.  Working swing shift, he took a large part in raising their two children; teaching them to ride bicycles, practicing sports, and playing in the park.  Satoshi was also constantly working around the house while also finding time for his hobbies.  He always took pride in aesthetics.  He built and maintained the Japanese garden at their home, he continued to customize cars and attend car shows.  Satoshi was the ultimate DIY guy.  If he could save a buck by doing it himself and better, then he would.  He never failed to go above and beyond to help others.  From helping a stranded motorist to building trunk organizers for all the BPD patrol cars, Satoshi was consistently generous.  In 1990 Satoshi transferred to the traffic unit and became the traffic detective in charge of accident investigations.

Satoshi retired in 2012 and continued to enjoy working on cars and in the garden while visiting his children and grandchildren in Hawaii and Japan.   Even though it was far, Satoshi spent a lot of time supporting his children and grandchildren in their many endeavors.

Satoshi is survived by his wife of 51 years Pearl, son Tate Yamamoto (Sayoko), daughter Tara Hiura (Timothy), granddaughters Teia and Talia Hiura, grandson Ryley Yamamoto, siblings Setsuko Hamamoto, Fusako Kamihara, Masaru Yamamoto (Kathleen), Yasuko Yamamoto, Katashi Yamamoto (friend Julie) and preceded in death by parents Hideo and Hide Yamamoto, siblings Noboru Yamamoto, Tadashi Yamamoto, Yoshiko Ishimitsu and Ichiko Ishii.

Burial will be held on August 2nd at 12:30pm at Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service and reception at Terry’s Kitchen at 3:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church (3001 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144) or charity of your choice.

To share your condolences and memories, please visit his Tribute Wall, located above.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home Lake View -