CONRAD TSUKAYAMA / 1918-2001

WWII vet always put
others before himself

See Also: Obituaries

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By Pat Gee
pgee@starbulletin.com

"If a person can be measured by how much he is loved and respected by others, Conrad Tsukayama was without equal," says the Rev. Tom Choi of the Kailua United Methodist Church.

Tsukayama, 83, of Kailua died Monday night at Castle Medical Center. He was suffering from pulmonary fibrosis.

The father of four was a World War II Purple Heart recipient and retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard, but he lived to help others, garnering major awards for over 50 years of volunteer service in his church and community.

Choi, whose church designated him its first "Living Treasure" three years ago, said Tsukayama once explained why he worked so hard as a volunteer. Tsukayama told him he was lucky to make it back alive from the war.

"He said he wanted to do these things for the people who didn't make it ... and would live his life to the fullest, not for himself, but for them," Choi said.

Tsukayama was the first soldier from the 100th Infantry Battalion, D or "Dog Company," to be wounded in battle in 1943. He went AWOL from the hospital to rejoin his comrades on the European battlefield, and received the Bronze Star for valor, among other commendations.

Martin Tohara, who served with him in the same heavy weapons unit, said Tsukayama was always concerned about his men as sergeant.

"He was one of the best leaders I know of, well-respected and well-trained. He went all the way out for his men. No one talked bad about him," Tohara said.

Bill Stone, executive director of the Windward YMCA, said Tsukayama was drafted into the military but was totally devastated when he was rejected for having flat feet. He argued with the officer, explaining that he would be a disgrace to his family if he wasn't accepted, according to the book, "Japanese Eyes...American Heart." Finally, the officer relented and he was sworn in as a private in the United States Army, Stone said.

The YMCA awarded Tsukayama its Hero Award two years ago.

"Conrad was the most amazing combination of accomplishment and humility I've ever seen," Stone said. "He and his wife, Yoshi, were like menehunes. They would perform their work and disappear. They never wanted recognition, never sought the limelight. He was a wonderful man."

Jerry Allen of the Rotary Club of Windward Oahu said the club awarded Tsukayama its Windward Rotarian Person of the Year award in 1999 for touching "thousands of lives" over 50 years of volunteerism.

"He was quiet, generous and humble. He would never say 'no' to any request. His last year was spent in a wheelchair with oxygen equipment, but he was always dignified, smiling, always a kind word of recognition for others," Allen said.

Daughter-in-law Mary Tsukayama said: "He was our rock of the family, the trunk of our tree. We all respected his willingness to help others; his dedication and his love for people."

Tsukayama is survived by his wife, Yoshi; sons Stephen, John, Jimmy, Alvin; brother Oscar; sisters Janet Whiteman, and Edith Yogi; and six grandchildren.

Services at Kailua United Methodist will be announced at a later date.