George Kiyoshi Kanegae

On the morning of October 3, 2018, George Kanegae peacefully passed away in his home in Vancouver, WA. He is survived by his loving wife, Amy Kanegae (Vancouver, WA); his three sons, Blake Kanegae (Vancouver, WA), Mark Kanegae & spouse, Tuyet-Hang Le (San Jose, CA), and David Kanegae (Vancouver, WA); six grandchildren, Angela Kanegae & spouse, Luke Ansin (Beaverton, OR), Akemi Saula & spouse, Daniel Saula (St. Helens, OR), Chelsea Kanegae (Vancouver, WA), Kiyoko Kanegae (Vancouver, WA), Nikko Kanegae (San Jose, CA), and Blake Kanegae Jr. (Vancouver, WA); two great-granddaughters, Taelynn & Makenna Saula. George was born in Portland, Oregon to Katsuzo and Toshie Kanegae. He grew up in Gresham, Oregon, along with his siblings, Alice, Janice, Jean, Roy, John and Ron. After spending several weeks on hospice care, George relentlessly ended his battle against emphysema and end-stage COPD. His devoted wife, Amy, was by his side until he took his last breath. After the start of WWII, George and his family were incarcerated at Minidoka Internment Camp in Idaho from 1941 - 1945. From there, the family moved to Spokane, WA, and George enlisted in the United States Army. In 1961, he was married to Amy Mishiro, and raised three sons: Blake, Mark, and David. He cared for his family dearly and always wanted the best for them. George was employed with Consolidated Freightways and retired as the Operations Manager after dedicating over forty years to the freight and logistics company. The Kanegae family primarily lived in northern California before George and Amy retired to their home of twenty-seven years in Vancouver, WA. George had a soft spot for his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They always knew if they ran down the hallway and turned right, they would find him in his bedroom. As they sat by his bed, he would talk to them, and recurring themes would make their way into those conversations. His wishes for his grandchildren were simple: Be good people, because earning respect is just as important as giving respect; Make decisions wisely; It's important to look at the big picture and the future; and always do your best, even if what you're doing isn't changing the world. Although he was a man of few words, it was known that he cared deeply for each of his grandchildren. George was an avid golfer and bowler. Amy would make him and his buddies boxed lunch for their long days on the green, and his two oldest grandchildren would cheer for his bowling league every Friday night at Hollywood Bowl. George enjoyed watching golf, baseball, basketball, and football on TV. He was a big fan of Tiger Woods and Ichiro. George loved visiting local casinos, eating at the Spaghetti Factory, and savored his morning cup of Folgers with peanut butter and jelly toast. George spent most of his life around a large family and close friends. During the years that George struggled with his health, his attitude was positive, and he did his best to prepare his family for life after his passing. He told several family members that he had no regrets, and that he lived a good, long life. Even on his last days with us, he had a certain tranquility about him. To George, a devoted husband, a strong father, a loving grandfather, and a good man. We miss you and look forward to the day we meet again. We'll love you always. Per George's request, we will only be having a private service that is closed to the public.

George Kiyoshi Kanegae

August 31, 1929 - October 3, 2018