Roy Yoshiro Hatanaka

Born: April 16, 1919 - Gone Fishin' December 1, 2015. Roy Yoshiro Hatanaka was born to Torazo and Haru Hatanaka on April 16, 1919 in Guinda, California. He was the first child born in the USA preceded by his brother Frank, sister Kikue, born in Japan; followed by Ben, Annie and Evan. Roy grew up in the Capay Valley where he went to school and spent his life farming and hunting. When WWII came along he and his family were sent to the Amache internment camp in Granada, Colorado. While in camp he married Iris Ito from Walnut Grove, California in 1943. Among his jobs in camp were to repair supply trucks, cooking, and harvesting sugar beets for 75 cents a ton. Roy farmed peaches and tomatoes along Carlson Road, Yuba City for 16 years then in Rio Oso as foreman for Valley View Packing Co., farming peaches, pears and prunes. He generously shared fruit and fish, known as a legendary fisherman, claiming a state championship with a 56-lb striper. He loved reading fishing and hunting newspapers, attending Hoyukai and Marysville Buddhist Church socials. He was friendly, kind, gentle, always greeting everyone with his wide smile. He was a favorite at The Fountains, loving the food and activities. Roy is survived by his four children: Jennifer Simonetti of NJ, Miles Hatanaka of Spokane, WA, Adelle Wapple of Yuba City, and Chris Hatanaka of Oregon House; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his wife of 64 years, Iris. As requested by Roy, no funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Marysville Buddhist Church's Koi pond-garden.