Obituary: Eichi Hirata, Sr., Parkdale; Memorial Service set for July 9

Eichi Hirata, Sr. (90) Eichi was born December 9, 1929, on the family homestead in Parkdale, Oregon joining older sisters, Chieko (Kari) and Fusako.

His father Katsui (Kay) Hirata and mother Kumako (Inukai) emigrated from Okiyama, Japan for a new life in America. Kumako died young as a result of a car accident and Katsui remarried to Toshiko (Shiraishi) and from that union came brother Bill (Masado) and sister Marie (Shizuko).

Eichi went to school in Parkdale until he and his family were re-located to Tule Lake, California internment camp under federal executive order #9066 during World War II. After the war the family returned to Parkdale and was able, with some difficulty, to resume living on the homestead.

Eichi graduated from old Parkdale High School and worked in the family orchard until he was drafted into the Army in 1950. He served honorably in Germany during the Korean War. After the Army, he married Charlotte Asayo Hoashi and they had three children together: son Harvey and twin sons Edward and Eugene.

After their union dissolved, he married Vivian Lucille Rhodes. Four children were born during that union, son Eichi Jr, daughters Terrie, Candie, and Sandie and stepdaughter Joanne also became family. Eichi’s third marriage to Iola Marie Ramoz produced son Todd.

Eichi gave up farming and worked for Hood River County road crew for over 10 years. He also worked for a paving company for a few years before going to work for Zeller Excavating, where he stayed until his retirement. It was during his time with Zeller that he met and married his final wife Gayle Marie Thorstad.

As children are want to do, his went forth and multiplied giving them 25 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and several great great-grandchildren. He returned to farming a small pear orchard as well as keeping a large garden.

He and Gayle both enjoyed gardening together. He also loved to fish with friends or by himself and was an excellent fisherman. He was the go-to guy for finding matsutake (pine) mushrooms in the fall for himself and Gayle, as well as other family members.

Eichi was never a talker, but oh boy could he listen. His favorite family activity was sitting with them and listening to the varied conversations. He loved his children and enjoyed nothing better than visits from any or all of them and he doted on all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He passed away on May 19, 2020, at home with family by his side, as he had wanted to. He leaves behind his wife of 33 years Gayle Hirata; children Harvey (Rhonda), Ed (Doreen), Eichi Jr (Ginger), Terrie (Tyler), Candie (Stanley), Sandie (Tom), Todd (Jackie) and Joanne; sisters Fusako(Masanao) and Marie (Jerry); cousins Noriko (James), Shugi Hirata; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Chieko; and son Eugene.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE is set for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Idlewilde Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.