Kenji Fujii's Obituary
KENJI FUJII A lively gentleman peacefully passed away on February 19, 2008 after living a full life of 89 years. Kenji Fujii was born in Ashland, California on March 27, 1918. He was an inventive and resourceful grower of carnations and foliage plants in Hayward, California. His father Rutaro Fujii began a cut flower nursery in Oakland during 1910, married Katsu Yokobori in 1912 and moved to Hayward in 1920 to grow carnations at the corner of Soto Road and Orchard Avenue. Kenji and his five sisters worked in the nursery until the spring of 1942 when they and other families of Japanese descent were evacuated from the West Coast. After internment in Topaz, Utah, the family returned to Hayward and fortunately to the nursery they were forced to leave. Kenji was a progressive flower grower who was able to assist his sisters with their college educations. His sister Kimiko Fujii completed college and joined him in the business. In 1949, Kenji married Allyce Hirabayashi and had two sons. Allyce also worked in the nursery, later became a florist and opened Fujii’s Florist. Kenji’s enthusiasm for the cut flower industry led to his election as president of the American Carnation Society and his name on an orchid bred by Rod McLellan. Kenji thanked Rod for the honor and was happy that Rod did not grow pansies. A dramatic change in the floral business forced Kenji to change from growing cut flowers to container grown plants. He asked his sons to join him in this new venture which later became the Plant Outlet, a retail nursery. Allyce was diagnosed with cancer in 1984. Kenji devoted all his energy to Allyce’s well being until she died at home in 1986. Beginning in 1990, a changing business climate prompted the sad realization that the nursery, after surviving several major changes, would now have to close. The closing of the business in 1992 and later the sale of the nursery property deeply saddened Kenji. However he realized that the savings and sacrifices he and his departed wife Allyce had made could now allow him the freedom to enjoy a new life. He became active in the Hayward Historical Society and the Lions; he traveled to countries which he longed to visit. Skydiving and bungee jumping were his two ways of tempting fate and “staying young”. Kenji is survived by his son, Walter Fujii, (Sharon Hemling), granddaughters, Sarah and Allyson; and his son Victor Fujii, (Kathy Morimoto) and granddaughter, Laurel. His sister with whom he worked, Kimiko Kitiyama resides in Union City. He has one other surviving sister, Sumiko Biderman of Falls Church, Virginia. Friends and family are most welcome to join together in celebrating Kenji’s life at the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church 32975 Alvarado-Niles Road in Union City, California. Services will begin at 2:00 PM, Sunday February 24, 2008 and will be immediately followed by a reception. His family is very grateful to the staff of the Umenoki Gardens Senior Home 32965 Alvarado Niles Road; Union City, CA 94587. The attention provided to him made his final days ones of tender care and comfort. Contributions to the Umenoki Gardens Senior Home or your favorite charitable organization are encouraged. Chapel of the Chimes 510-471-3363
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