Ronald Uyeshima's Obituary
Ronald Hironori Uyeshima, aka Trout to a wide circle of friends, aged 61, a resident of San Mateo, passed away Dec. 5, 2016, of complications from pancreatic cancer. Ron was born Oct. 20, 1955, in Tokyo to Taikyo Uyeshima and Faye Fumiye Uyeshima.He will be remembered for his sense of humor and a love of film, books, golf, baseball, poker, good food – and a passion for sushi and music that he shared with friends in illuminating ways. Lucky visitors could count on trips to the finest sushi spots, and Ron’s “Trout Tapes” – an ongoing series of music mix compilations – introduced fortunate “subscribers” to countless new artists and songs. One of his favorite moments came when a Stanford student recognized Ron’s voice and introduced himself as a fan of Ron’s weekly, late-night radio show broadcast from the campus station.Ron moved to San Mateo in 1961 and lived two blocks from his most recent residence until 1967. He attended Parkside Elementary and Bayside Middle School and was active in Scouting in a Japanese-American troop. His family moved to Dallas, where he attended junior high and graduated from Kimball High School in 1973.Ron returned to California to attend Stanford University, where he majored in film and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts. He also earned a Master of Management degree from Northwestern University in 1979, after which he returned to Dallas and accidentally landed a position at in the Republic Bank credit training program.Eight years later, while working for LaSalle Partners, he was introduced to Sarah Sams. Thus began a nearly 30-year love story between Sarah and Ron. After a few years chasing and dating Sarah – and shortly after she shared that she did not see a romantic future with him – he returned to Oakland, California, to be close to his family. He owned an AlphaGraphics business in Palo Alto and later became a consultant to print shops in the Bay Area.Ron continued to visit pals in Dallas annually until he died and, though he stayed in happy touch with Sarah after she moved to Denver – sending books and “Trout” tapes and talking by phone – they did not see one another for 18 years.When he learned last August that he had cancer, Ron called Sarah to share the diagnosis – and both were emotionally devastated. Spontaneously, Ron poured out his lifelong love for Sarah – a secret he’d kept from all but a few close friends. A week later, after several phone calls, Sarah flew to see Ron so they could formulate a plan enabling her to stay with him during his battle with cancer.After 18 years of hearing Ron’s voice over the phone and an additional week before her flight to California – reflecting on Ron’s profession of love and conveying her love for him – Sarah’s longtime attraction to Ron was instantly confirmed when she saw him waiting for her at the SFO baggage claim. She’d had only one date during that 18-year span and neither she nor Ron had married anyone else. It was also obvious to both that her move to be with Ron was far more than just as a friend and caregiver.Sarah and Ron were married in a ceremony in October at their home in San Mateo – an event commemorated by photos taken under a special orange tree in the backyard. They were surrounded by seven guests who represented family and friends unable to attend a ceremony that was quickly arranged due to complications from and safety restrictions dictated by Ron’s chemo treatments.Friends and family were touched and overwhelmed by Ron’s valiant courage during his illness – but not remotely surprised. As he wrote in one of his final emails, exulting over an infusion of strength and energy provided by his impending marriage, “I am not afraid!”As she’d promised, Sarah was with Ron until his last breath. She fulfilled his lifelong dream to marry her. He fulfilled her lifelong dream to be married to a wonderful man who loved her beyond her wildest dreams. In spite of his suffering, he showered his love on Sarah daily during his last days as she cared for him. Sarah says that “I couldn’t imagine loving anyone as much as I love Ron.”He is survived by his wife Sarah Sams Uyeshima of San Mateo, his brother Ed Uyeshima of San Francisco, and his father Taikyo Uyeshima of Cupertino. He was preceded in death by his mother Faye Fumiye Uyeshima. He also will be missed by his new nephew, Rex Tomlinson, and his parents, Houston Sams and Peter Tomlinson, of Los Angeles. They were all excited about getting to know each other. Ron is also survived by many lifelong friends who have been family and shared their families with Ron.An inurnment gathering will be held Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the family niche at Skylawn in San Mateo, followed by a reception at the Uyeshima home in San Mateo. Please contact Sarah Sams Uyeshima for additional details. A memorial “party” will be held in early 2017 in Dallas, where many of Ron’s friends will gather and share more stories of a “Great Trout.”Special thanks to: – Randy Washam, for keeping Ron’s circle of friends informed of his journey. – Ron’s and Sarah’s friends, who were so supportive of their journey these last few months. Without your encouragement and support, this journey would have been impossible. – Amy Malcolm and Evelynne Sneed, who confirmed that Sarah should go to Ron immediately and not, as he’d originally suggested, wait a few months. – Laura Ellen Millender, M.D. Dr. Millander’s compassion and empathy were an incredible encouragement to Ron.Because space is limited for the Sunday gathering, please do not send flowers to the funeral home. Feel free to make a donation in Ron’s name to an organization of your choice. His greatest wish was to be remembered by his loved ones. As Warren Zevon wrote, “Shadows are fallin’ and I’m runnin’ out of breath / Keep me in your heart for a while / If I leave you it doesn’t mean I love you any less / Keep me in your heart for a while.”Portrait by Laura Reoch/www.September-Days.com
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