Paul M. Ozaki

Paul M. Ozaki

Paul Motohiko Ozaki passed away on Monday, October 31, 2011 at his home in Pasco, Washington. He was born July 15, 1925 in Otay, California to Harry K. Ozaki and Kumae Tamaki Ozaki. He grew up in California with his five siblings. Paul and his family spent three years in a Japanese Relocation Camp in Poston, Arizona during World War II. After the war, Paul moved to Nevada.

He married Matsuye (Mitzi) Yamashita on December 26, 1948. They had four children: Paul Andelin, Alan Ozaki, Kimi Ozaki (who died shortly after birth), and Tami Moore. Paul, Mitzi and their children were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple on April 27, 1968.

Paul and Mitzi were active in the school, church and community in Moapa Valley where they lived and were much beloved by all who knew them. Paul served in the Bishopric of the Logandale 1st Ward and Mitzi was very active in serving in the Young women’s organization when she passed away.

A skillful farmer, Paul raised and shipped from his farm in Logandale thousands of crates of radishes, lettuce, carrots, green onions, tomato plants, and many other vegetable row crops during a time when Moapa Valley boasted many beautiful fields of such crops. He loved farming and was not only an excellent farmer but a skilled businessman.

Paul and Mitzi were always friendly, always smiling, always a positive influence on those around them. They both took a special interest in the youth. Paul was a willing mentor and friend to many young “ag boys” when they came to him for advice or help relating to their individual “ag projects”.

A few years after the death of his wife Mitzi, in 1980, Paul moved to Washington. He spent the remainder of his life living both in Federal Way and Pasco, Washington with his family.

Paul found great joy in working in his two-acre garden, but he found life in being with his family. He loved to be with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was their biggest fan. He was a hardworking, generous, and supportive man. He was also a great friend and a grandpa to so many. He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his testimony of its truthfulness made him the person he was.

He is survived by his three children, Paula (Robert) Andelin, Alan (Melissa) Ozaki, Tami (Jim) Moore; and his brother Ed (Bootie) Ozaki and his sister Helen (Akira) Takeshita; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, November 11, 2011 at the Pasco Stake Center in Pasco, Washington under the direction of Mueller’s Greenlee Funeral Home.