Dr. Wayne Iwao Kodama, a native and resident of Fresno, passed away from complications of the influenza virus on Friday, January 24, 2014, at the age of 52. Wayne was a dentist in the Fresno area for 24 years. He was also the founder and chief executive officer for the Healthy Smiles Mobile Dental Foundation, an effort to bring quality dental care to underserved children in the Central Valley. Wayne was also a proud raisin farmer in the Biola area.
He attended Houghton-Kearney Elementary School and Central High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from University of California, Los Angeles and doctor of dental surgery degree from the Ostrow School of Dentistry of University Southern California. He was a little league baseball coach and was a life long fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wayne also had a passion for writing short stories. Wayne's favorite pastime was being with his family and supporting his kids with their activities. He was preceded in death by his father Merit. Wayne is survived by his wife Susan; daughters Miya, Aimi, and Kimiko; and son Spencer; mother Itoko; and sister Shirley.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Kodama; Dr. Shamsuddin Khwaja; and the Intensive Care Unit staff at Saint Agnes Medical Center for their excellent care.
A Funeral Service will be held at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 "L " Street in Fresno, on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at 11:00 a.m.
Remembrances may be made to the Healthy Smiles Mobile Dental Foundation, 1275 West Shaw Avenue, #101, Fresno, Ca. 93711.
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