We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Buck’s passing. He was always so friendly and warm and supportive. He was the pillar of the family always willing to listen and give needed advice. He will be sore.y missed.
Rest in peace Uncle Buck.
Love,
Yoshiko and Art

Louise Mekata (Rich's wife), Buck, Sandy Mekata (Kenji and Minnie Mekata's daughter), and Bob Otani (Sachi Mekata's husband) at a 25-year anniversary party in San Mateo in August 1990.

Ruth Mekata (Fred/Teru Mekata's wife) and Buck at Mark and Michelle Otani wedding in May 1994. Ruth passed away in April 2023. We miss you Ruth.

Art Yoshihara (Yoshiko Mekata's husband), Len and Buck at a Yoshihara wedding in February 2002.

October 1986, mostly Miyaharas in this photo, Jerry and Vivian's reception at Buck and Mary/Keiko's backyard in San Jose.

Miyaharas at the June 2004 golf outing and BBQ at Fred (Teru) and Ruth Mekata's house in Calabasas.

One more story to share about Uncle Buck that I shared with the Dean of the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy and was included in an alumni newsletter:  Uncle Buck was the first pharmacist in our family (I'm proudly the third).  His journey wasn't easy.  He wanted to go to UCSF but he had heard from friends that UC's weren't admitting Japanese Americans.  So he (and others) applied to the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy where he and his friends were accepted and eventually graduated.  He would go on to own three pharmacies (Mary-El, Sunrise Plaza and Pearl Avenue Pharmacies) with his close friend Tom Yamasaki and my Dad, Hiro Miyahara.

I've shared these stories with Aunty Mary, Joyce, Len & Jer already, but would like to share them with everyone here:

Here's something I learned from Uncle Buck by just observing him in action:  One time, when we were playing golf, I was in his group and we pick-up a single player--so it must not have been during Lake Tahoe or a Winter Classic.  Uncle Buck was just himself--being excited for anyone's good shot and encouraging when things didn't work out.  At the end of the round, the other player turned to Uncle Buck, shook his hand and said something to the effect of: "This was the most enjoyable round I've had in a long time.  Thank you so much, Buck."  Now, I don't play a lot of golf and now a days I play mostly as a single.  I can TOTALLY appreciate how a stranger might not feel comfortable in a threesome, but because of Uncle Buck's example, I try to be as friendly and engaged as he was to make the round a fun one.

Dad recently told me about a time when he was a kid, probably in junior high when Uncle Buck came home from undergrad during a holiday break.  Uncle Buck was working as a houseboy to support himself while in undergrad.  He knew he had to get back to his job sometime during the holiday break because the family he worked for wouldn't lift a finger in his absence.  So, he ask Dad to join him on the trip back up to Berkeley to help him clean up the house.  Dad recalls going with Uncle Buck and seeing the biggest house he ever saw...and walking into this huge kitchen with plates, pots and pans piled up.  He says he helped Uncle Buck clean up that house all day.  Probably not telling this right, but I think it showed my Dad what it would take to be able to leave the ranch.  He said he will always appreciate Uncle Buck for showing him that he could be more than a ranch hand--that he could be somebody.

Buck was an absolutely wonderful person. I can't even imagine anyone who knew him would say otherwise, whether it be a relative, friend,  golf partner, customer, business associate, neighbor (need I go on?).  Everyone of us second generation Mekata siblings of our sister Mary/Keiko are so grateful to her and Buck for all things little, big, and enormous, from hosting so many family celebrations, offering advice when asked, to supporting our parents in times of need from the very beginning through their final years of life. It appears they both did similar things for the Miyahara siblings. What an amazing couple! I'll finish with something Buck told me when my wife Louise and I were dating starting back in 1969. I didn't know how to take it at the time, but it still amuses me to this day (I'm 74 now). I don't remember his exact words, but it was essentially the same as "she's out of your league, how did you pull this off?" Forever rest in peace Buck, you are the shining example of a life well lived.

Frank (Shig) Mekata, wife Carol, Eddie (Kenji) Mekata, Louise Mekata (Rich's wife), Leandra Mekata (their daughter), and Buck.
Otani wedding, May 1994

Frank (Shig) Mekata, wife Carol, Eddie (Kenji) Mekata, Louise Mekata, Leandra Mekata (Rich & Louise's daughter), and Buck, May 1994 at Otani wedding.

October 2000, Miyaharas at a Yoshihara wedding.

Lillian Mekata-Supnet, Louise Mekata (Rich's wife), Buck, and Tony Supnet, February 2002 at a Yoshihara wedding.

October 2000, Miyaharas at a Mekata-Yoshihara wedding

Buck and Mary/Keiko, July 1997 at Lori Mekata's wedding

Buck with their dog, Christmas 1979, with Mekata family, near the end of the evening.

A classic memory of Jichan was whenever any type of competition was happening specifically any form of golf (mini golf or regular golf) he would always say he would “whoop ya” I always loved his confidence and drive for a good competition

My favorite most memorable time with Jichan was when he came down with Bachan and Joyce to socal to see my graduation and after I thanked him for coming all this way to see my graduation he told me, “ I wouldn’t miss it for the world”

Jichan and my dad, Jerry, were the two that introduced me to the game of golf.  My first set of real golf clubs was from Jichan for my 5th birthday - I still remember opening them up and running across the street from Bachan and Jichan’s San Jose house to Bagby Elementary School park to take my first swings.  
This picture was taken back in 2019 at Lake Tahoe Golf Course, where I had the fortune to be in Jichan’s grouping for his last full round of golf.  It’s a memory I will keep with me for the rest of my life.  Whether it was on the golf course or mini golf, Jichan would make sure to trash talk me - telling me “Ohhh I’m gonna WHOOP you!” 

My favorite childhood memory of Jichan was going on a bike ride every day with just me and him through Dry Creek Road, near their home in San Jose. If you’re familiar with Dry Creek Road, you know this is a downhill and winding road. I was no older than 5 years old and Jichan would SPEED down the street with me on the back of the bike. Although I was terrified we were going too fast, I knew Jichan wouldn’t let me get hurt. I couldn’t ask for a more fun, loving, kind, and giving Jichan - he is someone I strive to be more like every day. 

Blake Miyahara

When I was 18, Jichan said, "Let's go get one of those, slush things."
I said, "Slurpees? Jichan I'm WAY too old for those. Those are for kids."
Jichan said, "Well I want one!"
He asked me to make a good one, and I filled up his cup. He took one sip and gave it to me saying, "Welp I'm full." It took me a minute to realize I've been played, but it was the best slurpee I ever had.

I was lucky enough to have a lifetime of memories with Jichan. Yes he was there for every graduation, every milestone. He was also there to watch Pokemon with me after school every day asking, "Why do we have to watch the kid with Zs on his face?" We had dinner and played cards once a week. He would wrap his big warm sweatshirt around me if I ever got cold. I fell asleep on his lap countless times. We would sing his inappropriate songs all through the house to Bachan's chagrin (OH the monkey wrapped his tail around the flag pole, to see the grass grow). I'll never be able to capture through a few words and photos what he meant to me.

I am so grateful that we were able to spend so much time with Gichan.   So many great memories and laughs over the many years.  Even as his physical abilities was going, his sense of humor never left.  We are really going to miss you Gichan, but thank you for all that you have done for us.

Lake Tahoe was probably Jiichan’s favorite time. As a kid and an adult, I always looked forward to the “horse ob July” because it meant wonderful memories in the biggest family gathering around. None of the people I know ever did anything like it. From hanging out on the beach and arcade as a kid, to actually playing golf and blackjack with my Jiichan as an adult, and always the big family softball game, layers upon layers of memories were made. I will always remember his laughter and his big playful heart. I will always strive to work harder and do everything I can for the family I have now because of him. Whenever I get to take a break and enjoy a beefeaters martini with a twist and 2 olives, I’ll always toast to the best grandfather anyone could ever have.  I love you Jiichan.

Uncle Buck and Auntie Mary were always so supportive to all of us, attending milestones wherever they could, including high school graduations of their great nephews and nieces. The great patriarch of the Miyahara family was so so loved and will be deeply missed.

Nothing beat a Miyahara New Year’s celebration! Going to Uncle Buck and Auntie Mary’s for family get togethers was always the highlight of the holiday season.

NYE 2010

This is how I will always remember Uncle Buck-life of the party, laughing, joking, loving. What a gift to grow up in this family and have awesome memories to carry with us forever. Holidays, mochitsuki, falling asleep in church, Tahoe trips, poker/hana, beach trips, yummy food and LOTS of laughs. We had the added joy of walking home from a day of school at Bagby and seeing Uncle Buck working in the yard through the gate. He’d welcome us in, and Jeff and Jarrett would get to play on the basketball court, or on the grass (I think Jarrett cut his head on a sprinkler one time😂). Auntie Mary would bring our snacks and we would sit in the shade and just talk and laugh watching the boys play. 
Uncle Buck was the best. He exuded so much love and kindness and joy-and we all felt it. He’ll continue to live on in our hearts and through our many wonderful memories. 

We love you, Uncle Buck 💕
Scott, Mer, Jeffrey and Jarrett

This is how I’ll always remember Jichan. I always felt like he looked at his family with a quiet pride, in a way that was special and characteristic to him. He always had a soft spot for little kids. Always wanted to make us laugh with silly stories or sayings. And when we grew up he always loved and accepted us. He lived a full life and I am so proud of everything my Jichan was able to overcome and accomplish and for the family that he and Bachan created. I hope he still looks down on us all just like this. I love you Jichan!

My heartfelt condolences to All. I wish I had a closer relationship with Buck, but it was clear what a good man he was just by the warmth & joy I experienced every time I went to his home. So God bless everyone, and hopefully I'll catch up with him on the back 9!

Dear Mary. 
We were sad to hear of Bucks passing. He lived such a good long life we have to shout hallelujah as he is now free from his 94 year old body. We know you will miss him so much.  Your life is so full of so many wonderful fun memories.

We also are thankful for our many memories. Our families blended so well together when your amazing son Jerry joined our family. 
One memory we have a picture of is at Avery’s birthday at 8 years old, we played a game at the kitchen table where we all hung a spoon on our nose.  So fun with the kids.  

We remember when you and Buck visited us in st george just for the evening. We went to dinner without Darold and came back and Buck said take Darold to hospital. We did and he had surgery. We always thanked Buck for knowing what to do. 
Our thoughts and prayers are with you , Mary
Love forever, Darold and Bonnie

Though Georgia never got to devour oranges off Jichan's tree or berries from his garden, some of my favorite childhood memories in San Jose. I'm SO grateful she had numerous experiences with her O-Jichan in this life, despite the distance we lived. I'll have so many stories to tell my kids about their amazing O-Jichan.

I remember his hands, always strong, yet so tender.  He never missed a milestone. He was part of my life since day 1, from my baby blessing to my baptism, to cheer competitions to my high school graduation. I always knew he loved me and was proud of me, a secure constant that was such a blessing in my life.

The most precious gift of all – Jichan was able to met Georgia and Ezra. To see him hold my babies, to witness the same tender love he had shown me passed down to them, was a blessing beyond words. His gentle touch on their tiny toes and how he shared his chocolate chip cookie with Georgia was too cute, those moments are etched into my soul!

Jichan really loved his granddaughters. He was always so genuinely  excited to see us, every single time. Like, his whole face would light up when we walked in the room. He'd always ask about our day, really listen, and make us feel like we were telling the most important story in the world. He would always laugh at our stories,  and you just felt this warm, happy feeling when he was around. I can still smell his coffee breath at the end of a fun day, sitting on that leather couch in the den in San Jose, watching a movie or a giants/warriors/49ers game.

Jichan made me feel safe. He was my friend and my cheerleader. He was the embodiment of unconditional love. His love wasn't just spoken, it was lived. It was in the way he listened and the way he smiled. He made every moment feel significant and every accomplishment feel celebrated. I will always cherish when he taught me how to drive in the church parking lot when i was 15 and his wonky elbow bone teaching me how to turn the wheel will stay with me, every thing that made his unique I will cherish. He and Bachan were there for every major moment in my life and for that, I will forever be grateful. The many photos of these life milestones with Jichan in them are so special to me.

OBITUARY

Kazumi Buck Miyahara

November 27, 1930 – April 5, 2025

Miller Memorial Chapel

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