Masato James Kobayasi

June 26, 1943 - September 18, 2013

Masato James Kobayashi, went to heaven to reunite with his loved ones on September 18, 2013. Mas, passed swiftly and peacefully as many prayed he would, he left this world with a smile on his face. Mas was born in June of 1943, in Amache, CO in a Japanese Relocation Center. He grew up in the areas of Colorado and Idaho, but spent the majority of his life in Southern CA (Redondo Beach and Gardena). Mas graduated from Gardena High School. After turning 18, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. He became an Air Traffic Control Operator and spent most of his time at Elemendorf Air Force Base in Alaska. He also served time in the Vietnam War. After completing his service, he attended Fullerton College and received his Associate of Arts Degree. Mas worked in a number of fields, but spent the majority of his life working for Canon Cameras. He worked hard and became the top sales rep and then later became a VP for the company. Mas was an avid enthusiast of all things, once he got started on a new hobby, he became fully versed. His passions mostly were golf, guns, electronics, singing, Elvis, cars and his beloved dog Koby. Mas is survived by his daughter Sarah Acoma Miller-Kobayashi Beaty, son-in-law Brett Beaty, grandson Mathias Beaty; Brother, Eiichi Kobayashi and sister-in-law Jane, Brother, Kenji Kobayashi and sister-in- law Naomi; Sister-in-Law, Susie Crow, Sister-in-Law, Alice Street (husband Jimmy), Brother-in-law Ben Miller (wife Cyndy); many cousins, nieces, nephews; many, many friends who are more like family than friends; beloved dog Koby Preceded in death by wife Deretha Sharon Miller; Father, Tsuneyoshi Kobayashi; Mother, Yae Kobayashi (Ito); In-laws, Dallis and Edna Miller; Brother-in-law, Darrel Crow; beloved friend Travis Turbyfill; many other close family and friends. The welcome party for Mas was awesome. Viewing will be Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at Hampton Funeral Home 6:00pm-8:00pm; Funeral, Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 11:00am, Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Graveside service immediately following church service at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Mas’ name to Hospice of the Valley. www.hov.org Our family has been so blessed by Hospice of the Valley, they have provided excellent care for many of our family members. Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.