Yoshinaga, Masanobu "Mas" 1926-2012

YOSHINAGA, MAEDA, SUGAWARA

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 10/18/2012 at 07:58:22

In the blink of a camera flash, the remarkable life of Masanobu "Mas" Yoshinaga came to a peaceful ending on Friday, February 10, 2012. His passing followed 85 years of capturing cherished images and creating lasting memories on film and in the hearts of all who loved him.

A longtime resident of Newton, Mas died at the Veterans Administration Community Living Center (CLC), Des Moines. He fought lung and bladder cancer with unwavering strength, conceding nothing to the challenges of those illnesses. He was sincerely humbled and tremendously thrilled to participate with fellow World War II veterans as part of the 2010 Jasper County Honor Flight.

Mas was born on September 25, 1926, in Honohino, Hawaii, to Sonosuke Yoshinaga and Hama Abe, immigrants from Japan. He was gifted and graced with an endearing smile, kind soul, joyful spirit and amazing eye for nature's beauty.

Mas proudly answered America's call during World War II. He served as an interpreter in the Military Intelligence Service of the U.S. Army in Tokyo, Japan. He graduated from Grinnell College in 1951 and began working for his brother, Kaneichi (Konnie), who operated a longtime chick sexing business in Newton.

With a growing interest in photography, Mas joined the Tyler Studio, Newton, in 1957 and later purchased that operation. There, he dedicated himself to mastering the art of portraiture. Through his lens came hundreds of graduation, wedding and family photographs that remain prized keepsakes. In 1987, Mas relocated his photography business to the headquarters of Maytag Corporation, Newton, providing portraiture and general photography services to the company. He retired in 2007 as chief photographer to the organization.

Rather than return to his native Hawaii, Mas preferred Newton as his retirement home, enabling him to enjoy and appreciate the ever-changing seasonal snapshots and scenic elegance of central Iowa - the snow-covered landscapes of winter; blossoming flowers of spring; radiant summer sunsets; fiery hues of falling autumn leaves; and vivid rainbow colors that brilliantly overshadowed the darkest rainy days.

Away from his viewfinder, Mas filled days with reading at the library, playing tennis, walking and visiting with friends. He was an active member in the Japan America Society of Des Moines and excelled at water balloon yoyoing. Many friends were presented with his carefully crafted origami.

Those left to carry forward the virtues of a life well lived include his two sisters: Mitsuyo "Mitzie" (Saichi) Maeda of Hilo, Hawaii, and Fusako "Fusa" (Bill) Sugawara of Los Angeles, Calif.; a brother: Nobu (Bea) Yoshinaga of Honolulu, Hawaii; 10 nieces and nephews; and countless friends who will profoundly miss his enriching company, humble selflessness and his smiling eyes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Momoye and Shigeko; and three brothers: Konnie, Kiyoto and Haruyuki.

Mas will be laid to rest at a family burial plot in Hawaii. Locally, a celebration honoring his life will held at a time yet to be determined on Sunday, March 11, at the American Legion Hall, Newton. Memorials in Mas' name will benefit the funding of future Freedom Flights for Jasper County veterans. Contributions can be made at the life celebration event. ~ The Newton Independent, Newton, Iowa, February 14, 2012.