Paul Junichi Matsumura

Oct. 14, 1925 - Jan. 20, 2007
Paul Junichi Matsumura, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007.

Mr. Matsumura was born Oct. 14, 1925 to Sadahiko and Sumiyo Matsumura in Esparto. He attended school in Esparto graduating in 1943 from Amache Internment Camp High School in Colorado. He left camp to enlist in the United States Army where he served two tours of duty. Upon his return, he met and married his wife of 58 years, Tamiyo. He farmed in Esparto until his retirement until 1991. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, golf and driving around inspecting the farmland.

He is survived by his wife Tamiyo; sister Shuny Sagara; sons Jerry Matsumura and wife Leanna, Paul Matsumura and Tori; daughter Kathy Green and husband Jeremy; grandchildren Reiko Matsumura, Tammy Machado, Natasha Matsumura, Taylour Matsumura, Alexis Matsumura, Tammy Santiago and Myrna Spiva.

He is preceded in death by his grandson Hiroshi Matsumura.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, 2401 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento. A private burial service will be held at a later date. McNary’s Chapel of Woodland is assisting the family with arrangements.

Another member of my grandparents’ generation has passed. I don’t know that I’d seen Paul since I was a very little boy, but his sister spends a lot of time with my grandma at her rest home. Plus, the Matsumuras were one of the other Japanese families that I grew up around in Esparto.

A sad day, indeed. My best to the Matsumura family.