Tamio Suyama

Passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Age 96. Beloved husband of Machiko (nee Mori). Loving father of William (Barbara) and David (Lynette Jarreau). Proud grandfather of Wendy (Kevin Leonard) Suyama, Amy (Adam Barnes) Suyama-Barnes and Scott (Nicole Chavez) Suyama. Cherished great-grandfather of Annelise & Everly Leonard and Parker & Penelope Barnes. He is further survived by his niece, Sally (Kawamura) Kikukawa, nephew, Ted Kawamura, and their families. Tom was born in Kent, Washington, to Jinzo and Asano Suyama. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Haruo Ishida, older sister, Akiko Kawamura, and younger sister, Chieko Young.

Tom was a World War II veteran who took pride in being born on Flag Day, June 14, 1922. Tom volunteered for the army while interned at the Minidoka camp in Idaho, after the U.S. government removed persons of Japanese ancestry, including American-born citizens, to incarceration camps at the start of World War II. He served in the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion of the almost entirely Japanese American 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which is the most decorated unit in military history.  In 2009, his son, Dave, accompanied him on a Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Two years later, he again went to Washington DC with his son, Bill, where he and his unit received the Congressional Gold Medal.

After the war, Tom moved to Milwaukee and attended The Layton School of Art. On August 19, 1950, he married Machiko (Marty) Mori. Tom and Marty joined West Granville Presbyterian Church in 1956. Tom worked at Ken Cook Company and retired after 36 years.

Tom enjoyed his family, tennis, archery, golf, archery golf, singing in the church choir, and grilling out. He was an accomplished artist whose talent was evident in his photographs, calligraphy, wood carvings, and origami. He enthusiastically shared his origami skills at the Holiday Folk Fair for many years. His cultural education service was recognized by the Folk Fair when he was honored by being selected for their Volunteer Wall of Fame. Tom was a 1000 Club Life member of the Japanese American Citizens League. He had served on the Wisconsin chapter board and was a recipient of its Member of The Year recognition.

Tom was an incredibly kind and loving person with a witty sense of humor and a strong dedication to his family. He was admired by all who knew him and will be forever remembered and missed by those whose lives he touched.

Memorial Gathering at West Granville Presbyterian Church, 6935 North 107th Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53224 on Wednesday, June 5 from 5:00 PM until time of Service at 6:00 PM.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials to West Granville, Wisconsin JACL, or a charity of your choice are appreciated.