Professor Joe Yamamoto, MD, Ph.D passed away in his sleep while at the hospital on May 24, 2009. Although his passing was quick, his loving family, including Maria, his wife of 61 years, his sons Eric and Andy, his daughter- in-law Magda and his granddaughters Kristina and Kathy were able to be at the hospital with him. He is also survived by his brothers William and Harry, in-laws Ayako Fujitomi, Cathy Mochizuki, Ruth, Okuni, Chiyo and Betty or "Yone" Yamamoto and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Joe's many accomplishments are inspiring. Despite discrimination and being forcibly placed in a World War II relocation camp, Joe managed to get out of camp, go to college, study medicine, and eventually psychiatry. Joe taught psychiatry on the faculties of the Univ. of Oklahoma, USC, and UCLA. His tours at cross town rivals USC and UCLA lasted decades giving his sons practical lessons in rivalry and tolerance. His hundreds of academic presentations and papers enriched our understanding of cross cultural and cross cultural psychiatric issues.

More importantly, Joe, beloved by his numerous friends and family was a good man whose kindness and smile will be sorely missed.

The family had a private memorial service for Joe on Saturday, May 30, 2009.