Keith Yukio Higa born on June 16, 1967 in Los Angeles, departed unexpectedly on Nov. 23, 2015 at the age of 48. Keith leaves his wife of 24 years-Ellen, sons-Bryant & Joshua, parents-Richard & Masae, brothers-Lance & Craig, sister in law-Tomoko & niece-Sarina, and many other relatives. Service: Mission Valley Free Methodist Church, San Gabriel on 12/9 at 10am, Burial: Rose Hills, Whittier at 12:45pm.
He was a respected Positron Emission Tomography pharmacist and pharmacy manager for 15 years. Earned his Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of the Pacific. Expert in his field & mentor to many. Also was a volunteer specialist with the LAPD Hazardous Materials Unit, subject matter expert in radiation. Very active with various youth groups: Yonsei Basketball, Suburban Optimist Club and Youth Group, SEYO Basketball, Orange County Buddhist Church Boy Scouts, Troop 578. He was an Assistant Scout Master and long time SOC basketball coach.
Keith enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, listening to John Denver, rock hunting, wine tasting, eating pizza and playing craps in Vegas. He played club soccer as a youth and was a record holder for JACL track in high hurdles and long jump. Recently had an opportunity to join the family on a houseboat trip to Shasta Lake, and visited Japan for the first time with Yonsei Basketball. Always ready to get the job done with a smile, he will be missed immensely.