Kaz “Rusty” Kaihara (1930-2024)

Kaz “Rusty” Kaihara, 93, of Elk Grove, CA, passed away on March 27, 2024.

Kaz was born in Sacramento, California on November 6, 1930, to Buichi and Tsuyo Kaihara. He

was the youngest and last surviving sibling of eight: Fred, Henry, Yuri, Sumi, Tom, Dorothy, and

Betty. He had fond memories of growing vegetables as a family and selling them at the market or

to local stores.

When WWII broke out in 1942 Kaz and his family were forced to an Assembly Center called

Walerga and after a few months were relocated to internment camp in Tule Lake, California.

When the family was released Kaz returned to Sacramento with his mom and sister Sumi’s

family. He went on to attend and graduate from Sacramento High School, where he met and

started dating his late wife, Clara. He held various jobs like farming, washing dishes, working at

a cannery, and finally landed a state job with Employment Development Department.

In 1951 Kaz decided to enlist in the Air Force, he became a Clerk Typist and was shipped over to

Korea for 10 months. Upon returning he spent some time in Texas, Denver, and North Africa.

After being discharged he returned to working for the State and spent 52 years there before

retiring.

In his free time, he loved to listen to music especially from his favorite artist Frank Sinatra. He

enjoyed listening, watching, and singing along with musicals such as Hello Dolly and Singin’ in

the Rain. His many hobbies included, bowling, bartending, selling jewelry, and swimming with

his grandchildren. He was the definition of a social butterfly who loved to laugh, joke, and make

friends wherever he would go.

Kaz was preceded in death by his wife Clara Mitsue Kaihara (Kuroko) and is survived by his

children; Taryn Abe and husband Glenn, Corey Kaihara and wife Deanna, grandchildren; Krysta

Kaihara, Ashley Efhan (Riki), Britney Abe (John), Derek Kaihara (Anna), Brent Abe, great-

grandchildren Delicia Chanthalangsy and Royce Efhan, sister in-law Doris Kuroko and many

nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life will be held to honor his life. Please contact the family for details.