Henry Okabayashi

Henry Okabayashi passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on July 11, 1938, in Sacramento, Henry was the beloved son of Wataru and Tomiye Okabayashi and the second of four boys.

As a child, Henry and his family were relocated to the Tule Lake Internment Camp during World War II-an experience that shaped his resilience and strength. In 1959, he proudly joined the U.S. Army, serving as a Quartermaster in Central California, Virginia, Texas, and for two years in Metz, France. After his military service, Henry attended Sacramento City College, where he earned an associate's degree. He landed a job in 1965, beginning a 35 year career as a draftsman. He spent 22 of those years working at SMUD until his retirement in 1999.

In retirement, Henry enjoyed a full life-spending time with family, golfing, bowling, gathering with friends for weekly breakfasts, and trying his luck at the slot machines in local casinos. He shared 45 loving years of marriage with his wife, Ruth, until her passing in 2016.

Henry is preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his parents Wataru and Tomiye, and his brother Tom. He is survived by his daughter Alison (Sean) Adams; grandsons Connor and Brendan Fitzgerald, and Finley Adams; his brothers Stanley and Ken (Peggy) Okabayashi; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will carry his memory in their hearts.