Richard M. Kiyabu

Richard Kiyabu

Richard M. Kiyabu of Mesquite, Nevada passed away on June 20, 2011 at home, peacefully in his sleep at the age of 76. He was born on February 24, 1935 in Hilo, Hawaii to Morihiko Kiyabu and Fujiko Kiyabu (Tokeshi).

Richard was raised in Hawaii and joined the U.S. Army on February 24, 1954. He embarked on a proud and distinguished military career that spanned 20 years and two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded many meritorious commendations and citations including the Army Commendation Metal. He served in Military Intelligence as a linguist, in the 8th Infantry, as a paratrooper, Green Beret and as a company commander retiring at the rank of Major.

Richard graduated from Waipahu High School and finished in the top 10% of his class in Management in the Department of Defense (National Security Management) as an honor student at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

He was an avid golfer and enjoyed reading, traveling and spending time with friends and family. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Mitsu and daughters, Debi Lyon and Grace Chouinard; and, is survived by his daughters, Kathy Kiyabu-Bagozzi of Murrieta, CA; Patty Glenn and Leilani Glasheen of San Diego, CA; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brothers, George and Calvin; sisters Grace, Sue of Hawaii; many cousins, nieces, nephews and so very many friends.

Richard was an active member of the Elks. A memorial service will be held at the Mesquite Elk's Lodge #2811 (his home away from home) on Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.