Colin Leong

Stanley T. Miyashiro

March 22, 1944 - November 25, 2013

Stanley  Tetsuo Miyashiro, I'll remember you. 

I remember when we met at Iolani School in 1959. You had transferred from Mid-Pacific Institute. You were immaculately dressed and wore white, I mean REALLY WHITE, buckskin shoes. I have to believe  that you were solely responsible for half of the Iolani Sophomore Class wearing  "white-bux" shoes, the following year. .... BTW, you know that there were 93 in our graduating class. And you always said that you and I were ranked 92 & 93. I'm not sure who was 93...you or me?

I remember playing 9th Grade and JV Basketball together .... along with your patented jump shot....(If I recall, I think Jayson acquired the patent to that jump shot).....You went on to play Varsity, of course,  as well as football & baseball. 

I remember going to SamPan Inn @ Kewalo Basin where your family had their restaurant.....And was always greeted with open arms by your Mom & Dad.  As we left, I would often hear them ask.... on separate occasions....:  "Stanley, "you have enough money"?

I remember your Blue '59 Oldsmobile...or was it '57. I forget.
I remember going late night drag racing with you to Makua Cave on the west end of Oahu. Then, to avoid a Police raid, we would continue to encircle the island via Kaena Point, the western-most tip of the island. The road, if you want to call it that, was barely wide enough for one car and would wind along the volcanic coastal shore with the Pacific Ocean well over 100 feet below ....... but only to arrive home safely @5 o'clock the next morning & being greeted at the front door by  my Mom with: "where are you GOING so early?"  

I remember the late night sessions at the pool hall. Another patent for your pool stroke. I wonder if Jayson has that patent, too. 

I remember the sleep-overs, when we were supposed to be cramming for Finals. I think we did more sleeping than studying. 

I remember going on double dates together.... with my wife-to-be, Pam, as my date. 

I remember you & I coaching a group of boys from Church of the Crossroads, close to the Miyashiro family home on  Bingham Street, trying to instill the implementation of the 1-3-1 Defense with the  Fast  Break for offense. I don't think we won a single game. 

I remember how Priscilla, Your younger sister, always treated you and your friends like royalty, whenever we were at your house. I always wished my sisters were more like Priscilla. 
I remember the years we were together in the school choir...always ready to croon "Blue Moon" and "Tear Drops"...in perfect duet harmony ... of course.   

I remember 1962, the year we graduated and when the entire Miyashiro family moved to Los Angeles. 
I remember visiting you while I was at USF in San Francisco. Then,  more often... when Pam transferred to Whittier College in Los Angeles.  

I remember you picking me up from the Mayflower Hotel in downtown Los Angeles as I attended my very first Men's Market Week @ The Biltmore Hotel. 

I remember playing on the pool-table that you bought before you even had a place for it. So you built a "room"  around the table. 

I remember Jayson & Tiffanie as youngsters ....and me being fortunate   enough to attend some eventful family celebrations. 

I remember you helping Pam's twin sisters move in and out of their apartment, when they were teaching in Los Angeles. 
I remember, also, you helping  all three of my daughters move into their college dorms and adjust to collegiate life. 

I remember both you and Sandy being in Honolulu to attend the wedding of Lee-Anne, our oldest daughter.

I remember visiting often, while on business. And always greeted with freshly baked pies, special dinners and lots of  omeyagi to take home. And, not to forget your AMAZING pie crust dough....which was always hand carried home in several 5lb zip lock bags. 

I remember landing at LAX and going straight to Roy's Diner, downtown. Where your mom would do eggs over easy, Portuguese sausage and rice. 

I remember, also,  you sharing your custom tailor with me where I had  several suits made. 

I remember stopping in Los Angeles, on the way to Las Vegas, with my parents and Pam. We would stop at your home, where you & Sandy prepared a full-on breakfast for all of us....my mother will be 98 this year, and as recent as last week, she asked about you and your family. She remembers visiting your home and how much she enjoyed that breakfast. I had to share the sad news with her. She sends her deepest sympathies to the entire family. 

I will miss a great and endearing friend, of over 50 years ...your  wit & humor ... your athleticism...your enthusiasm for life and family ...your always-positive-attitude.  

Stan, I'll remember you......always.

Heartfelt condolences from our family to your family. 

          
May God rest your soul and enjoy the Gifts of Heaven. 

   Amen

December 14, 2014

Colin