Ben T Hirase's Obituary
Ben T Hirase, beloved husband, wonderful dad, awesome papa and lifetime best friend passed away on January 6, 2011.
Ben T Hirase was born in National City, CA on April 4, 1933 to Toraye Ukegawa Hirase and Hikotaro Hirase. He moved to Salt Lake City, UT with his parents after being released from the Interment camp in 1945. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He married his best friend and life partner Joan Webb Hirase on November 23, 1963. He worked for Associated Foods in the produce department for 30 years he retired from Associated in 1988 and went to work for Quality Produce he retired from Quality in 2008.
Ben loved life and he loved to laugh, he was always ready for a practical joke whether he was receiving or giving. Everyone who knew Ben knew him for his kindness and generosity. He enjoyed spending time with his family and supporting the kids/grandkids in all their endeavors. He loved to bowl and loved to coach anyone who asked him to. He bowled a 300 game in 1993. He loved to golf and had a hole-in-one in 1978. He loved animals of all sorts and they loved him too. There was not an animal he had that he could not train.
Ben is survived by Joan, his wife of 47 years, his sons Vern and James his daughter Kelly Leger, his grandkids, Joshua Leger and Alex Mariko Leger, his sisters Eunice Yamane and Edith Harada, his brothers Sam and Frank, and a large extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, and his wonderful brothers Kay and Joe.
The family would like to express special thanks to all of the physicians and staff at the U of U Hospital and Huntsman Center for their care and VistaCare for the gift of having Ben at home in comfort during his last days.
Funeral services will be 12 Noon, Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the Oquirrh Point 1st Ward LDS Chapel, 6253 West 6200 South, West Jordan, UT an open house will be held from 10:00a.m. To 12:00P.M.
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