Kazuo Miya

Kazuo Miya passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at the age of 95.  He was at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on April 11, 1924, in Clearfield, UT, to Gontaro and Soyo Kawaguchi Miyagishima. He was raised on farms in Clearfield and Syracuse. He graduated from Davis High School in 1942. After high school he was accepted to Weber State College, but was later refused because there were "too many Japanese students." As a youth he also attended Japanese school and trained in Judo at the Syracuse Buddhist Church. He was a lifelong member of the Ogden Japanese Christian Church.

After graduating from high school, he farmed with his father. During WWII he served in the U.S. Army, in Germany. He was very proud of his service to his country. After his return home he used his G.I. Bill to obtain his private pilot's license.

In 1951, he married the love of his live and eternal partner, Edith. To impress the beautiful girl from California he took her flying for their first date. They were the parents of three sons, that they raised in Layton. They remained happily married until her passing in 2005.

He was a farmer for a number of years.  Following a very bad year he went to work for his brother, Roy, in 1955. He worked as a mechanic at Miya's Garage until 1986. Following that he became an automotive mechanic instructor at Job Corps, where he taught until retirement.

His greatest joy was being with his family and friends. He loved helping people. He taught several generations how to fish, hunt, farm, and turn a wrench. He had a playful and adventurous spirit and always found something to joke about. His happiest moments were when he was playing with his great grandkids.

He is survived by his sons, Paul Reed and David Glen. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Sgt. Ryan Jon Miya (Deanna) Ft. Hood, TX; Annie Williams (Chris) Syracuse; and, Beth Miya (Nate Wittmers) Syracuse. He also is survived by eight great grandchildren: Jon Derrick, Jason Kazuo, Merrick, Owen, Maiki, Beckham, Bryn, and Tess; his older brother, Maj. Teruo (Ted) Miyagishima; sisters, Shizuko Shimoji and Kris Russell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Oda Miya; oldest son, Jon Miya; four brothers and one sister.

We are thankful for the loving care that he received from his nurses Cecily and Candice.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.  Friends may visit family Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery.