Frank Y. Hayashi, 97, of La Habra, passed away on May 23, 2021, with his wife of 67 years, Yaye, by his side. Frank was born in Seattle, Washington but spent his youth in Portland, Oregon. In 1950, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Iowa, but returned to the Pacific Northwest and received his Master’s degree in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Puget Sound in 1952.
Frank moved to southern California to take advantage of the beginning of the aerospace industry job boom. He was part of the large team of workers who sent astronauts to the moon and returned them safely back to earth. He lived for nearly thirty years in San Pedro, then Pine Mountain, Beaumont, and finally the last nine years in La Habra.
Frank retired in 1989 from Boeing and he and Yaye dedicated themselves to golf and their new community in Pine Mountain. He and Yaye managed to visit some of their bucket list destinations in the world, as well as a little granddaughter babysitting. He continued his love of barbeque in the summer and building the perfect fire to enjoy on a cold winter’s night.
Frank was preceded in death by his three brothers, George, Roy, and Tom, and his son Paul. He is survived by his wife, Yaye, and his children, Michael (Debra) of Parker, CO; Dori (Michael) Arnett of Brea, CA; daughter-in-law Sandra, of Huntington Beach, CA; three granddaughters (Kirstie, Megan, and Jackie), and his sister, Lillian (Akira) Horita of Seattle, WA.
A memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, online through the link below or by mail to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481