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NikkeiWest
123 E. San Carlos St., #521
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 998-0920
NikkeiWest
PO Box 22400
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 837-4178
Email: editor@nikkeiwest.com
Ray Toshio Matsubara entered into Nirvana on February 14, 2010 at the age of 80. Ray was born on February 25, 1929, in Isleton, CA to the late Ichizo and Sumie Matsubara. He is survived by his loving wife of over 54 years June Katsuno (Nakahara), children Jill (Don) Birnbaum and grandson David, Denise (Cary) Lapidus and granddaughters Callie and Casey, Dale (Tammy) Matsubara, Wendy Bartlett and grandsons Kory, Jarod (JT) and Kendal. He is also survived by brothers George Matsubara; Jean (Kiyo) Matsubara; Donald (Fumi) Matsubara, sisters-in-law Carol (Robert) Setoguchi; Frances Nakahara; brother-in-law Kazuharu Omoto and many nieces and nephews as well as aunts and cousins. Ray was preceded in death by son-in-law Ken Bartlett; brother-in-law Eddie Nakahara; and sister-in-law Yuri Omoto. Ray lived in the Delta for most of his life. He attended Isleton Elementary School and graduated from Rio Vista High School class of 1947. During World War II, Ray's family was interned in the relocation camp in Tule Lake, CA. where he lived in Block 25. In fall of 1943 his family moved to Idaho where he spent some time in relocation Camp Minidoka and he learned about growing potatoes. After a few years in Idaho, he returned to Isleton where he worked alongside his father, cut iron for Blackwelder's Iron Works, then settled into farming on his own for almost 60 years on Brannan Island. Ray spent part of his retirement tending various bridges and ferries in the Delta to keep busy and fully retired after moving to Elk Grove in 1994. Over the years, he enjoyed traveling all over the US with "Bill's Tour Group" and as well as gambling trips to Reno, Las Vegas and various local casinos. He was a member of the Walnut Grove Buddhist Church, Hiroshima Kenjin-Kai, and Florin JACL. Ray enjoyed all of his grandchildren, and especially loved watching them in their various sporting activities. His presence will be missed by the spectator crowd and all the circles he was a part of. Ray will be remembered for his generosity, friendly disposition and willingness to lend a hand.