Obituary for Michael "Mike" Wakamatsu
Michael Ray Wakamatsu “Mike” passed away on January 10th, 2024 at his home in Portland, Oregon with family by his side. He was born on September 13, 1951 in Denver, Colorado to James Iwao and Ruth Kikue Wakamatsu. He was pre-deceased by his wife Cindy; who passed away in 2022.
Mike grew up in Hood River, OR and attended Wy’East High School. He then graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science and in 1971 went to work for the Internal Revenue Service, where he met his wife, as well as many life-long friends. Mike and Cindy were married in Portland on August 28th, 1981. Mike worked as a criminal investigator and had many adventures during his time undercover. At 51, he retired from the IRS and began his own investigation business, securing contracts with other federal agencies, but still spending more time at home with his family.
When Mike wasn’t at work, he could usually be found playing racquetball or golf or practicing martial arts. He was an avid racquetball player until he suffered his second torn Achilles tendon. He continued learning and teaching Ju Jitsu, as well as playing golf, for the rest of his life; achieving the rank of 4th degree black belt and getting a hole in one at the Heron Lakes golf course.
Mike is survived by his daughter, Danita, his son, Matthew, and Matthew’s wife Yulia. He also leaves behind his 3 granddaughters (Manaia, Malayla, and Malia) as well as his sister, his 2 brothers, and their families. They will all remember him fondly as a great father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who always protected and provided for everyone he loved.
A memorial service and time to celebrate Mike’s life is planned for 12:00 NOON, Friday, February 9th, 2024 at Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031 with a reception to follow and graveside committal will follow the reception at Idlewilde Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon.
The service will be livestreamed on zoom, link below, the password is 0000.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81002765839?pwd=RlIwajlmRDFRTjlDbVk4MFg3ZVUyUT09
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Mike grew up in Hood River, OR and attended Wy’East High School. He then graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science and in 1971 went to work for the Internal Revenue Service, where he met his wife, as well as many life-long friends. Mike and Cindy were married in Portland on August 28th, 1981. Mike worked as a criminal investigator and had many adventures during his time undercover. At 51, he retired from the IRS and began his own investigation business, securing contracts with other federal agencies, but still spending more time at home with his family.
When Mike wasn’t at work, he could usually be found playing racquetball or golf or practicing martial arts. He was an avid racquetball player until he suffered his second torn Achilles tendon. He continued learning and teaching Ju Jitsu, as well as playing golf, for the rest of his life; achieving the rank of 4th degree black belt and getting a hole in one at the Heron Lakes golf course.
Mike is survived by his daughter, Danita, his son, Matthew, and Matthew’s wife Yulia. He also leaves behind his 3 granddaughters (Manaia, Malayla, and Malia) as well as his sister, his 2 brothers, and their families. They will all remember him fondly as a great father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who always protected and provided for everyone he loved.
A memorial service and time to celebrate Mike’s life is planned for 12:00 NOON, Friday, February 9th, 2024 at Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031 with a reception to follow and graveside committal will follow the reception at Idlewilde Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon.
The service will be livestreamed on zoom, link below, the password is 0000.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81002765839?pwd=RlIwajlmRDFRTjlDbVk4MFg3ZVUyUT09
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.