Robert Hajime Terakawa

Robert Hajime Terakawa, age 97, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024 in Bunkerville, Nevada. He was born on November 2, 1927 in Honolulu, Hawaii to parents Harumi Mitsuda “Rose” and Masaichi Terakawa “Henry”. His family immigrated from Hiroshima, Japan and settled in the small village of Honolulu. At 14, he woke up to watching the effects of Pearl Harbor, just miles away from where he lived. While some of his family was separated into concentration camps, his parents were able to stay on the island. 

Upon graduation from Saint Louis School, he enlisted into the Army at 18. He then continued his enlistment and served for a total of 20 years, 16 of them being an officer. His final ranking upon retirement was Major Terakawa, serving in both World War II and Korean War. In 1965, he had his son Robert Terakawa II and raised him with his then wife in Tokyo, Japan on American military base. Both Robert and his son moved back to the states where he resided in Las Vegas on and off. 

Upon retirement, Robert participated in many humanitarian projects like the peace corps and helping fund impoverished Chinese children in furthering their education. He volunteered and worked as an English professor in China at one of their universities for a decade. 

 In 1992 his granddaughter, Alexa was born. Four years later in 1996, his only grandson, Joshua arrived. Robert lived for his grandchildren and traveled all over with them throughout their childhood and into their adult life. Some fond memories were their many trips back to his homeland, Oahu, New York City, and Tokyo, Japan. 

Josie, his former daughter in law/adopted daughter, was always a big part of his life. He moved in with her and her husband, Mike, to be close to his grandkids in the early 2000’s. In 2015, he moved in with his granddaughter and her husband, Josh, in order to have more assistance. The last three years were spent on hospice due to dementia and declining health. Due to needing full time care, Robert built a sweet relationship with Alexa’s in laws, Gene and Theresa, who also supported Robert in his final years. 

He survived by his son, Robert, his former daughter in law Josie and her husband Mike, his granddaughter Alexa and her husband Josh, along with his two great-granddaughters Lily and Ivory, and his grandson Joshua and his wife Kelsi. 

The family would like to thank Comfort Hospice, especially nurse Luke for aiding Robert’s final years on earth with peace and dignity. He will be greatly missed.