April 6, 1926 – November 11, 2017
Masaru “Moose” Kunimura passed away peacefully on November 11, 2017, at the age of 91.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doris Aiko (Kuwada), daughters Karen, Donna, Kathy and Diane, Grand-daughter Allison Aiko Bartelstone (David), Great-Grandson Luke Masaru Bartelstone and Great-Grandaughters Katherine Mason Bartelstone and Charlotte Murray Bartelstone. He was preceded in death by his son, Mason. He is also survived by his brother Hiroshi (Dorothy) and his sisters Shigeko Nishiguchi (Mike), Hiroko Kunimura, and Sachi Beaver. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Moose was born on April 6, 1926 in Gilroy where he graduated from Gilroy High School in 1944. He was briefly interned in the Poston 1 Arizona Internment camp before being drafted into the US Army. He served as an Army cook until 1946. He owned and operated Kunimura Market for many years before joining the Maintenance Staff at Mt. Madonna County Park. He would retire from the park in 1983.
He was an avid sports fan participating in basketball leagues through his early married years and many years with the local bowling leagues. After retirement, his passion turned to golf and bicycle riding.
Moose was devoted to his family. He always provided his unconditional support to all. He spent a lifetime contributing to the Gilroy community that he loved. He was a member of the Gilroy JACL and had previously served on the board of Gilroy Parks and Recreation. He was also a member of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service conducted by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin on Friday, November 24, 2017, at 11:00am at Habing Funeral Home, 129 Fourth Street, Gilroy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences at www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com
