February 24, 1940 – November 1, 2022
Samuel Koichi Lilikalani Yoshida, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, former longtime resident of Centerville, Hawaii and Las Vegas, and current resident of Centerville for the past 12 years, passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Iberia Medical Center in New Iberia.
Affectionately known to most as Sam, he was born on February 24, 1940 in Honolulu and raised in Waipahu. He graduated high school from Kamehameha School in 1958. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of SP4. He then attended USL where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Biology in 1965. He then went on to attain his Master’s Degree in Public Health in 1973 and then in 1989 received his Teaching Degree, both from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He married the love of his life, Malinda Luke, on August 12, 1967 in Centerville. Through this union they were blessed with two children.
Sam was definitely a man of many talents who worked in numerous fields. From his early years working as an environmentalist, running for State of Hawaii Representative, his Real estate agent years, and especially his many years teaching, he truly had a heart of a servant. Sam was also very active civically and fraternally and was a member of the Lion’s Club, Knights of Columbus Centerville Council, and the American Legion Post 63. He had a love of music and enjoyed playing his guitar and singing, donating his time to perform at the Senior Centers in Franklin and New Iberia. He also donated his time as a volunteer driver for the VA. A devout Catholic, Sam was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Centerville where he served as a Eucharistic Minister until his declining health would no longer allow.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his wife of 55 years, Malinda Luke Yoshida; their son, Joseph D. Yoshida and his wife Virginia and their children Olivia and Jonah; their daughter, Jan Yoshida Climo and her children Conor and Allessandra; his mother, Janet Katano Yoshida; his brother, Daniel Yoshida; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Tokuo Yoshida; and his son-in-law, Thomas A. Climo.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Centerville beginning at 9:00 AM with the Rosary being prayed at 10:30 followed by the Eulogy. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church at 11:00 AM with Father Joel Faulk officiating. Inurnment will be held privately at a later date in the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum.
Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 MainStreet, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828–5426.