Makio “Mike” Hide
March 23, 1922 – August 3, 2010
Makio “Mike” Hide, loving husband, devoted father and cherished grandfather, passed away August 3, 2010 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Mary of 55 years, son Brian Hide, daughters Phyllis Bennett and Cheryl Muir, son-in-laws Steve Bennett and James Muir, two grandchildren, Parker and Sara Muir; by his brothers Norio and Tom, sisters Sumako and Yoshiko and many nephews and nieces. Born March 23, 1922 in Wapato, Washington to Mantaro and Kiyo Hide. He grew up on the family farm along with his four younger siblings.
Mike graduated from Toppenish High School in 1941, lettering in track as the team manager. During WWII Mike and his family were evacuated to Portland Assembly Center along with other Japanese-Americans in their area. Later they were moved to Heart Mountain Relocation Camp near Cody, Wyoming. He entered the Army in January 1945 and served in Italy with the 442nd Infantry, the most highly decorated regiment in the history of the United States Armed Forces, until November 1946. After the war, under the GI Bill, Mike attended a trade school in Los Angeles, CA. In 1949 he married Shizue Hotta and moved to Goleta, CA in 1950 where their son, Jeffery, was born. Sadly, both wife and son died of illness soon after. Mike continued to work at the Dos Pueblos Orchid Company, later becoming the head of the shipping department. In 1955 he married Mary Kanetomo and they later were blessed with three children. Living and working at the Dos Pueblos Orchid Ranch for 18 years, Mike made many life long friends. In March 1968 Mike joined the US Post Office as a postal clerk and was a familiar face at the Goleta counter until he retired in 1985.
Mike was always very active in the community and the church. He was an avid bowler in the Nisei league. He enjoyed working with wood, building tables, cabinets and other projects for both home and the church. Mike was a past president of the Goleta Lion’s Club, Santa Barbara Japanese American Citizens League and the Buddhist Church of Santa Barbara. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at the Buddhist Church of Santa Barbara, 1015 E. Montecito St. In lieu of flowers or koden, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or charity of your choice.