June 7, 1961 - Aug. 1, 2012
LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Paul David Yamamoto, 51, of Lincoln, died Aug.1, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Paul was born in Alliance, Nebraska, on June 7, 1961, to Rev. Jack and Mildred (Rice) Yamamoto, Paul was the fourth of five children and their only son. He grew up in Broken Bow and later McCook, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school in 1979. He went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska -- Lincoln, where he later received a Master's degree in Geographic Information Systems. Since 1992, he was employed by the State of Nebraska where, until his death, he held the position of Senior GIS Analyst in the Department of Environmental Quality.
Paul was a loyal Husker football, volleyball, and women's basketball fan, attending virtually every home game, as well as traveling to several out-of-town games. When his health permitted, he attended nearly all of his niece Taylor Lewis's volleyball games, as well as the sporting events of Rian and Danny Suiter, who affectionately referred to him as "Uncle Paul."
His hobbies included golf, computers, other "techie" gadgets, music, games, watching almost any sporting event on TV, and spending time with family, friends, and the family pets. Paul had an easy-going personality, but was also known for his quick wit and his eternal optimism, both of which persisted despite his diagnosis of terminal cancer.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Millie Yamamoto; both sets of grandparents, and his beloved dog, Annie.
He is survived by his sisters, Cay Yamamoto of Lincoln, Nebraska; Deb Yamamoto of Eaton, Colorado; Dr. Mary (Jeff) Fidler of Rochester, Minnesota; and Susan (Rich) Lewis of Lincoln, Nebraska. He is also survived by nephews, Andrew and Alex Fidler of Rochester, Minnesota and nieces, Sarah and Taylor Lewis of Lincoln. He will also be remembered by his aunts, cousins, and many friends.
A celebration of Paul's life will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012, at Southwood Lutheran Church, 9300 South 40th St. in Lincoln, Nebraska. Following the service, a luncheon will be served in the church's fellowship hall. No visitation, cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations (in Paul's memory) to the American Cancer Society or the Capital Humane Society are suggested. Funeral home assisting is Aspen Cremation Service. Condolences or personal reflections may be sent online to www.aspenaftercare.com.