Wallace Akira Tamayose

Wallace Akira Tamayose, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and dedicated physician, passed away peacefully at home in Eagle, Idaho, on December 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 95.

Born on December 18, 1929, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Wally was the youngest child of Reverend Houn Tamayose and his wife, Shizue. At age 10, he accompanied his mother on a year-long visit to Japan to see his brother Shigeru, who was training to become a Buddhist priest. They returned to Hawaii aboard the last ship permitted to sail before the outbreak of World War II. His brother Minoru served with distinction in the renowned 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the US Army.

Wally graduated from Pacific Union College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. Years later, he learned with deep gratitude that his eldest brother George and sister-in-law Ayako had quietly helped fund his college education. After completing two years of military service in 1953, he was accepted into the Class of 1957 at the College of Medical Evangelists (now Loma Linda University School of Medicine). While there, he met Amy Hadano; the couple married in 1956 and shared 69 beautiful years together.

Following his family medicine residency in Ventura, California, Wally and Amy chose to remain in the area. He established a solo family practice in Oxnard, where for more than 40 years he devoted himself to comprehensive patient care, including surgery and obstetrics. Upon retirement, Wally and Amy moved to Yucaipa, California, to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. They later spent 10 joyful years in Washington state before settling in Eagle, Idaho.

Throughout his rich and fulfilling life, Wally pursued many passions, including golf, singing, travel, and, above all, time with family. He and Amy were pillars of the Oxnard Seventh-day Adventist Church and its church school for decades, contributing generously with their time and spirit.

Wallace is survived by his devoted wife, Amy; daughters Sandi (Morrill) Moorehead and Teri Tamayose; grandchildren Alanna (Ryan) Moore and Tyler Moorehead; great-grandchildren William, Ellie, and Freya Moore; his 99-year-old sister, Florence Abernathy; and many beloved nieces & nephews.

Wally's life was marked by quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and profound love for his family and community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.