Byron K. Yoshina

Byron K. Yoshina August 27, 1935 – June 12, 2026

Byron K. Yoshina, 90, a lifelong educator with an exuberant passion for life, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, in Olympia, Washington, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on August 27, 1935, in Hilo, Hawaii, to Shoichi and Kameyo Yoshina, Byron spent his formative years deeply rooted in the culture and spirit of the islands. He graduated from Hilo High School in 1953 and earned his Bachelor of Science and Teacher Certification from the University of Hawaii. Driven by an enduring thirst for knowledge, he later received a National Teacher of Science Fellowship from Indiana University, where he completed his Master’s in Education, before returning to the University of Hawaii to earn his principal credentials.

Byron proudly served his country from 1959 to 1961 as an Army Medical Lab Specialist stationed at Schofield Barracks on Oahu. On September 27, 1968, he married his beloved wife, Joan Mary Horton, at Sacred Heart Church in Honolulu. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with family, laughter, and endless adventure.

A dedicated and visionary educator, Byron spent his entire career serving the Hawaii Department of Education. He began as an inspiring science teacher before transitioning into administration, serving with distinction as the principal of Nanaikapono Elementary and Honowai Elementary schools. He capped off his remarkable career as the respected principal of Mililani High School, retiring in 1995. His leadership extended beyond his schools through active roles in the Hawaii Science Teachers' Association, the Nanakuli and Mililani Lions Clubs, and the Hawaii Education Association.

Byron was a man of diverse and passionate interests, known as a true lifelong learner. His abiding love was all things Hawaii, and he was an avid collector of island memorabilia. He loved music and woodworking, combined beautifully when he crafted and played his own ukuleles. He loved sharing this joy with others and helped establish the Oly-A Ukulele Ohana. Fascinated by geology, he collected rocks from everywhere his road trips and explorations took him. In his retirement, after relocating to Olympia, Washington, in 2006, he stayed vibrant by picking up memoir writing and woodworking at the local senior center. He also possessed a sharp wit and spent hours drawing and cartooning.

To know Byron was to be embraced by his warmth; he was affectionately known as "Dad, Uncle, and Grandpa" to everyone he met.

Byron is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Joan (Horton) Yoshina; his loving daughters, Kathleen Yoshina and Gileen Yoshina (Matt Grant); his cherished grandchildren, Sam and Emi Grant; his brothers, Lloyd (Butch), Thurston (Corky), and Dwayne (Ike) Yoshina; his sister, Darleen Okabe (Tak); and a vast circle of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shoichi and Kameyo Yoshina, as well as many loving aunties, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service celebrating Byron's extraordinary life will be held in Hawaii at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Byron's name to any of the following organizations that were close to his heart:

• Providence St. Peter Foundation or the Olympia High School PERC Scholarship (Washington).
• University of Hawaii Foundation (James S. and Kameko Yagi / Sadao and Bessie Y. Nishida Scholarship Fund.
• Mililani High School Donation Fund, Attn: Donation Fund, 95-1200 Meheula Parkway, Mililani, HI 96789.