Ken Sugawara

On April 25, 2025, Ken Sugawara, passed away peacefully at the age of 98. Born in Petaluma, California to Hidyi and Kiku Sugawara, Ken's life journey embodied resilience, determination and grace in the face of extraordinary challenges. As a teenager, Ken and his family were among the more than 100,000 Japanese Americans forced into internment camps in the United States. While confined, Ken completed his high school education at the Granada Relocation Center (Camp Amache) in Colorado before serving in the U.S. Army. 

Following his military service, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati and later received his Master's Degree in Analytical Chemistry from Xavier University. Ken's distinguished career as a chemist included work at Matheson Chemical Company, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, and most notably, Corning Glass Works in New York, where he worked for 25 years. There, he secured three U.S. patents and published several scientific papers before retiring in 1991. 

In 1956, Ken married Jane Fugikawa in Cincinnati, Ohio, beginning a loving partnership that lasted nearly 70 years. Together, they had four children and moved to Painted Post, New York, where Ken was an active member of the Presbyterian Church of Painted Post and served as an Elder, Christian education and youth leader. Throughout the years, Ken and Jane hosted many foreign exchange students. 

In 1972 Ken and his family experienced devastation when their home and community were overcome by the unforeseen flood caused by Hurricane Agnes. With perseverance, they rebuilt their home and lives. 

After retirement, Ken and Jane moved to Hendersonville, NC, where he golfed and enjoyed hosting his children and grandchildren. Eventually, he became guardian to his brother, Sam, and most recently a devoted caregiver to Jane. Ken had many interests, including gardening, fishing, photography, origami, reading, and bonsai. He was a busy community volunteer and enjoyed traveling with Jane across and out of the country. 

Among Ken's community involvements included his active and devoted membership at Trinity Presbyterian Church, where his quiet strength, wisdom, and generous spirit touched many lives. He continually prayed for world peace and equality. His early hardships influenced his perspective on life, leading him to value forgiveness, patience, and education. Despite the injustices he faced, Ken maintained that we are "fortunate to live here," and focused on gratitude, building bridges, and doing for others. 

Ken is survived by his wife Jane; his four children, Neal, Jay, Julie, and Glenn; his grandchildren, Todd, Cooper, Mikel, and Kayli; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers. 

A memorial service will be held on May 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville, NC. Mountain View Cremation & Funeral Care has the honor of serving the family.