Clarence H. Sakimura ’55

Clarence H. Sakimura passed away in April after a courageous journey with diabetes and Alzheimer’s dementia. Clarence’s parents, Harvey and Sakaye, were invited to Messiah College in the 1940s by then-President C. N. Hostetter Jr., so Clarence’s father could become caretaker to the grounds. The Sakimuras had lost their flower and greenhouse business as part of the Japanese relocation order.

Education was deeply important to Harvey and Sakaye. Therefore, the offer from President Hostetter to work at Messiah where the Sakimura children could attend school was ideal. Clarence was the oldest child, followed by Ivan (who passed away in 1989) and Alice, who resides in California. After finishing Messiah Academy, Clarence completed a bachelor’s degree in theology at Messiah College, where he taught New Testament Greek on campus.

Clarence shared his early memories of Messiah College during a 1997 interview, by recollecting, “Without fail each Christmas day, President Hostetter would deliver a plateful of homemade cookies and candy to our home. It is recollections such as this that stand out during a time in our lives when racial tension was a dominant factor.”

Clarence goes on to remember how much his father enjoyed his work at Messiah, “particularly in the midst of young people and children and delighted in the interchange with them.”

In honor of the lifelong example of reconciliation and peace exhibited between the Sakimura family and Messiah College, Clarence arranged for a Japanese cherry tree to be planted as a tribute to his parents. The plaque near the tree includes a quote from the Japanese poet, Motorri Noringa: “If someone wishes to know the essence of the Japanese spirit, it is the fragrant cherry blossom in the early morning.” We are thankful for the fragrant legacy of Clarence and the Sakimura family at Messiah College.