Byron K. Yoshina

Byron K. Yoshina

Byron K. Yoshina, 90, a lifelong educator and beloved husband, father, brother, cousin and uncle, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, in Olympia, Washington, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on Aug. 27, 1935, in Hilo, Hawai'i, 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 degree and Teacher Certification from the University of Hawai'i. He later received a National Teacher of Science Fellowship from Indiana University, where he completed his Master’s degree in Education, before returning to the University of Hawai'i to earn his principal credentials.

Byron served his country from 1959 to 1961 as an Army Medical Lab Specialist stationed at Schofield Barracks on Oahu. On Sept. 27, 1968, he married his beloved wife, Joan Mary Horton, at Sacred Heart Church in Honolulu.

Byron spent his entire career serving the Hawai'i Department of Education. He began as a science teacher before transitioning into administration, serving as the principal of Nānāikapono and Honowai Elementary schools. He capped off his career as the principal of Mililani High School with his retirement in 1995. His leadership extended beyond his schools through active roles in the Hawai'i Science Teachers' Association, the Nānākuli and Mililani Lions Clubs, and the Hawai'i Education Association.

Byron had an abiding love for his family home of Hawai'i, and he was an avid student of Hawai'ian language, music, history and culture. He loved music and woodworking, and he crafted and played his own ukulele. He loved sharing this joy with others and helped establish the Oly-A Ukulele Ohana. He was fascinated by geology and he collected rocks from everywhere his road trips and explorations took him.

After relocating to Olympia, Washington, in 2006, he stayed vibrant by picking up memoir writing and woodworking at the local senior center. Serving his community remained important to him throughout his life. As long as he was able, he volunteered at local schools, helped to maintain the Olympia Yashiro Japanese Garden, and registered voters as a volunteer for the Olympia Democratic Party.

Byron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan (Horton) Yoshina; his loving daughters, Kathleen Yoshina and Eileen Yoshina (Matt Grant); his cherished grandchildren, Sam and Emi Grant; his "braddahs," 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:

In Washington:

Providence St. Peter Foundation or Olympia High School Foundation (Please indicate "in memory of Byron Yoshina" to direct donations to the Personal Excellence Responsible Citizenship Scholarship)

In Hawai'i:

University of Hawaii Foundation (James S. and Kameko Yagi / Sadao and Bessie Y. Nishida Scholarship Fund

Mililani High School Donation Fund: Write checks to Mililani High School, Attn: Donation Fund, 95-1200 Meheula Parkway, Mililani, HI 96789, in memory of Byron Yoshina