March 7, 2023
Hideo Gushiken, 95, of Hilo, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2023, at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Pepeekeo, he was retired from the United States Geological Survey, a U.S. Army Retired Reserve Captain, U.S. Army Korean War veteran and member of the Korean War Veterans Association Big Island Chapter, 442nd Veterans Association, Hui Okinawa, Big Island Amateur Radio Club, University Heights Kumiai, and faithful member of Kinoʻole Baptist Church. Private services held. The family requests no koden (monetary gifts) and no flowers.
Hideo met the love of his life on a blind date in 1962 and was married for 60 years. He loved to tinker, had an impressive tool shed, and could figure out a hack for just about anything. As a younger man, he enjoyed hunting, hiking and bicycling. Throughout his life he was also a voracious reader and collected maps which came in handy when receiving post cards from all over the world as he communicated with fellow amateur radio operators. He also enjoyed tending to his garden with his wife and enjoying the organic harvest.
He was most proud of his military service, which continued into his civilian days serving in different leadership roles with the Korean War Veterans Association and 442nd Veterans Association.
Most of all, he loved his family and they him. He is survived by his loving wife, Emi Gushiken; son, Eric Gushiken; daughter, Marian Gushiken; and granddaughter, Megan Tomas.