Andy Koji Tomizawa

Andy Koji Tomizawa was a kind, generous and loving Daddy, Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He passed away for rebirth peacefully on February 10, 2023.

Andy was the light in this world. To have met him, is to have embraced and loved him. Andy had the biggest and purest heart and always made it a point to help others. He left an indelible mark on every person he met and leaves behind a huge hole in the hearts of his friends and family. 

Born on October 12, 1977 to Yaeko and Yoshimitsu Tomizawa, Andy was spirited, mischievous, and full of life. He was the most outgoing of the five siblings. He was the best dancer, the life of every party, the sweetheart and the glue that held loved ones together. Andy was a patient and devoted son. He took his dad for haircuts, bought him yummy treats and helped aid him back to health after his stroke. For his mom, he was her rock. She describes him as both an “itazura” (trouble maker) and affectionate. He was her sunshine. 

He graduated from Oyasato High School in Japan where he was the star on the wrestling team, representing Nara after placing first in the state.  After high school, he taught English to foreign students at Tenri Language Institute where he also taught English to Nara Police Officers. 

After returning to the US, he worked as an import/export specialist. He worked diligently and was loved and well respected among his colleagues. True to his generous and kind spirit, Andy once forwent a raise, rather giving that money to his employees. But this was no surprise to those who knew Andy, because he was that kind of person. He always looked out for others and made sure they were taken care of. 

Andy was forever the loyal friend. Whether you knew him for a moment, a season or a lifetime, Andy was supportive, generous and kind. He was a true friend and loved like a brother. 

Andy’s sincerity was evident in every aspect of his life, including his devotion to God. Andy was a spiritual man. He spent many summers as a counselor in Japan and as a Sunday school teacher guiding and fostering the youth of the path.

It was in his later years he would take on his most cherished role in life as a father to Mahane and Saya. They were truly the loves of his life. He was the happiest when he became a Daddy. Andy was also a favorite among the nieces and nephews and was coined “The Fun Maker”. With the short time they had with him, he made certain to make special memories with each of his 11 nieces and nephews whom he treated like his own. 

"We will always remember the summer of 2022 when Andy planned a family trip to San Diego all on his own for his siblings and the kids." He wanted to create fun memories. He wanted to bring happiness to everyone. This is who Andy was. A family man, A loyal friend. A loving brother. A fun uncle. A doting dad and a devoted son. He will be missed deeply, sadly, madly. 

He is survived by his parents, Yoshimitsu and Yaeko; his daughters, Mahane and Saya, his siblings Joyce (Melvin), Paul, Paula (Randel), and Mary (Scott); and his adoring nieces and nephews, Jordyn, Tomo, Jayce, Madison, Kaydyn, Kylie, Ryan, Dylan, Mason, Max and Maia.