July 30, 1925 - July 28, 2022
Aiko Minata Obituary Spokane � Aiko Minata passed away at Faith AFH on July 28, 2022, two days short of her 97th birthday. She was born July 30, 1925, in Portland, Oregon to Asayo and Yukichi Heyamoto. She was preceded in death by her husband George Akira Minata in 2016. She is survived by daughters Laura Kodama (Bill) and Sydnee Snowden (Chris). She was preceded in death by brothers George Heyamoto, Hiromu Heyamoto, sisters Shizue (Sue) Ehama and Toshiko (18). She is survived by their families. She is survived by grandson Matthew Kodama (Kellie) and great granddaughters Lan (9) and Lia (7). Grandson Brett Ellison (2mo) preceded her in death. Aiko grew up in Portland but was relocated to the Minidoka Internment Camp in Idaho with her family at the outbreak of World War II when she was a teenager. After the war ended the family settled in Spokane where she met George Minata. Aiko married George (Ike), a sergeant and medic in the 100th Battalion 442nd on December 19, 1948, in Spokane. The couple lived in married housing in Pullman, WA where George earned his BA in Pharmacy at Washington State College (WSU). They made their home and raised their family in Spokane. She was bookkeeper for their family business Esmeralda Pharmacy. Member and past President of the Spokane Pharmacy Auxiliary, active Highland Park United Methodist member since the late 1940�s, a 50-year pin Spokane Girl Scout leader and board member. After retirement Aiko did some traveling with George and they played golf with friends, family and in JACL (Japanese Citizens League) tournaments. After golf they enjoyed trying their luck and having supper at Northern Quest Casino. She was a long-time member of the Indian Canyon Women�s Golf Association and the Creek at Qualchan Ladies Club. She volunteered for caddying on Hole #2 at the Rosauers Open at Indian Canyon. They loved following their grandson Matt�s golf career in WJGA, High School 4A Golf, College and pro mini tours. Her family would like to thank the Highland Park church family, friends, and former neighbors for their help, caring and love. She cherished her time at Touchmark on the South Hill with lovely friends and was a model resident at Legacy Gardens and Faith AFH. A special thank you to Ryan and Kenda Bishop (Legacy Gardens) and Michael Allen, Katrina Melnikova, and Maria at Faith AFH. According to her wishes, no memorial services will be held. Donations can be made in her name to Highland Park United Methodist Church, 611 S. Garfield St. Spokane, WA 99202. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Aiko, please visit our Tree Stor
Comments