Paul Kouso Hatamiya

Paul Kouso Hatamiya Camarillo, California Paul Hatamiya, 54 years young, passed away Thursday evening, January 20th, 2011 from respiratory failure as a result of complications from a hip fracture and his life-long battle with systemic lupus erythematosus. Paul was born on July 24, 1954 to George and Eiko Kato Hatamiya in Los Angeles, California and spent his childhood years in North Hollywood, California. He attended Madison Junior High School and Ulysses S. Grant High School where he excelled in the fields of biological science and information technology. Paul achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in high school and upon graduation, he was accepted to the University of California, San Diego for undergraduate work. Paul aspired to become a biomedical engineer to satisfy his scientific curiosity as well as his desire to understand the mechanics of how things work and perform. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCSD in 1984, Paul was faced with the beginning of his challenging medical health. He dedicated his energies toward understanding his disease and engaged in his endless search to live his life fully. Undaunted by his physical challenges, sail gliding along the beautiful coast of La Jolla became his passion to push his physical limits. Although brief, he experienced freedom from his physical challenges on many of his gliding practices. Paul’s sense of humor was often subtle, but profound. He named his car “FUBAR”. And for those who are familiar with this term, no explanation is needed. Thanks Paul, for the chuckles. In spite of his many physical challenges, Paul persevered to earn his professional certificate in microcomputer engineering from the University of California, San Diego, in 1986. Upon completion, he worked in San Clemente as a computer programmer and later returned to Los Angeles for work opportunities. His scientific ambitions inspired him to complete his clinical laboratory technologist license as a graduate of the School of Medical Technology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in August 1991. Paul’s disease progression prevented him from continuing his job and he retired from the work force. Although he was physically limited, he continued to cope with his disease with a more sedentary lifestyle in Camarillo. Paul is survived by mother, Eiko, sisters Kay Hatamiya Lee (Monterey, California) and Julie Hatamiya Fields and husband Robert Fields (Littleton, Colorado), nephews Matthew R. Lee and Brandon K. Fields, Uncle Frank and Aunt Sachi Kato, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, George K. Hatamiya. Donation tributes may be made in Paul’s name to the lupus research foundation of choice. No flowers please. He was allergic to them.