A longtime resident of Gilroy, Ken Yamanaka passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at the age of 90. Ken was born in Warm Springs, CA to Tayemon and Kikuno Yamanaka. He was the sixth of their seven children. During World War II, he and his family were interned at the Central Utah Relocation Center in Topaz, Utah. The Yamanakas returned to California after WWII ended; first to Fremont and later to farm in Gilroy. It was here that Ken met Itsue "Connie" Nagareda, while bowling at the Gilroy Bowl. They married and raised two girls, Stacey and Dora. Over the next three decades, Ken worked in the Gilroy garlic industry for the Joseph Gubser Company.

Ken loved the outdoors. Everyone enjoyed delicious fruits and vegetables from the garden that he patiently tended. He always looked forward to fishing with his friends - even if the fish were not biting that day. Ken loyally followed local sports as a "faithful" San Francisco 49ers fan and an often "tortured" San Francisco Giants fan.

Ken is survived by his wife of 55 years, Connie; daughters, Stacey Yamanaka Sams and Dora Hollomon; and granddaughter, Kendra Hollomon. He also is survived by two brothers, Henry (Lillian) Yamanaka and Ben (Helen) Yamanaka; son-in-law, Dana Sams; and many nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Edward Eugene Hollomon; and four of his siblings: Miyoko (Sumio) Doi, Hideko (Takeo) Ishikawa, Sam (Lily) Yamanaka, and Hisako (Fred) Mizota.

Ken will always be remembered for his devotion to his family, his kind heart, and his generous smile. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 1 PM at the Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 Fourth Street, Gilroy.

In lieu of koden or flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the charity of one's choice.