Dr. Sakae Uehara, 89, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2018 in Wailuku. “Doc”, as he was affectionately known to by many, lived a long and accomplished life. Born in Paia in April 1929 to Ushi and Kame Uehara, he was the fifth of nine children. He attended Maui High School, and earned his undergraduate and medical school degrees at the University of Chicago. While in Chicago, he met Fumiko, his wife of 63 years. A Maui boy at heart, Doc returned with his family in 1965, fulfilling his dream to practice medicine on Maui.
Doc was a dedicated and respected surgeon, compassionate with his patients, and a mentor to young physicians new to Maui. He served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at Maui Memorial Hospital, President of the Maui County Medical Society, and President of the Hawaii Medical Association. Doc also volunteered his time and expertise with several community organizations.
Learning to play golf in his mid-life years was one of his great joys. He loved his Wednesday and Sunday tee times, especially days with the “Wednesday Club”. He was proud of his roots in the Nashiwa plantation camp in upper Paia, sharing many stories of those early days. In retirement, he enjoyed visiting his daughters on the mainland and traveling internationally.
A man of high integrity and principles with a quiet demeanor, Doc also had a great sense of humor. He loved history, working on fix-it projects, offering words of advice and encouragement, and was an inspiration to many.
He is survived by his wife Fumiko; children Elaine, John (Bonnie), Jean (Jim), Joyce (Glen), and Emilee; 11 grandchildren Sarah (Aaron), Jill, Aaron, Mary, Rachel, Hannah, Meghan, Jeff, Emi, Eric, and Nolan; sister Jane (Richard) Takayesu, and many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to the staff at the Care Homes at Hale Makua for their excellent care.
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