Roy Deguchi

Roy Deguchi of Kingsburg passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024 at the age of 100. Roy was born in April 1924 in Fresno, CA to Teiji and Yai Deguchi. They lived in Monmouth, CA at the time, but moved to Kingsburg shortly thereafter. Roy attended Kingsburg elementary schools and graduated from Kingsburg High School in June 1942. In August 1942, the family, by order of President Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 War Relocation Authority, was relocated to Gila River internment camp in Arizona. In September 1942, Roy headed for Lincoln, NE to enroll at the University of Nebraska (UNL). The university was one of the few schools willing accept Japanese-American students during WW II. Because of this, Roy was forever grateful to the university and continued to support the school and the Cornhusker athletic programs throughout his life. Roy interrupted his schooling at UNL to enlist in the US Army for a two-year stint. He was honorably discharged in October 1946 and returned to UNL to complete his education. He graduated in January 1948 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, Roy was briefly employed by Caltrans Division of Highways before accepting a position with the Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation for two years. In 1950 Roy returned to work for Caltrans where he remained for the next 31 years before he retired in 1981. In the spring of 1950, Roy married Michiko Mizutani who was a classmate at Kingsburg High School. Together they built their home on Kingsburg farmland and raised three sons. At the time of Michiko's passing in 2023 they had celebrated nearly 73 years of marriage during which they enjoyed traveling with the Seniors group throughout the United States, Japan, and Canada. In addition to his day job, Roy enjoyed spending weekends and evenings farming 35 acres of grapes and peaches. After downsizing to 5 acres later in life, he continued to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables which he frequently gave away to friends and neighbors. Roy is preceded in death by his parents, wife Michiko, and brothers John and Henry Deguchi. He is survived by his sister, Kaz Nishita, sons Doug, Stan, and David as well as several nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed, yet it is comforting to know he is with his wife now. The family would like to thank the Kingsburg Fire Department, Bristol Hospice, and Palm Village skilled nursing in Reedley for the professional care he received. A private burial was held at Kingsburg Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Roy Deguchi

April 2, 1924 - August 1, 2024