A local instructor passed away last week. Kazuo Henry “Hank” Ogawa (March 8, 1916 – Jan. 19, 2012), of Ontario, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home with family members by his side Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m. at the Ontario Community Church at 240 S.E. Third St. in Ontario.
As a young man, Hank spent some time playing semi-pro football for the Seattle Marlins and being actively involved in judo where he followed the teachings of Sensei Kumagai. Hank followed Kumagai to Japan and furthered his skills in judo at the Kodokan School. He was proud to receive his hachidan (eighth degree black belt)