Kazuyoshi Horie

Kazuyoshi Horie Obituary Kazuyoshi Horie passed away on November 23rd, with family by his side. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Hope Unitarian Church, 8432 S Sheridan Rd. * Masks are required * * Unfortunately, due to higher Covid numbers, we will not have food or drink after the gathering – so that we do not need to remove our masks" We will invite people to say a few words. We ask that you please speak for no more than a few minutes – to give everyone who would like to speak a chance to do so. If you have a photo of Kazu that you would like to share, please post it on Kazu’s Facebook page. If we need to postpone the gathering because of Covid concerns - we will post that on Kazu’s Facebook Page and on this site. Kazu came to the United States as a young man and graduated from the University of Tulsa. He had grown up in a large family in post-war Japan and remembered some difficult times - as well as many happy ones. Kazu was the kind of person who would give a stranger in need his last dollar. He often helped people he encountered by giving them food, a job, money, a ride or clothing - and sometimes a place to stay. He had a big, generous heart. He loved fixing things for others - no matter the time of day. He enjoyed figuring out how things worked and how to get things working. He liked to cook and often shared food that he had grown or diligently prepared. His creations were delicious. He and his late wife, Helene, also an excellent chef, owned and operated a Tulsa restaurant, Deli 2000, for many years. He and Helene also appreciated and created different types of art. Kazu worked hard to master several other skills. He played the harmonica and could repair a vehicle like a pro. He was a master Japanese gardener and did this professionally for some years. He and Helene always had a stunning garden. He was an extraordinary athlete. He achieved a black belt level in Aikido. He could ice skate, dance and ski beautifully and gracefully. He enjoyed taking his twin grandchildren, Alex and Christina, on ski trips. He and Helene lovingly raised Christina and Alex and often took them on adventures and to local Tulsa events. Kazu delighted in capturing moments on videotape. He spent many hours documenting family gatherings and Alex and Christina’s piano recitals. His recordings are a family treasure. When Kazu had setbacks, he worked hard to overcome them. He was intelligent, resilient and curious. He shared the same compassion with animals that he had for humans in need. He could fit in anywhere, and he could nap anywhere. He and Helene were a sweet and well-matched couple who enjoyed visiting over coffee with a variety of people and discussing any topic. They were both well informed and philosophical. They were active in social groups and were members of the Unitarian church for many years. Kazu cared attentively for Helene in her final days. Kazu’s latest occupation was that of an everything man. He could build, beautify and fix anything. For many years, He provided services from repairing damaged foundations to adding roofs - and everything in between. He shared his skills with his helpers, and he had exacting standards. He took great pride in high-quality workmanship, and he strived for perfection. Kazu was beloved and will be missed by Christina and Alex and by all of his other grandchildren, as well as great grandchildren, stepchildren, other family members and friends. Especially dear to his heart were his friends at the YMCA, with whom he spent many hours in his final years and days. He enjoyed several of the classes that the Y offers - especially yoga. The Y was his home away from home. In lieu of flowers, you can honor Kazu with a donation to your local YMCA at ymcatulsa.org To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kazuyoshi Horie, please visit our floral store. Read More

Kazuyoshi Horie

January 22, 1944 - November 23, 2021