Ralph Toyama Obituary

Ralph Michio Toyama, a 42-year resident of Wisconsin, passed away on April 2, 2009 at the age of 73. Born and raised in Hawaii on the island of Maui among many loving aunts, uncles and cousins, he graduated from Wailuku's Baldwin High School in 1953. Devoted son of the late Kamado and Ethel Yoshiko Toyama. Ralph attended college on the mainland at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he became an avid Wisconsin Badger fan while earning a degree in chemical engineering. A resident of Glen Ellyn, Illinois for most of his adult life, his greatest loves were his family, "Ohana" (extended family) and friends. After retiring as regional sales manager from Roto-Finish Co. of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Ralph spend many joyous hours fly-fishing with treasured buddies. Married for 48 years to his beloved wife Patricia nee Stephenson, Ralph was a loving father to Wendy-Jo (Tom De Walle) Toyama and Jennifer (Doug) Bolino; and cherished grandfather of Kalyn and Mineo Patrick Yasutake and Sophia and Genevieve Bolino. Ralph's passing was celebrated privately with a gathering of his family. He asked that those wishing to honor his life spend time with their own family and friends' "talking story" in lieu of flowers or donations. Arrangements handled by the Leonard Memorial Home, (630) 469-0032.