JOHN S. FUJII
November 20, 1935 ˜ June 21, 2019
John S. Fujii passed away at home in Vancouver, WA on June 21, 2019, after a spirited fight with cancer. Born November 20, 1935, in Seattle to Mary and George Fujii, he returned from Japanese internment at Tule Lake (CA) and Crystal City (TX) in 1946.
John finished degrees at the University of Washington and a PhD from SUNY at Syracuse University.
After U.S. Army Reserves service, John completed a 28-year career with Crown Zellerbach Corp. in pulp and paper production.
John married Doris Kubota of Seattle, settled in Vancouver, and raised three sons there.
After retirement, he focused on entrepreneurial ventures including engineered sustainable building materials.
John was honest, fair, optimistic, and loyal to many. He was quick with friendly stories to almost anyone he met. His industrious mind never stopped and imagination never failed him.
John loved the family he raised with Doris, his wife of nearly 60 years. He is also survived by three sons, David (Lisa) Fujii, John (Roberta Brandao) Fujii, Paul Fujii; eight grandchildren, Briana (Joy), Kelia, Ryan, Rafael, Leonardo, Albert, Arthur, Alexei; two sisters, Arline Fujii McCord and Rayko (Shotaro) Fujii Suzuki; two sisters-in-law, Irene Plosky and Kikue Kubota; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A family service will be held this fall.
The family suggests remembrances to DoctorsWithoutBorders.org.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Family.
I was just made aware and deeply saddened to hear of John's passing last year. Working for John at Gridcore Systems, while brief, has had such an influence on me ever since. John showed that a leader could be honest, kind, thoughtful and humble.
Doug Tokeshi
Coworker
September 24, 2020
I worked for John back at Gridcore Systems in 1999. I learned a lot from him. He was a great mentor and a great friend. I always asked for his advice in years to follow. A great man, a wonderful person and a special friend. I will greatly miss him. There are only a few people like John
Israr Hayath
December 17, 2019
I met with John several times to discuss his creative ideas for building materials. His energy and enthusiasm for his ideas were very infectious!
September 27, 2019
I worked with John some time after he retired from Crown Zellerbach. I greatly respected John as man of integrity and exceptional wisdom. In the laboratory under a USDA grant, I developed an engineered wood panel concept that John nurtured and improved upon over many years, eventually growing the technology into the present day Neucor Panels enterprise that has received so many accolades in the wood products industry. Due to John's hard work and perseverance, this monumental achievement promises environmental benefits that will make the world a better place as it continues to bear fruit in John's absence. John expressed many times his gracious and unselfish desire to give something back to society through this venture. I think he has done this and we that remain owe him and his family our utmost gratitude.
Tom Owens
August 3, 2019
John was a brilliant scientist and a kind man. It was a pleasure to work with John for many years. Please accept my condolences.
Harry Barber
July 14, 2019
My sincere sympathies to the Fujii family. John was a real pleasure to know and work with: always so friendly, polite, informative & helpful. I very much appreciated his knowledge & nuances of the fiber world ! His kind of person and mentor will be missed.
Richard Fay
July 11, 2019
I worked closely with John beginning in 1967 when I first began work in the CRD division of CZ. He was a mentor, friend and gentleman. Never had a bad word to say about anyone. Very, very smart and knowledgeable in his field. We had a memorable trip to Sweden together where we missed a connecting flight because we were engrossed in talking while waiting in the lounge. It didn't bother John in the slightest. We took a cab into downtown Stockholm and had a memorable dinner together. Many fond memories. He was a wonderful guy and will be missed.
My condolences to Doris and his sons.
Bob Morgan
July 10, 2019
John was the classiest of class acts.
Frank Darling
July 9, 2019
John was a wonderful man and a great boss at CRD. He always seemed to be looking forward with new ideas. He will be missed.
Rod Swanson
July 9, 2019
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