A lively gentleman peacefully passed away on Feb. 19, 2008 after living a full life of 89 years. Kenji Fujii was born in Ashland, Calif. on March 27, 1918. He was an inventive and resourceful grower of carnations and foliage plants in Hayward. His father, Rutaro Fujii, began a carnation nursery in Oakland in 1910. In 1912 he married Katsu Yokobori. The Fujiis moved to Hayward in 1920 to grow carnations at the corner of Soto Road and Orchard Avenue.

Kenji and his five sisters, Mary, Sally, Kimiko, Sumiko and Hanako, worked in the nursery until the spring of 1942, when they and other families of Japanese descent were evacuated from the West Coast. After internment in Topaz, Utah, the family returned to Hayward and back to the nursery they were forced to leave. Kenji was a progressive flower grower who was able to assist his sisters with their college educations. His sister Kimiko completed college and joined him in the business.

Kenji married Allyce Hirabayashi in 1949 and they had two sons. Allyce also worked with Kenji in the nursery. She later became a florist and opened Fujii’s Florist. Kenji’s enthusiasm for the cut flower industry led to his election as president of the American Carnation Society. He was also active in the Northern California Flower Growers Assn. and the California Flower Market.

Many people have come to know Kenji though his work in the Japanese American Citizens League. He was very active in founding the local (San Lorenzo) Eden Township chapter of the JACL and prompted many people to join and support the chapter as well as the National JACL 1000 Club.

Both he and his wife Allyce worked with other members to found Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church in Union City. He continued to volunteer for church activities until his health prevented him from doing so. Allyce was diagnosed with cancer in 1984. Kenji devoted all his energy to Allyce’s well- being until she died at home in 1986. After Allyce’s passing, Kenji became active in the Hayward Historical Society and the local Lions chapter and traveled to countries that he longed to visit. Skydiving and bungee jumping were his two ways of tempting fate and “staying young.”

Kenji is survived by his sons, Walter Fujii (Sharon Hemling) and Victor Fujii (Kathy Morimoto) with granddaughters, Sarah, Allyson and Laurel. His sister with whom he worked, Kimiko Kitayama, resides in Union City. He has one other surviving sister, Sumiko Biderman of McLean, Va.

The family is very grateful to the staff of Umenoki Gardens Senior Home, 32965 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City 94587. The attention provided to him made his final days ones of tender care and comfort. Contributions to Umenoki Gardens or your favorite charitable organization are encouraged.