Salt of the Earth: Bert Tadashi Yoshida (New Pics)

Here are the latest family pics. Amy said these came via Grandpa and eventually made their way to Uncle Bert.

The occasion was Uncle Bert's service, and the family meal was in Torrance.

I have been thinking of what to say about Uncle, and have to be honest that I'm not ready yet. But I think there are a few things coming into focus. For now, I'll just say that when I think of Uncle, I always remember him smiling. WWII and a good ole' blue collar body and fender LA boy, the kind that used to go to Rams and Lakers games once upon a time. 

A while back I was talking to an old college buddy who'd recently come back from services for a family friend. This friend was also WWII, but it was the description he gave of this man that resonated; he said their friend embodied what made America great: sacrifice, integrity and hard work. That's Uncle Bert and the Yoshidas. Pure salt of the earth.

What would we have been without this kind of people?

 

 

When there was doubt, these were id'd by Auntie Kathy, so if anyone has more info, let me know. Auntie thought the one above is Auntie Nellie.

 

Auntie Frances. The photo is out of focus.

 

Auntie Kathy.

 

Auntie Kathy on the move.

 

Who's this? In the comments below, Kim says it's Warren, but I could have sworn Warren said it's not him.

 

Judie.

 

Judie.

 

Auntie Kathy. What a great pic.

 

Auntie Ross and Judie.

 

One of my favorites: Ross, Ma (Beti), Kathy, Frances. What's amusing to me is Ma, barefoot like a country girl.

Of all the photos, I wish I had pristine copies of these two. Evidently, Auntie Frances is part French as she took the guillotine to herself. First one: Frances's body, Ma (Beti), Kathy, and Ross. Second: Ross, Kathy, Ma, Frances.

And the one that was a true find for Auntie Beti's son; Auntie Beti and Auntie Kathy.