Rev. Shinryo Sawada

Rev. Shinryo Sawada passed away February 22, 2014. He was born Aprill 11, 1936 near Osaka, Japan where he was raised and educated. Rev. Sawada received ordination in 1945, and high ordination in 1958. He graduated from Ryukoku University in 1959. His major was in Buddhism, and his minors were German philosophy, and history. In 1959 he entered Ryukoku University graduate school. On July 4, 1962 he joined Buddhist Churches of America under Rev. Masami Fujitahi in Berkley, CA. In 1967 Shinryo became a naturalized U.S. citizen. In 1974 he made a pilgrimage to India with 35 young Buddhists from Southern California. Shinryo enjoyed water color painting , pottery, Japanese chess, judo and golfing. He is survived by his wife, Kimiyo Sawada, his two sons Jinn and Maki. He is also survived by two sisters in Japan. A Memorial service will be held Thursday, March 6, 2014, 1:00 pm. at Visalia Buddhist Church