Elder Cal Uomoto Died

Calvin Masao Uomoto was born in Seattle to George and Fumiko Uomoto in 1949. He died peacefully at home on Friday, October 26, surrounded by his family.

A memorial service to celebrate Cal’s life and legacy will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 17, at Seattle First Presbyterian Church (1013 8th Avenue). In lieu of flowers, checks may be made payable to World Relief with a note specifying that funds be directed to the Detention Ministry; or donate online at worldreliefseattle.org/ and specify “Cal Uomoto” or “Detention Ministry” in the comments field.

Cal’s childhood was spent in Japan (where his parents did missionary work), in Philadelphia, and in Seattle. He earned a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Public Administration, both from the University of Washington.

Cal married Ann Shepard in 1980, and they raised four wonderful sons – Titus, Timothy, Jordan, and Brendan - in addition to numerous other sons and daughters, including John (foster son) and Hsuu Vierling. Cal was preceded in death by his father George and sister Ruth. He is survived by his wife and sons, his daughter-in-law Grace and grandson Ezra, his mother Fumiko, sisters Lois (Paul), Estelle (Robert), Faith (Jim), Hope, Grace (Rex), Joyce (Charles), Julie (Jeff), and brothers Murray (Tsuruko) and Earl.

Cal dedicated his life to working with underprivileged youth, the poor, prisoners, and refugees. He served as World Relief’s Area Director for more than 20 years. Caloccasionally taught about non-profit organizations and urban ministry at Seattle Pacific University, and was a mentor with Fuller Theological Seminary.

Cal’s life touched untold numbers of people from all corners of the world. The Indochinese Farm Project, the Mien Christian Church of Seattle, and a vibrant ministry to detainees at the Immigration and Naturalization Service’s Tacoma detention facility are a few focal points of Cal’s tireless work on behalf of those in need of hope, friendship, opportunity, and practical assistance of all kinds.