Hirohiko Yanagida

Hirohiko Yanagida

March 30, 2025 | Age 85

Hirohiko Yanagida, 85, born May 5, 1939 to Momotaro and Teruyo Yanagida in Moji City, Japan, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and friend, he spent most of his life in North Carolina before moving to Northern Virginia in recent years.

Hirohiko worked as a landscape architect, a career that reflected his deep love of nature and Japanese culture. His work blended traditional aesthetics with natural beauty, creating serene spaces that brought peace and harmony to those who experienced them. In addition to his design work, he also worked for Piedmont Airlines/USAir/American Airlines enjoying the friendships he made there.

Beyond his professional life, Hirohiko found great joy in the kitchen. Cooking for friends and family was one of his greatest expressions of love, and his meals brought people together in warmth and laughter. Whether preparing a simple dish or an elaborate feast, he infused every meal with care and generosity.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Keiko; his four children, Midori (Chris) Smitherman, Sayoko (Joseph) Patterson, Yuri (Justin) Brown, and Hiroshi (Debi) Yanagida; and his stepchildren, Tomoko, Denise, and John. He is also survived by his grandchildren/step grandchildren, Tyler (Emily) Smitherman, Christopher Carrillo, Drew (Amanda) Smitherman, Chantz (Grace) Yanagida, Kota Yanagida, Emiko Patterson, Jared Patterson, James Patterson, Noah Brown, Michaiah Brown, Orion Brown, Luke (McKennah) Gane, Joshua (Priscilla), Matthew Gane, Noah (Anna) Gane, Jacob Gane, Justin Cianca, Alex Cianca, and Roman Cianca. And great stepgrandchildren Garth Smitherman, Evelynn Smitherman, Violet Gane, Daisy Gane, Joleen Gane and Peter Gane. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Yoshiko, and his granddaughter, Katlin.

Hirohiko’s presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the lives he touched, the landscapes he shaped, and the meals he lovingly prepared.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Union Grove Baptist Church in Yadkinville. Visitation will follow the service.

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