Roy Hayashi Ran Import-Export Business

Roy Fumiya Hayashi, who started Hayashi International import-export business in his garage and expanded it into a 50,000-square-foot building, prided himself on his discipline.

The Bellevue resident developed the quality from his Japanese-immigrant parents, his education in Japan, and his study of kendo and judo.

He became a dedicated businessman and civic volunteer by observing U.S. merchants. He picked up ideas and contacts at Seattle's 1954 World Trade Fair.

"Business came first," said his wife of 43 years, Kyoko Hayashi. "Family came second. He was a pretty good organizer. Everything had its spot."

Mr. Hayashi applied the same discipline to his garden. He entertained clients at home and in restaurants, and he collected Japanese porcelain.

"But his strength was business," said his son Eric Hayashi of Seattle. "Friends said he had guts. He'd just lay everything on the line."

Mr. Hayashi died last Tuesday (Jan. 5) from complications of a stroke. He was 72.

Born in Tacoma, he lived in Japan from age 8 until after he earned a bachelor-of-arts degree at Waseda University. He briefly edited a Japanese newspaper, then returned to Seattle to be close to his parents. He did post-graduate work at the University of Washington.

"I remember Dad, 30 years after the fact, still incensed that his UW professor gave him a `B'," said his son Roger Hayashi of Bellevue. "That was in a Japanese class where he also served as a tutor!"

After attending the trade fair, Mr. Hayashi launched his business in his 400-square-foot garage. He exported cattle and lumber to Asia, and imported holiday lights, clothing, stoneware and tools.

Mr. Hayashi sold out in the late 1980s, but worked for a few years as an export-import consultant.

He belonged to the First Hill Lion's Club and the Japanese-Speaking UW Alumni Association. He also spearheaded a Japanese-American student-exchange program.

Also surviving are his daughter, Karen Ward of Olympia; his siblings Fumiaki Hayashi, Fukushima, Japan; Eugene Okamura, Seattle; Carl Okamura, Portland; and Lillian Watanabe, Bellevue; and three grandchildren.

Services have been held. Remembrances may go to the Roy F. Hayashi Memorial Fund of the American Heart Association, 4414 Woodland Park Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103.

Carole Beers' phone message number is 206-464-2391. Her e-mail address is: cbeers@seattletimes.com