Hilton Masami Sumida

Hilton Masami Sumida passed away peacefully but unexpectedly in his sleep of a heart attack on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Born on March 23, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, Hilton was predeceased by his parents, Harold Mutsugi and Ethel Ayako Sumida, and sister Karen Leiko Weber. He is survived by nephew Travis Sumida Weber (Amy), their children Nicole, Madison, and Tyler; cousins Taniguchi (Bob), Arelene Itou, Alice Yokoro, and Ruth Sakata.

Hilton majored in ornamental horticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and proudly served in the Army Reserve. The nursery business was in his blood from the time he was a young boy when his parents opened the first La Sumida Nursery on State Street. However, he had many facets to his personality. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed golf and water skiing. He loved all things mechanical, and his secret dream was to be a long haul big rig driver. Dogs were Hilton’s constant companion, and he had a special affinity for retrievers. Had he not been a nurseryman, he could have had a career as a “dog whisperer.” In his many travels, he looked forward to what was over the next horizon.

A loving, loyal, mischievously humorous uncle, cousin, friend, and employer, Hilton’s memory will forever be our treasure.

In keeping with Hilton’s wishes, a graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 15th, 11:30am at Santa Barbara Cemetery. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at La Cumbre Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hilton’s memory to the charity of your choice.