VICTORIA HIRAOKA
Sushi chef Yuji Hiraoka died in a recent car crash .
Remembering a Friend
Yuji Hiraoka , a longtime sushi chef who worked at San Shi Go in Laguna Beach for 18 years , was killed in a car crash on his way back from Idaho on Sept . 6 . Hiraoka had started his career in San Luis Obispo before coming to Laguna , where he developed a loyal following of diners , and then moved for a job opportunity at Discovery Land Co .’ s top properties — both at The Madison Club in La Quinta and also Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club in Coeur d ’ Alene , Idaho . Following the vehicle accident , one of his friends , Nirvana Grille chef and owner Lindsay Smith , set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Hiraoka ’ s wife , Victoria , and cover the costs of a memorial service and celebration of life , which is planned for Oct . 23 in Laguna , with another to take place in La Quinta on a date to be determined . On the GoFundMe page , Smith describes Hiraoka as a “ kind , gentle , humorous , talented , humble , creative man with an infectious smile that went on for miles .” “ He will be missed beyond measure by so many ,” Smith wrote . Yuji leaves behind his wife , Victoria , a food and travel writer and founder of Chef Wives Club , and their two little pups , whom they lovingly call their “ kidlets .” The couple met in December 2011 in Laguna Beach where a 10-minute meeting turned into a six-hour date , including watching the sun set at The Rooftop Lounge and then dinner at Nirvana Grille . Even though they eventually moved away from Laguna , they still have many friends in town . In addition to the celebration of life , there may also be a paddle out and a golf-related event in his memory , as Hiraoka loved the sport . ( gofundme . com ) — S . S .
A LIFE WELL LIVED . A LIFE WELL EARNED .
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 21