Peter Iwao Oyama, aged 77, sadly passed away surrounded by his family on March 1st, 2025 due to complications from heart and lung disease. The precious time we spent together towards the end allowed us to make meaning of life and death and the love we shared. Peter was born in Chicago, IL to Rev. Andrew and Toshiko Oyama. As the 9th and twin of 10 siblings, he kept everyone on their toes with his mischievous adventures. His playful and endearing spirit persisted throughout his life. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, and a story to be told.

In one of the most defining periods of his life, Peter was drafted and honorably served in Vietnam. He advanced quickly, exemplifying his hard work ethic. He gained technical skills in aviation and communications which he was called to deploy in the field. After returning home to the U.S., Peter began a career in business and finance as a VP at two banks and then as President/CEO for a group of electronics import/distribution companies. He built friendships and business connections abroad with frequent travels to China, Korea, and Japan. He met and married his loving ex-wife Joan for 30 years and raised 3 daughters. After retirement, he met his beloved fiancée, Kathy, sharing many travels, deep love, and endless laughter. In the years spent together, Peter and Kathy traveled the world, got into adventures, and always lived life to the fullest.

Peter had a kind and generous heart. He was complex, strong-willed, gentle, sweet, funny, intellectually curious, and passionate. He easily made new friends, nurtured lifelong bonds, and loved talking with people. He devoted his time to family, faith, and helping others, especially the elderly in his community. He led with integrity, searching for the positive in life's challenges, and questioned why he was spared and what his purpose was. Peter often said, "I'm like a cat. I have 9 lives, except I'm on my 3rd cat!" Perhaps in answer, it was to be a pillar of unconditional love to his children, making those in his life feel celebrated and treasured for who they are.

Peter loved golf and tennis, cards with friends, and an ice-cold beer. He enjoyed coaching his daughters' teams, listening to music, and writing poetry. He always made it a priority to travel and connect with family across generations. Peter's sense of wonder and fun endeared him to his many nieces and nephews with epic games of Monopoly, infamous magic tricks, and being curious about their lives. In his later years, nothing brought him joy like his granddaughter, Violet. He also loved sharing a delicious meal and making his famous spaghetti, French onion soup, and French toast. Peter was truly unique, stubborn at times, and utterly loveable.

Peter is survived by his fiancée Katherine Hashiguchi, ex-wife Joan Oyama, daughters Christine Oyama [Joe Veltri], Kimi Oyama [Kevin Covington], Kathleen Oyama [Jake Lampe], granddaughter Violet [Veltri], and siblings Aki, Miki, Joseph, Lois, Josephine, Lillian, and Linda. It is comforting to know that Peter is reunited in Heaven with his siblings Miyako and David, his parents, and dear friends and family.

Beloved father, partner, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend to all, you are deeply missed and will forever live on in us.

Services will take place at an unspecified future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.