As a civic leader, UC Regent and Jack-of-all-trades in the world of community advocacy, Yori Wada dealt with all types of people and personalities, from mayors and chancellors to seniors and streetwise kids.

In this city known for diversity of people and opinions, those who knew Wada all agree that the community will be poorer without him, but each was enriched by his tutelage.

Wada, who died at age 80 on Thanksgiving Day after a battle with colon cancer, was described in a San Francisco Examiner article as a “commoner politician” who was generous, warm and wise.

Appointed in 1977 by former Governor Jerry Brown, Wada was the first Asian-American to become a UC Regent, and for 15 years he took firm stands on such tough issues as nuclear weapons research, affirmative action and University investments in South Africa. As a regent and longtime resident and leader in the Western Addition, he formed many ties with UCSF and its people.

He was a member of the first UCSF Chancellor’s Task Force on Cultural/Ethnic Diversity, UCSF/Mount Zion Board of Trustees, and the UC Asian-Pacific American Systemwide Alliance. In 1992, Wada was awarded the UCSF Medal -- the highest honor the campus bestows -- for his UC service and being a longtime champion of civil rights.

"It was my privilege to work closely with Yori Wada -- first in his role as a citizen of this community and second in his role as a Regent of the University of California,” said Julius R. Krevans, MD Chancellor Emeritus and now Medical Director, International Medical Care. “He was an extraordinary contributor in both arenas. No one who worked with him could be unchanged by the association. We are all improved by his presence -- we are all impoverished by his death."

“His work with the Regents and his belief in affirmative action and equal opportunity made him a mentor and special friend of the Asian Pacific American community here at UCSF," said Stella Kiyota, an academic personnel analyst and member of APASA.

Wada’s hand extended far beyond the Asian community and his Western Addition neighborhood, where he counseled generations of African American and other youth at the Washington Community Center and the Buchanan Street YMCA.

“He had an excellent sense of appropriateness, fairness and justice,” said Eugene Salazar, senior program officer for UCSF Student Academic Programs, who served with Wada for several years on the allocations committee of United Way.

Wada was always the voice of reason during long sessions and sometimes disagreements on how to divide the charity funds among the hundreds of community organizations supported by the United Way.

“This is a personal loss, too,” said Salazar. “He was one of my heroes.”

Wada was a strong supporter of UCSF, said Salazar. “He believed in the mission of this university, but if he felt that we were doing something wrong, he would point it out.”

Despite their near 30 years age difference, Salazar and Wada had much in common. Both were second-generation Americans, raised in small towns in the Central Valley -- Wada in Hanford, and Salazar in Firebaugh -- and they would often discuss their roots. “I looked to him as a community elder -- someone I could go to for advice.”

Martin Diamond, director of UCSF/Mount Zion Medical Center, also used the term “community elder” to describe Wada, who served on the UCSF/Mount Zion Board of Trustees beginning in 1990. “He was one of the most respected persons in San Francisco,” said Diamond.

He recalled Wada’s effect at Mount Zion meetings, especially during critical discussions about whether cutbacks in services would affect the neighborhood. “Yori synthesized information so well and he was always probing,” said Diamond. “You could always count on him to ask the right questions.”

But Diamond will miss most their sessions after board meetings. “I loved occasions when we could just sit down and talk,” he said. “He cared very deeply in improving the human condition. He was the ultimate ideal of the person you want to shape society.”

The UCSF/Mount Zion Board members will adjourn its regular meeting tonight with a tribute to their fellow trustee, Diamond said.

Steve Neuberger, director of community relations at UCSF, said Wada attended even the smallest neighborhood meetings. “He insisted on mutual dialogue and that we listen to our neighbors. He was never dismissive of any suggestion.”

Neuberger, who worked with Wada as a member of former Mayor Art Agnos’ staff before coming to UCSF, however, was most impressed with Wada’s work with the city’s youth. “He was a tireless advocate for young people,” said Neuberger. “He supported the development and leadership of young people and insisted that we listen to them.”

Wada’s impact on youth, especially those in the Western Addition is legendary. Diamond recalled a late night after a board meeting when he and Wada were walking in the neighborhood. “Two men crossed the street and approached us. One of them -- he was about 35 -- said ‘Mr. Wada, do you remember me?’ Then he extended his hand and said ‘you made a tremendous difference in my life.’”

Wada was a father figure to many, including Robert Obana, UCSF budget director, who hung out at the Buchanan YMCA as a kid. “Yori was not a preacher. He let you run -- gave you a little space -- but reigned you in when you got out of line,” said Obana, whose relationship with Wada began at age six when he was in Cub Scouts with Wada’s son, Wayne.

“As I grew up, I came to realize what Yori represented -- and not just in the Japanese American community,” said Obana. “He stood up for everyone, especially the underdog.”

Obana recalled the “Wada look,” one that Wada used not only on young people, but probably in community and Regents meetings, too. “He would look at you, raise one eyebrow, and smile. He knew if you were BSing.”

“But as powerful and influential he was, he was humble,” said Obana. Oftentimes, behind the scenes, “he paved the road and took bold steps to empower others.”

Obana remembers Wada’s speech during Asian Pacific Awareness Week at UCSF in May of 1992, in which he urged the audience to help young people.

Wada said then: “If there is anyone around in later years to study the history of this time and of this place, they will know .... They will know that there were many here who with youth in their souls and courage in their hearts, tried to be educators of the young and of their peers .... who took their time and place somewhat seriously.

“They will know that some of us knew we had a chance, and that having a chance, we tried. They will know that we were part of the continuity of history and that we did not turn away from the opportunity to make a difference.”

Today and decades after, many will remember that Wada made a difference.

A memorial service for Yori Wada will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m., at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1111 Gough St., at Geary.

By Andy Evangelista

1st appeared 12/03/97

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