Hirohide Yunome was born in Tokyo, Japan on March 6, 1957, to the late Hideo Sato and Yosahiko Takahashi. He passed away on April 23, 2024. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving and devoted wife of 30 years, Yoko Yamada Yunome and a brother-in-law.

Mr. Yunome (You-Know-Me as he would always introduce himself) was a kind, good- natured, caring man. His bright smile, great sense of humor, and his care of his family and friends was evident. If nothing else, a friendly nod and a small wave was his way to say “Hello” to all he met.

After working at Toshiba and Atsumi at the beginning of his career, Mr Yunome was assigned as the Vice President for a joint venture between Atsumi and Engineered Sintered Components (now Keystone Powdered Metals Company) in 2002. Yunome-san served as a Vice President for the company. He was a motivator for the employees, and a coach as needed for his co-workers. Pouring his heart and soul into this position, his work notes are legendary, and he took the time to analyze the operations and give advice to make it better every day.

Yunome-san made a huge positive impact to the organization, the employees, and his co- workers in terms of a leader, a teammate, and a friend.

Beyond the work, an incredibly gifted musician existed. Paying his way through college by singing and playing music, he continued to write, compose, and record all of his life. The music was a creative outlet and he used his talent to encourage others to live their lives doing what they love, despite their circumstances. Yunome-san sang from his soul, a sweet tenor sound that touched the hearts and ears of many.

Besides music, Yunome-san had a passion for golf and spent many an afternoon on the course with Yoko and others. His competitive nature kept him striving to improve and wanting to play any chance that he could. In times past, the fact that Yoko could beat him encouraged him to practice, and practice and practice a little more.

A “Big” (tall) man by Japanese standards, his “Big” heart, and his “Big” will fight whatever the battle will be the way Yunome will be remembered. Cancer may have worn him down, but Yunome-san fought like no other to live. A man of good character, of strong will, and a Warrior to the very end.

A Gathering of Friends will be held Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Nicholson Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m.

Yunome will be returned to his home in Japan for his final rest.

For those who prefer memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1901Brunswick Ave., Ste. 100, Charlotte, NC 28207.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Yunome Family.