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“Mistah Saimin’s” Lasting Legacy

Digest On the Menu

May 12, 2012

Story By: Dining Out Team |

The man behind the magic of Shiro’s Saimin restaurants, owner and founder Franz Shiro Matsuo, lived life to the fullest and did not look back.

Matsuo, otherwise known as “Mistah Saimin,” died May 3. He was 93.

Although his smiling face and bubbly personality that would always grace the Waimalu restaurant will be dearly missed, his legacy will live on forever through the restaurant’s tasty offerings (60 different saimin noodle combinations), his witty poetry and those whose lives he deeply touched.

“Shiro would come to the restaurant almost every day just to sit and chat with customers,” says Shiro’s Saimin Haven’s vice president Aaron Lee. “He was a man who did it all. He was even driving on his own until this past January.

“Our loyal customers have come by to offer their condolences, and we’re grateful for their support,” he adds.

Matsuo is survived by daughter Linda, son Alan, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are set for 5:30 p.m. May 30 at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, mauka chapel.

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