Seigo Hayashi, the visionary founder of Asian Rehabilitation Services (ARS), passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Monterey Park, CA, on November 13, 2021, at the age of 78, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. A devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Seigo’s life was marked by a deep commitment to community service and the empowerment of others.

Born on November 3, 1943, in the Gila Relocation Camp in Arizona to Tomio and Sakae Hayashi, Seigo’s early life was shaped by resilience. Raised in South Los Angeles, he excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian and president of his class at Jordan High School in 1961. This success led him to Dartmouth College on a scholarship. Seigo was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and served in Alaska. After his military service, he resumed his education at UCLA, earning a bachelor’s degree in Math and Psychology and later a Master’s degree in Counseling from California State University, Los Angeles.

Seigo’s passion for helping others led him to a  career in vocational rehabilitation, where he made a lasting impact. He founded Hayashi & Associates, a company encompassing 12 offices across Southern California. In 1975, Seigo co-founded Asian Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (ARS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing vocational and social services to underserved communities. His dedication to empowering individuals through rehabilitation and training left a lasting legacy, with ARS continuing its vital work to this day.

In 1980, Seigo married Sachi Mochizuki, and together they had two daughters, Stacy (born in 1984) and Sandy (born in 1987). Recently, Seigo welcomed his first grandchild, Everett, born in 2021. Seigo touched the lives of many, known for his intelligence, humility, and unwavering generosity. He will be remembered as a kind and compassionate man, always willing to lend a hand.

Seigo is survived by his ex-wife, Sachi Hayashi; his daughter, Sandy Sutro; his son-in-law, Alex Sutro; and his grandson, Everett Sutro. He is also survived by his sisters, Amy Harman, Nancy Hayashi, and Connie Hayashi-Smith, along with his beloved nieces and extended family members. Seigo’s spirit of service and gentle strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who know him.