Herbert Kazuto Oie

Herbert Kazuto Oie was born in Hilo, Hawaii on December 16, 1933. He passed peacefully on August 31, 2021 at the age of 87. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Lillian Tomie Oie (Nee Uemori), his brother, Edwin Masayuki Oie, his brother-in-law, James Motoyama, and his parents Harold Wazo Oie and Matsuyo Oie (Nee Shibata).

He was educated at the University of Hawai'i where he received his doctorate in 1968. Dr. Oie was a microbiologist and research scientist at both the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute's Medical Oncology Branch in Bethesda, MD. While he dedicated his professional career to the pursuit of a cure for lung cancer, he also worked with oncologists by testing and recommending individualized therapies for current patients. Over a successful, 30-plus-year career, he produced a highly influential body of work, which included the co-development of two cell lines, NI-H441 and NI-H460, that are among the most commonly used in lung cancer research.

Although he spent most of his life in Maryland, he always called Hawaii “home.” He grew up a plantation boy in Hilo on the Big Island, then married and began raising his family on Oahu until his fellowship brought him to Maryland.  Nothing was more important to him than his Ohana…he was a devoted husband and father, always making time to teach new skills, help with school work, and attend games and performances. He treasured his many friends and considered them part of his Ohana. He did not ask for much but always gave of his time and energy, always willing to pitch in and help. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. 

He is survived, and will be greatly missed, by his loving children, Garrett Oie (Beth Rowland), Carrie-Anne Platt (Kevin Platt), Kelvin Oie (Deanna Dell'Acqua) and Terrence Oie (Annie Nyugen-Oie) and dear sisters, Nora Uratani (Tetsuo Uratani) and Marian Eiko Motoyama, as well as his adoring grandchildren, Alyssa Platt, Sophia Platt, Shane Oie, Keira Oie and Colin Oie and great grand-daughter, Sophia DuClos. His loss will be felt by many other caring family and friends. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Candle Light Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 on Monday, September 6 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a prayer service starting at 11:30 AM.

The family would ask you make a donation to a charity that supports research on lung cancer or mental health and dementia, such as the Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org) or the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (www.bbrfoundation.org).

Regardless of vaccination status, the family requests that all guests attending the Celebration of Life please wear a face mask.

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