Frank C. Hirahara moved his family to Anaheim in 1955, and they began their life in this community, building friendships, volunteering for local charities, and leaving a lasting legacy through their photos. Photography was Frank’s passion from the age of 12; taking photos in junior high school, as photo editor of the Heart Mountain High School Tempo annual, photographing his years at Washington State University, and continuing with membership in several professional and amateur photo clubs and organizations in Oregon. You would always see him taking photos, and he was thrilled when his daughter Patti took photography classes in college. Together they established Hirahara Photography, and Frank continued his craft until the time he died.
The Hirahara family continued their commitment to community service here in Southern California through their involvement in many organizations:
Frank Hirahara was a charter member of the Anaheim Family YMCA's Heritage Club in 2001 and he is honored in the "
In Memoriam" section of their 2009-2010 Annual Report.
Mary Hirahara served as Secretary of the Junior High-Y Women’s Group in 1968–1969 and Treasurer 1969-1970. Both are recognized as Charter Heritage Club members of the Anaheim Family YMCA as of March 2002.
Frank was chairman of Team 52 of the Anaheim YMCA Building Fund for a new building, completed in January of 1969 at the corner of Loara and West Street in the City of Anaheim. The entire Hirahara Family was involved in fund raising as well as volunteering at the facility once it opened to the public. Patti Hirahara was Service Chairman of the Wise Up Y'ers from 1967-68 and 1968-69 while at Fremont Junior High School. Their donations were designated by a gold lettered tile on the Donors Wall at the entrance of the facility.
Frank held a 3-year term as board member of the Anaheim Memorial Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors from 2002–2005, and was named a Lifetime Member of the Medical Center’s Double Eleven Club. He also served as an Advisory Committee Member to the Anaheim Memorial Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors beginning in July 2005. Frank and Mary Hirahara were also Associates of the Anaheim Memorial Medical Center.
Optimist International
Frank held various positions in the Suburban Optimist Club and was a current member of the Board of Directors at his death in 2006. He was the 30th Anniversary President of the Suburban Optimist Club of Buena Park from 1995–1996, was named Suburban Optimist of the Year in 1994; 1997, and 1999, and was awarded with the Suburban Optimist President’s Award. From 1998-99, Frank served as Lt. Governor of Zone One of the Pacific Southeast District of Optimist International, and Chaired the Achievement and Awards Committee from 1999-2000.
Patti Hirahara became the first Miss Suburban Optimist Queen in 1974 and represented the Orange County Japanese American community during her reign.