Yoshito Takahashi

Yoshito Takahashi passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2008 in the comfort of his family and the care of Hinds Hospice. He was born on the family farm in Clovis on June 16, 1920. During World War II, Yoshito and his family were interned at Poston, Ariz. Yoshito farmed together in Clovis with his brother Ted Takahashi as Takahashi Farms, raising fruit, melons, vegetables and berries. He retired from farming in 1992.

Throughout his lifetime, Yoshito was actively involved in numerous civic and community service organizations and activities, including the Fresno Buddhist Church, Japanese American Citizens League, and Community Hospitals of Central California, among many others. He was also a member of the Central California Black Belt Association and the National Jr. Olympic Judo Committee in the 1960s. He was a voting member of the prestigious AAU Sullivan Award, presented yearly at the New York Athletic Club to the outstanding amateur athlete in the U.S.

In 1977, he was named Clovis “Citizen of the Year” and in 1979, was inducted into the Clovis Hall of Fame. Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson proclaimed April 5, 1997 as “Yoshito Takahashi Day” in appreciation and recognition for his many years of dedicated service and for his sustained spirit of volunteerism to the greater Fresno community. He was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Japanese government in 1999 in recognition for his contributions to the cultural enrichment and friendship between the peoples of Japan and the U.S.

Yoshito is preceded in death by his parents, Yoshibei and Shizuyo Takahashi, and by his sisters: Ida Imai, Tomiko Claus, Dr. Mae Takahashi, and Mickie Takahashi.

Surviving him are his wife, Yoshiye; son, Chuck Takahashi and his wife Alyce; daughters: Lorraine Takahashi and Brenda Treadwell and her husband Dan; and three wonderful grandchildren: Brian Treadwell, Elizabeth Takahashi and Claire Takahashi, all of Clovis. Yoshito is also survived by his brother, Ted Takahashi and his wife Irene of Madera; sisters: Sue Okada of Gardena; and Sally Matsumoto and her husband Tom of Torrance; as well as 15 nieces and nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

A private family funeral service was held at Fresno Buddhist Church on June 9, followed by a remembrance on June 14 at Fresno Buddhist Church.