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Chad Tohinaka Obituary
Our loving son, brother, grandson, and dear friend, Chad , 25, passed away Saturday, November 17, 2012 in an accident on the Great Salt Lake along with his best friend and brother Logan. Chad was born on September 15, 1987 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Mike & Karen Tohinaka. He graduated from Olympus High and Westminster College and was currently working as a portfolio manager at National Capital Investment Company. Chad strived to be the best in all he did and he lived life to its fullest. He went skydiving with friends, loved extreme roller coasters with his sister and dad, the bigger the better. He loved hunting with Logan & friends for ducks and other game. He was an avid ghost hunter and spent many nights investigating haunted locations with his Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah buddies, although he never "caught" one.
Chad is survived by his parents, Mike & Karen, sister, Kelsi, grandmothers Sachiko Tohinaka and Mitsue Sugimoto and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. We want to thank all the family, friends and members of the community for their generosity and outpouring of love and support for our son Chad and "our other son", Logan.
Most of all, a special thank you to everyone involved in the search and rescue operation that night for finding our boys and bringing them home. It brings us peace to know that Chad and Logan were together in life and now in death. Brothers forever. Our lives and hearts are so much richer because of them both.
Funeral services will be held on December 2, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, 211 W. 100 So., Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Funeral directors, Neil O'Donnell and Sons. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Chad's memory to the Logan Hardman fund at Zions Bank.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chad Tohinaka
December 3, 2012
Mike,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I wish you peace and comfort.
jt
James Gates
December 1, 2012
Thank you Chad, for always having a smile, living your life to the fullest, and showing us how to love everyone you meet.
My deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of this great man. I believe that we are all blessed to have known him.
Tami Loosle
November 30, 2012
Karen, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I pray that you receive comfort and strength at this difficult time. Sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of you!
November 29, 2012
Our hearts go out to Chad's family and friends. Chad was a great man who made a significant impact on the lives of those who knew him. He will be missed.
-Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah
Mike Kushlan
November 29, 2012
My condolences to all who were privileged to know Chad,
As Chad's Math Teacher and Track Coach I was moved by his amazing dedication determination, and positive attitude. He exemplified greatness in so many ways. He and a very select few like him make coaching and teaching a great joy. To the entire Tohinaka family, I send my deepest regrets to his passing but I also would have you know that I the teacher and coach, have grown and been edified by my relationship with Chad and I will always treasure and be grateful in my heart for this association with him for the rest of my life. Thank you for sharing him with me. God bless you all.
Kush
Mandee Cossa
November 28, 2012
Karen,
My heart is aching for you and your family. My prayers and thoughts are for you and your loved ones at this difficult time. May you be comforted and watched over during the next few days and weeks.
Cherie Nielsen
November 28, 2012
Karen, so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Ron and Susan Geerdes
November 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you; our deep grief for your unspeakable loss will be part of our heart from now on. Our memories of your son go back to when they were little kids playing at Kevin and Stephanie's and our kids went to Magna Elementary.
November 28, 2012
I interviewed Chad when he applied to be a Big Brother in our agency. I knew he would be a great "Big Brother" and truly touch the life of a child, as he did. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with you and with his "Little Brother." Kristine, Big Brothers Big Sisters of UT
sue & willie lopez
November 28, 2012
Dearest Tohinaka Family,
I have been so touched by Chad's incredible spirit! I didn't know Chad or Logan, yet wanted to express my love and sympathy to you. I'm so so sorry for your tremendous loss. We have kept you in our prayers. We have prayed you would feel peace and comfort somehow, someway. Please know that your son, brother, friend, touched the life of so many and still continues to do so. He was an incredible, incredible young man.
November 26, 2012
Karen, we are so sorry to hear about Chad. I think in our hearts we both knew it was your son before we got the tragic news from Suzanne. Since we have always known and loved you so much, our hearts grieve with you for the passing of this beautiful young man. No words Karen, can fully express our sorrow for you and your family at this time. May your memories of this great young man be sweet. Love Larry and Donna
Dana Champine
November 26, 2012
So Sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Cynthia Pearson
November 25, 2012
Dear Karen and Kelsi,
I was so saddened to hear of Chad's passing. I loved both your children. They were great students and it was a pleasure teaching them at Mill Creek Elementary. It sounds like Chad grew up to be a wonderful, fun-loving man. My prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Cynthia Pearson
Robyn & Richard Walsh
November 25, 2012
Dear Mike, Karen and Kelsi,
We were saddened to hear about Chad. I have fond memories of all the Tohinakas! You are an amazing, fun family. I know Chad will be missed by many as he seemed to bless so many lives with his personality. Our hearts go out to you at this time-you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Richard and Robyn(Bennett)Walsh
Laurel Lowe
November 25, 2012
I am stunned, shocked, and saddened to read that Chad has passed away. I had just visited with him again in my office November 14th. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you.
November 25, 2012
Dear Tohinaka Family,
Our family have been neighbors and good friends of the Hardman's for many years. Karen, some of my kids were in your computer lab at Magna Elementary. My son, Bradley Clark, was a roommate to Logan and Chad when they lived in Matt's basement. It was a privilege to know Chad. He was a great young man! As a Mom, I was glad to know that our boys were having fun living together, but at the same time, helping each other to "behave" themselves (as if any of them would do anything wrong, lol!). Thank you for raising a man who was a great friend and loving example of goodness to those who knew him. Know that our hearts ache for your family. You will be in our prayers as you go through this difficult time. Know that Chad lives on in the memories so many have of him!
Much love,
Beverly, Travis, Bradley, Jacob, Kylee, and Justice Clark
Gerry Ewing
November 24, 2012
Dear Karen, I felt such dispaire when I learned of Chad's death. I loved hearing about his accomplishments when we worked together. Please know my sympathies and prayers are with you. May joy and goodness follow you and yours throughout your life.
Amber Good
November 23, 2012
Kelsi, my heart and thoughts are with you.
Anonymous Friend
November 23, 2012
What beautiful people you are - and you obviously raised an amazing son. It warms my heart to know there are selfless, loving people like you living on this earth and a couple of great guys up in heaven hanging with some of my loved ones. Much love to you all even though I don't know any of you.
Johanna Widdison
November 23, 2012
Dear Karen and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I hope that you may find peace and comfort as you go through life's journey.
November 23, 2012
May The Perpetual Light Shine Upon HIm.
Phyllis Waechtler
November 23, 2012
Dear Tohinaka family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son Chad.Although I did not know him personally,my daughter new him when she was younger and said he was an awesome person and was always fun to be around.I do know Mike when he was working at Cyprus Credit Union and he was always smiling and fun to work with. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at such a great loss.
Mike
November 23, 2012
By far one of the nicest and most genuine person I have ever met. I will miss running into you randomly around the valley and seeing your friendly smile. We were all better from having known you. May God watch over your family and friends while He helps spread smiles in heaven through you.
Glenns
November 23, 2012
Karen, Mike, Kelsi,
Our heartfelt sympathies are with you at this time. Please remember that we are only a phone call away if you need anything.
Love, the Glenns
Andy
November 23, 2012
One day, Chad called me up and took me out to dinner. That's just the kind of guy he was. Love you chad.
Jenny Wright
November 22, 2012
Chad was one of the best men that I knew. He was funny and always kept me entertained. Chad was just recently appointed as our newest Director for the PI Team of Utah (Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah) - Director of Research and Development and although he did not get a chance to function in this capacity, I had every confidence in the world that he would have rocked!! I loved to ghost hunt with him as he didn't enjoy bugs and would freak out everytime he thought a bug or spider was close to him. Good times!!! The attached pic is of us when we went to Rock Springs and did a presentation for the public at the Broadway Theater. We both had on headset and were "striking a pose". That was a great weekend!! He was great with the public and will be greatly missed by our team. In addition, he will be greatly missed by me as I considered him a good friend. Miss ya Chad!!! Jenny - PI Team of Utah
Gabino Chacon
November 22, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
erika mccarthy
November 22, 2012
Dear Tohinaka Family,
My heart is broken, I am still reeling. Chad was the quiet yet very bright child who could rallied the "troops" at recess. He was a wonderful big brother to Kelsi and was so thankful that he had his father and mother to lean on. Much love to all of you. Love and respect, Erika McCarthy
Clarissa Wall
November 22, 2012
I knew chad when we were little kids he was the funniest kid I knew he always knew how to make me laugh and brighten my day. I am so grateful for the few childhood memories I got to share with him. He will always hold a special place in my heart
Michelle Bauer
November 21, 2012
Chad and I had math class together at Olympus Highschool. It was clear to everyone how bright he was, but even better then that was his sense of humor. He made me laugh every day, and his smile was infectious. I'm so sorry to hear of his loss to this world. Prayers of peace and healing to his family and loved ones during this time.
November 21, 2012
Our prayers are with you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Allison M. Banks and your Mill Creek friends
November 21, 2012
There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories.
Abigail Marshall
November 21, 2012
Chad was one of the best friends I could have asked for. It's heartbreaking to think that someone who made the world so good could be taken so soon. I'll miss you, Chad, thanks for all the amazing memories.
Doug Christensen
November 21, 2012
Chad was friends with my son Jason. I got the privilege to spend time with Chad and Jason's other friends on several occasions. Chad was a great guy. I liked being around him and I was impressed that he was friends with my boy. Chad was kind to me and we laughed at many things together. I am so sorry for his passing. My love, thoughts and prayers are with his parents, sister and many other family members. Chad will be missed and not soon forgotten.
with love
November 21, 2012
Our heart and thoughts are with you.
November 21, 2012
Karen,
It has been many years since you and I were teachers together in Magna. You were always so kind and loving to me. I hope that there are many people as wonderful as yourself to help you through this difficult time. Chad was blessed to have you for a mother.
Sending love from England,
Teresa Judd
Tyson Hardcastle
November 21, 2012
Chad was an amazing friend. He knew so well how to help you feel like you were in the right place. I'll never forget his friendship.
Tammie Neeley
November 21, 2012
I met Chad at Westminster College. He was one of my lab assistants in the Center for Financial Analysis at Westminster College for 3 years. We became close friends and shared many laughs and deep conversations together, even after he graduated. He was dependable, friendly, smart and passionate about finance. He was a wonderful friend and guy! I felt very protective of him...he was like my little brother. I will miss him always. I want to express my deepest sympathies to his family. We all love Chad!
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