Mits Tamura Obituary

Mits Tamura

Mitsuru "Mits" Tamura passed away at home from heart disease on January 1, 2015, after many years of health issues. Mits was 74 years old, residing in Shoreline, Washington.

Mits was born April 2, 1940, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Miko and Ben Tamura. As a child during the Second World War he and his family were sent to the Minidoka Internment Camp in Idaho. Eventually he and his family were moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where in 1958 he graduated from William Tennent High School.

Mits did a tour in Korea while serving in the U.S. Army. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University in 1968. He then earned his Masters of Public Administration from the University of Washington in 1973.

He worked for the City of Seattle for 30 years until his retirement in 2008.

In his younger days he enjoyed charter boat fishing. He generously donated to liberal causes and animal welfare groups.

Mits is survived by his niece Rie Tamura Timmerman, nephew Yutaka Tamura, sister-in-law Libby Tamura, cousin Sharon Brooks and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother Miko Matsuda Tamura, father Takao Ben Tamura, and his brother Takashi Tamura.

Per his request there will be no service. Mits will be buried at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Jan. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Mits Tamura

Sponsored by The Family.

6 Entries

January 1, 2016

I will remember you Mits, save a Godiva in heaven for me! :)

joann sullivan

March 11, 2015

Mits and I worked together at the Seattle Engineering Department. He was always willing to help me understand the inner workings of the City. Mits knew everyone and was always helping people make connections. I looked forward to our weekly staff meetings, as he would start them off with a zinger. Years ago, when you moved back to the States he invited me over to meet his family. He was very,very proud of all of you. After you went to N.Y.C. he would keep me updated on your schools and life. He knew it ment alot to me,as that is where I am from. He did tell me after meeting all of you, that rei was never quiet again and I was directly responsible for her change! We lost touch after I had children and left the City. I am very sorry for your loss he loved all of you.

February 17, 2015

I met Mits when he and I were in an orientation for Graduate School.Both of us had been out of school for a while and I think we were both a little nervous about more schooling. I don't remember taking classes with him but I probably did. Both of us got jobs at the City of Seattle after we finished our class work, although neither of us did the "action paper" which was required to get the degree. Finally I decided to finish and he did it at the same time.
I belonged to a small investment club with him. We did go on some fishing trips as well. After I got married and had kids, we drifted apart. The last time I saw Mits was at the PT clinic at Group Health. He had had a stroke but was still working, even though I am sure it was difficult for him to get around. I know he worked in budget and cost accounting and took the work seriously and professionally.
I did try to locate him after I retired but I was not able to connect. He was a good guy. I hope he had a good life.

J Richmond

February 7, 2015

Mits and i went to grade school and high school together. We have managed to reconnect in the last 12 years. It was a pleasure knowing him. Beth Zerbe Lentz. Class of 1958. William Tennent high school.

How you can show support

Notify Me

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

G C

January 29, 2015

To the Family, may the peace of God that excels all thought comfort you during this time of sorrow. Philippians 4:7

January 25, 2015

I haven't seen Mits for many years, as I retired in 2006 and we ended up living even more miles apart. Mits always made me smile. He could turn a phrase with just a little bit of a joke in it for those who could keep up with him and who paid attention. He will be missed. :( Edie J.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results