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BORN
1961
DIED
2023
Dean Taniguchi Obituary
June 12, 1961 - February 19, 2023
Dean Taniguchi, beloved brother, uncle, cousin and nephew, passed away peacefully on Feb. 19, 2023, at the age of 61.
He is survived by his sister, Sharyn Zachary and husband Paul (Moorpark), brothers Wayne (Huntington Beach), Glenn and wife Kim (Fountain Valley). With many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Mitsuo and Yuriko Taniguchi, uncles, aunt and cousin.
Dean was born on June 12, 1961 in Santa Maria. He graduated from SMHS in 1979, and Loyola Marymount in 1983. After graduation he went into public accounting, produce business and financial advising before ultimately working at Smart & Final until his death.
Dean was devoted to family spending 18 years living and caring for his parents, and took special interest in his nieces and nephews. He was active in the Japanese community and the Guadalupe Buddhist Church. Dean loved going to Vegas and fishing with his nephew. He was well liked, a devoted friend, had a great sense of humor, was a dedicated worker, and thoughtful of others. Dean's life will be celebrated in a private service
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dean Taniguchi
2 Entries
Barbara Finn
March 20, 2023
I had the pleasure of knowing Dean when he helped us at the San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church with our annual summer Obon festival. He was the go-to person at Smart & Final who took my shopping list,
retrieved all the items, literally did the shopping and
organizing for me. He made my job easy. I was honored to be invited to a celebration of Dean hosted by the team at Smart & Final and heard the
warm and loving stories from the manager and staff
as to Dean's character. I appreciated Dean even more after witnessing the outpouring of affection for him. He is definitely missed by many.
Catherine Lane
February 25, 2023
Dean was the most remarkable person I´ve ever had the honor of knowing. He was patient and kind. He always took a moment to say hello to my daughter and make her feel like she was the most important thing in the world at that moment. During those moments, he was the most important thing to her. His level of TRUE care and compassion is unparalleled. I´ve never met a person as selfless as Dean, and I doubt I ever will. I can only hope that Dean looks down upon us at Smart and Final in AG, and is pleased knowing that everything we do, from this point forward, is in honor of Dean. I love you, Dean. Rest in peace until we meet again.
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