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William Tadano Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Tadano
Don (donny) Blackburn
May 22, 2025
I wrote before. He was a very special man. Seems our generation is fading rapidly. I was with Willie in High School at Carl Hayden HS Phx, 1958-62. I wrestled Willie many times under coach Aradondo (sp?) So sorry to hear of his passing.... He was a great guy and a terrific high school wrestler. Even a State Champion I think I remember. I believe his family had those big flower farms down on Baseline Road back then. Can't say anything but good, positive, things about Willie Tadano! And a dentist too! Always successful, he was a great friend and competitor... God Bless you and your family TD...
Donny Blackburn
September 18, 2023
Never knew him as a DR. In HS he was Willie. I wrestled with him (he always beat me) and played football at CHHS. Class of 1962.... Never good to see your name on this list. God Bless
Caroline Schmidt
June 5, 2007
I had just met Dr. Tadano; my family had been looiking for an orthodontist that we liked. I had only visited him once before he passed away, but already I loved him and his gentle, caring ways. It was a blessing that I got to know him, if even for a short period of time. We will always remember him!
bill wick
June 2, 2007
Willie's dead...?
Hard to believe we were on the same Wrestling and Football team at Carl Hayden H.S.
We crossed paths again when I was in Special Forces for a few minutes.Willie was a good one.
Well nobody is getting out of here alive anyway.
I'm 64 now and wondering when I will join him. On second thought I'll be in a hotter place than he is...no doubt.
I just got the word today June 2,07.
Bill Wick
Linda, Nathan & Nicole Kohatsu
May 23, 2007
Dr. Tadano was a wonderful person and will be missed my myself, my family.
Blair Ota
May 21, 2007
I am grateful to have been a dental school classmate of Will for four years. Will was the elder statesman of Lab C's 24 dental students. He maybe wasn't that much older than most of us but he was light years more mature and professional. He was our guiding light and professional example from day one thru graduation. I was sorry to hear of his premature passing as the world certainly needs the guidance and stability that Will I'm sure countinued to provide for those around him.
Blair Ota MD, DDS
Janna Joy Ayers
May 20, 2007
I was fortunate to be a classmate of Dr. Tadano's at Carl Hayden High School where we shared many classes, including student government. And even more fortunate to talk with Willie and Margie at our 45th reunion last October. I send all my prayers and love to Willie's family. He is missed...
Christie Capritta
May 19, 2007
To the family and staff of Dr. Tadano,
I am sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person. I am grateful to have known Dr. T and his staff and am very thankful for everything. I will always think of him and miss him when I smile.
Steve Stenson
May 19, 2007
My dear doctor,friend, and inspiration who literally brightened and straightened the smile of my daughter Katie Caughlin, my daughter Sophie Stenson, and myself.
He always showed genuine interest and concern, and inspired us to move toward our dreams.
We picked a star in the sky for him, and think of him often. It is the fartherest top star on the bucket of the Milky Way.
We will always love him.
Carol Ann Glacken - Cranmer
May 19, 2007
Dear Tadano Family,
My memories of "Willie" reach back to high school where he always met others with a sincere smile and greeting - usually something with a humerous quip.
What I wish for you, his family, to know though is my appreciation for him as a professional. As a school nurse, I had a student who severely needed orthodonture but could not afford it. Although I had not seen Will for many years, when I called him for assistance, he didn't hesitate to say yes. I'm so glad to have seen him at our reunion in October to thank him properly.
Will is in my prayers.
Jay and Lisa Galati
May 18, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are for your family. Will proved himself as a true gentleman for the Orthodontic profession, time and time again. His committed service will always be carried in our hearts and minds. Beyond being a highly respected colleague, he will always be known for his kindness, devotion and friend to all. The Tadano Family has been blessed to know Will at his core. Hold on to those glorious memories and share them every chance you get.
Linda Crites Ashton
May 18, 2007
To the family, staff and friends of Dr. Tadano,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Dr Tadano will be greatly missed by so many.
At 57 years old, I decided to get braces and he made me feel so comfortable. I really enjoyed my visits with him as we would many times talk about high school days as Mrs. Tadano as well as some of her siblings went to the same high school as myself.
Many of us will never forget him as he gave us a great reason to smile in so many special ways!
Steve Gillett
May 18, 2007
Dear Margie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Will's passing. Will was such a loving, caring, gentle spirit. As much as any man whom I have met in my lifetime, he embodied the Christ-like qualities that we should all strive to acquire. Everyone who met Will or was fortunate to call him friend loved him for those qualities. I enjoyed playing tennis with him on occasion, talking sports, or about collecting sports memorabilia.
His primary focus in life was straight and true...loving his Lord, family and friends. As a result, Will was loved and deeply respected by everyone.
Take care,
Steve Gillett
Audrey, Erika, Zack & Kim Fredstrom
May 18, 2007
Dear Tadano Family:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time of loss.
I was 32 years old and a mother of two in the early 80's. I spent 2-1/2 years in treatment with Doc. About halfway through, my jaw shifted and it was necessary for me to have surgery. Dr. T. "hooked me up" with a skilled, young oral surgeon (Dr. Ingersoll). I will NEVER forget how surprised I was to see Dr. T. walk through my hospital room door with flowers. That was definitely BEYOND the call of duty! However, he understood how traumatic this whole ordeal had been for me. This just confirmed what I had known from the start. He was one of the kindest, most caring professionals I had ever met. Not only did he provide excellent care for me, but also for my three children in later years. Because of him our oldest daughter chose a career in dental hygiene.
May your hearts be comforted in the knowledge that he is now Home with his Heavenly Father and that some day we will be reunited with him.
Margaret Combs
May 17, 2007
Dear Mrs. Todano and family,
As you are so fully aware by the sentiments on these pages; your husband, father and grandfather was so cherished among his friends, employees, and patients. It is so sad to know that we will never have the pleasure of hearing his voice or seeing his smile again this side of heaven, but we can rejoice in knowing that he is with his Lord even now. We will see him again one day. My prayers are with you all. In Him, Margaret Combs
Teri Galuppo
May 16, 2007
Margie and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Dr. T. He was the BEST BOSS I have ever had and also a Great True friend for the last 12 years. Everyone who knew Dr. T loved and adored him as Did I. I admired him and his faith. I admired who he was and how he was with all of his family, friends, patients and staff. I looked up to him for so many things and for his advice. He was such a big part of my life for so many years. When I needed a friend for advice he was always there to give me the best advice or pray with me for things with Andrew or family. He was a wonderful, caring , compassionate , kind, Godly man who I adored. My whole family will miss him dearly and are so sorry but, know he was a true gift from God for all the years we all had him and now he is in the Best place ever. There is no question where he is.Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you, Teri Galuppo & Andrew
Fritz Ohlrich
May 16, 2007
May the family of Dr. Tadano find a measure of strength in knowing of the many friends who remember Willie so warmly and fondly.
Dana Tanita
May 16, 2007
Michiko, Margie, Chris and Corrie- Oh my goodness and how we love and respect Will. I'll see you this Friday and please know I send my very sincere love to each of you. Dana Tanita
Lisa Schultz
May 16, 2007
Dear Tadano Family, I was so sad to hear of your loss. I was 34 when Dr. Tadano put braces on my teeth 20 years ago. I am still wearing my retainers and my teeth are still beautiful! He was such a kind, gentle person and I always enjoyed my visits with him. I think I was the first of many EDS employees/children to be able to attribute my beautiful smile to his artistry. He never spoke of his faith to me, but he walked it out with the way he treated everyone.
Lorraine Raczkowski
May 16, 2007
Dear Mrs Tadano and family,
My famiy and especially my daughters Christine and Erin, who were privileged to experience Dr Tadano's skill and friendship, send our most sincere condolences.
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
The Raczkowski Family
Dennis and Lorraine, Christine, Jennifer, Erin and David
May 16, 2007
Dr. Tadano was my daughter's orthodontist and she really enjoyed her visits with him. He was such a kind and gentle man; always a pleasure to talk with. We were so saddened to hear of his death. We take comfort in God's promise: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Fondly, the Kendall & Epperson family, Phoenix
Patti Simcoe
May 16, 2007
Dear Margie,
Although I never met your husband I heard so much about him from Sylvia and I wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear of his passing. What a remarkable man! I know you will find comfort in knowing all the hearts he has touched. Patti Simcoe (Sylvia Garney's sister)
Karen Arneson/Bailey
May 16, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss of this wonderful man. I am very grateful to have seen
Willie at our CHHS reunion in Nov.
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Keffer Family
May 16, 2007
Dear Mrs. Tadano and Family:
Our family has been the fortunate recipient of Dr. T's outstanding expertise and kind and gentle nature for the past 12 years. Our children have either had difficult cases to correct and/or not always followed directions as closely as directed. At all times, however, Dr. T never expressed outward frustration and was always professional, understanding and kind while maintaining his gentle humor. We were all truly saddened to learn of Dr. T's premature passing and can only hope his family and friends will find solace in the outpourting of love that will surely come as well as their faith in a kind, just and loving God.
Tony, Lauren, Shane, Savannah, Morgan and Marshall
Jack Fijan
May 15, 2007
Margie and Family,
I am Honored to have known such a great man. Dr. Tadano was such a kind and carrying person everyday that I was around him. He was a great dentist, a great friend, and most of all, a great role model to many. He was always so nice to me and everyone I know. I will always remember him. My prayers go out to all of the Tadano Family. Rest in Peace.
Jaye Gribble
May 15, 2007
Dear Tadano family; Michiko, Reiko, Margie, Corrie, Chris, and extended family. I was fortunate enough to be one of Dr. Tadano's employees over the past years.
Dr. Tadano was a true mentor in my life. When I was young, and new to the valley, he gave me an opportunity to show my accomplished abilities in the dental trade. He provided for my family for several years with his love and adoration. He will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to the Tadano family.
Sincerely, the Gribble family, Jaye, Todd, Nikki, Jake, and Colin.
Larry Goldstein
May 15, 2007
I have many memories of my visits over the years at Dr. T's. I will alwyas remember the kindness and caring that was always waiting for you with the smile behind the mask. You will be missed by many. Thank you for the smile mine and yours.
Kathy (Goldstein) Horewitch
May 15, 2007
My parents just sent me a copy of the obituary via email. It was quite a shock to read. I am sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with the family and staff of Dr. Tadano. I started as a patient of his when I was in 7th grade (1986) and needed braces. I continued to see him for retainer checks for many years after. I even brought my husband to meet him one time (2002), simply because he was one of the kindest and gentlest men I knew. He will be missed by many but remembered by many more. Please accept my deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
Nancy Malakowsky Shields
May 15, 2007
I was one of Dr. Tadano's patients back in 1977. Although I only needed braces on my bottom teeth and a retainer on top, I enjoyed my visits to Dr. Tadano's office. Since I was 19 and in college at NAU, Dr. T. gave me clear braces that would not be as noticable. I was so excited to get the braces off but had to make 3 visits to his office before he actually removed them. He wanted my teeth to be perfect.I remember driving home from the office and constantly looking in the rear view mirror at my straight teeth. Every time I smile I thank Dr. T for those 3 extra visits!! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May you find comfort in the memories of this very special man.
Mike Vanlandingham
May 15, 2007
Will was truly a special person who brought joy to everyone. I was fortunate to have known him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Gwynne & Jim, Taylor, Kara and Jack
May 15, 2007
Margie and Family,
We are all truly saddened by losing Will. He was a true gentleman in so many ways. Everyone that knew him could see a kind, gentle, compassionate and loving man in everything he did. He was so good to so many people and certainly touched countless lives. He loved his family, friends and his staff unconditionally. He was so highly respected for who he was, and it was an honor to know him.We will miss him.
Our prayers are with you,
The Fijan Family
Thrush Family
May 15, 2007
We are sincerely grateful for the time we shared with Dr. Tadano. He has touched our lives. We miss him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and staff.
Kevin Aiello
May 15, 2007
Dear Margie, It is hard to see this in print. Will always amazed me how he could meet everyone on there level, and make them feel that he deeply cared about them. He was always so interested in what I was up to I had to make a mental note to ask him, something about himself. We cherish you and your entire family. Please lean on us in any way you can. Love, Kevin, Jill, Akemi, and Alexis
Carol Hoffman
May 15, 2007
Dearest Margie and family, How we loved Dr. T. We were so honored that my family has been on the receiving end of his kindness, gentleness and loving care. He was there for my teeth, my grandson, my son and my daughter. He will be surely missed by all who knew him...as all loved this Christian man. He was God's gift to all ... we were Blessed to have such wonderful memories of our special Dr. T. It's hard to understand why he had to go, but we know without a doubt that he will be with our Lord. He had more love in his little finger than most of us have in our entire body. Prayers for your precious family. The Carol Hoffman family, Teri, Tory and Andrew.
Clark D. Hinderleider, MD, PhD
May 15, 2007
I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Willie Tadano.
Ed, Adrienne, Laura and Elisabeth Cardy
May 15, 2007
To Dr. Tadano's family, and staff family:
We have been under Dr. Tadano's gentle care for over 10 years. He was a kind, caring man, whose fun spirit and leadership was reflected in his staff. He leaves behind a strong testimony for Christ, and God rejoices to have him in His Presence. We pray for the comforting peace that only God can give, to ease your loss in this difficult time. He is greatly missed.
Judi Gottschalk
May 14, 2007
Dear Mrs. Tadano, family and staff,
Dr. Tadano was a unique individual. He had a way of making everyone feel special. Although he had hundreds of patients, you knew he would always remember you.
Dr. T. had a way of building incredible trust and rapport and it shined through to all who worked with him.
He will be fondly remembered by the Gottschalk family. Robert, Judi, Joel, Andrew and Jeffrey
Kurt & Naomi Deardorff
May 14, 2007
Margie and Family, Our hearts and prayers go out to you. We've been truly blessed to know Will over the past few years. We take comfort in knowing he's now in the presence of our Lord and Savior and the true wonder and joy of eternal life is his.
Dan & Betsy, Alyssa & Nikki Glauber
May 14, 2007
What a privilege to be a part of Will Tadano's community of friends. When we think of Will, the words "a good man" immediately come to mind. We feel like a member of our own family is no longer in our midst & wish to extend to you, Margie, & to all of your family our deepest, heartfelt sympathies. Thank you for allowing us to share in your sorrow & to honor Will's life. He is a mentor, an inspiration & a hope for the good in this world. May all the prayers being offered up bring you a measure of comfort from one day to the next. Will truly touched many people & will always remain so special in our hearts.
With much affection,
Greg Nakagawa
May 14, 2007
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Tadano's family. I was lucky enough to be a patient and friend of Dr. Tadano. I will miss his great stories and laughter when we would visit. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Bill, Doreen, Andrea and Toni Saucier
May 14, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Tadano's family and staff. It will be hard to find someone who cared so much about my daughters' smile as much as he did. He always made them feel special when they came in for their appointment. We will miss him very much.
Debbie and Carrie Dennis
May 14, 2007
Dr. Tadano was a wonderful person and we're glad and honored to have known him. He will be missed! Our sympathy goes out to the Tadano family.
Dr. Ju Lawrence and Kathy Fitzgerald
May 14, 2007
The John C Lincoln Children's dental clinic expresses their deepest condolences to the family and staff of Dr. Tadano. His 30 years volunteering at the Dental Clinic will be treasured by all who worked with him and the countless children who's lives were touched by his caring hands.
Annette Sesma
May 14, 2007
No words can express my saddness. Dr. Tadano was such a kind and gentle man. He did my braces when I was 17 years old , I'm 38 now, and I sent my son to him for braces. He was the Best Orthodontist and the nicest man. I always bragged about how great my orthodontist was. He was a true angel. God Bless your family during this time. I will never forget Dr. Tadano.
Bill and Alexandra Lambert
May 14, 2007
Although we didn't have the pleasure of knowing Dr. Tadano personally, we were neighbors of his parents for several years. Our condolences to the extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Josie Murillo (Parra)
May 14, 2007
My condonences to the entire Tadano family. Although I did not have the privledge of knowing William personally, I was a classmate of his sister Marsha at Carl Hayden High. I too recently lost a brother three weeks ago at the ripe age of only 60. They were both to young to pass. Again my sympathy. May William rest in peace and your memories of him keep him close to your hearts.
Ellen Crabb
May 14, 2007
Dr. Tadano was a kind and wonderful person. We will miss him. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Steve, Ellen, & Brad Crabb
Diana Duncan
May 14, 2007
To the extended family of Dr. Tadano,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. He will be missed. He was a kind and gentle man and your family was there for us when our Father passed away in 1988 and we were impressed with the support you showed us at that time.
We send our deepest condolences at this time and will continute to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Christine, Fernando, Joshua & Katee Espericueta
May 14, 2007
Our prayers and thoughts go out to Dr. Tadando's families and friends. He will be greatly missed. Our family has been privillaged to have you fix 3 out of 4 of our family members messed up smiles. You've changed the way we smile, but most of all, you've allowed us to get to know you and your employees over the course of time. With each smile you bring us, you will be remembered in our hearts. Christine, Joshua, Katee & Fernando Espericueta
Chris, Nancy, Hilary, Gretchen Burns
May 14, 2007
God bless you as you grieve the loss of Will. May His peace sustain you and bring you 'joy in the morning'. It was such a pleasure to know Will and be a part of his life for these past 6 years. He will be sorely missed but remembered with a smile and a glad heart!
Oberg Family
May 14, 2007
We love Dr. Tadano! Our family is so very sad at the loss of this beautiful man. He is our orthodontist and always took time to make us feel special. We send our deepest sympathy to your family and we are praying for you.
Love, The Oberg Family
John Stevens
May 13, 2007
Margie and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Will was an amazing role model to many of us. He touched so many people and was so gentle and kind. He will be missed.
The Stevens Family - John, Teri, Jake, Nick and Jordan
Ron and Marcia Owens
May 13, 2007
We send our thoughts and prayers to your family and express our sense of loss of a person who was a great inspiration and mentor for our daughter, Kristen, as she entered into the field of orthodontics.
Kristen Benes and Marica Owens with Will after picking Citrus in Jan '04
May 13, 2007
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