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Francis Isao TANAKA

1924 - 2017

Francis Isao TANAKA

1924 - 2017

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1924

DIED

2017

Francis TANAKA Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 10, 2017.

Burial arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Memorial Park.

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Recent Activity

July 25, 2023

Rodrigo Toscano posted to the memorial.

October 16, 2021

Joab posted to the memorial.

September 13, 2021

Manuel Castellanos Jr. posted to the memorial.

32 Entries

Rodrigo Toscano

July 25, 2023

Both Dr. Roy and Francis Tanaka were great men. I was born in 1964, and he was my doctor through my teens. It should be mentioned that he spoke very good Spanish. The clinic was a model of humanity and professionalism like none other. Japanese American are forever in my heart. Rodrigo Toscano (poet).

Joab

October 16, 2021

I didn't learn about this man until today. Today I rescued a photo of him from WWII that was going into the trash. I always rescue old photos and try to reach out to the family. Please let me know if this is your father, Francis Tanaka (the picture says it's him with friends).

Manuel Castellanos Jr.

September 13, 2021

Dr. Roy and Dr. Francis and their staff (including nurse Hazel) contributed so much to the Barrio Logan community. They were the Family Doctors for many, including many of my cousins, aunts and uncles. We are forever grateful.

Dr Lisa Yamamoto

June 16, 2021

You were a great inspiration to me Dr Tanaka to become a Doctor, Sir. I remember when you came to our house to give us our vaccinations. Also remember when you came to the house when my father had his STEMI in 1985. You set the bar! I am glad I got to visit you before you died.

Thank you for everything!

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Isabel Leon

January 4, 2021

It is January 4, 2021 and I was wondering about a wonderful doctor....My name is Isabel Leon and Dr. Francis Tanaka deliver me into this world in 1968. Dr. Roy and Dr. Francis Thanks had taken care of my family since 1956/57 when my Grandmother had felt ill and later diagnosed with a fatal condition and passed away in 1958. But my family had benefited from the great care and dedication of both brothers, Hazal and the staff of nurses, so wonderful as well and all felt like family. I even heard that the brothers didn't always receive full payments from their patients but they never turned anyone away. I love every one in that office and especially Doctors Roy and Francis. A special place will always remain in my heart for Dr. Francis for he was among the very first people I ever met in this world. To his family, I am so very sorry for your loss, Dr. Francis made a difference in this world and made it a better place From the Mary Helen Leon and Isabel Leon (daughter)

Karen Grosskreutz/Lynn

August 12, 2019

You helped bring me into this world back in Jan1956, at Harbor General Hosp. in Torrance, CA.
Thank you kind sir, Rest in Peace♡

April 29, 2019

2 years Papa, miss you everyday!

augie Bareno

May 23, 2018

Rest in peace Dr Francis,you and your brother Dr Roy provided health care to many generations of Logan Heights families and Industrial Medicine for countless men and women who worked in the canneries.Your contributions were an important part of the development of the city of san diego.Your tireless service to the community of logan heights is a beacon of light that will always remain bright and be remembered by the generations that experienced your care and kindness.Thank you Dr Fancis,Tanaka Medical clinic.

Randall

November 8, 2017

All other Dr.'s for the rest of my life could never live up to what a great man he was. He and his brother Roy cared for my family, and delivered me a Mercy Hospital. I used to wait on the carpeted steps that lead up to his office and once was taken up to see the various medical specimens in jars.....which I am sure helped my love of science. He was kind and when I would get all my shots used "Santa Clause Snow" to freeze the spot so it wouldn't hurt. I don't know many who could say they had such positive experiences at a Dr.'s Office. He cared for my Mother and she trusted him above no other...he was a wonderful man. Our deepest sympathies to your family from The Randall's

Tom Tom

May 29, 2017

I'm sorry to hear about your loss, praying for your family. Love you guys Tomtom

Barbara Main

May 26, 2017

Sincere sympathies from the Main Family. He will be greatly missed.

Kay Ochi

May 22, 2017

Dr. Francis took care of my Mother and Father's health needs with great kindness and patience - from Barrio Logan to Bonita and Mercy hospital. He spoke Japanese with my Mom, a kibei nisei; this gave her much comfort. When she had medical appointments, she made sushi for him, a small token of her gratitude. His delight pleased her greatly. I am so grateful to Doctor and will never forget his kindness and care of them.

James Cole

May 22, 2017

I will always remember him as a great man and mentor. My condolences to the entire family. Love you all like family.

Erica Villanova-Hill

May 19, 2017

Francis will be missed dearly, a gentle soul, loving, kind, generous. I didn't know him really well but the little that I knew I really loved. He was such a caring caring person, soft spoken and gentle loved his family dearly and they loved him. Rest in peace Francis and God please give his family the strength to bear this pain. He will be remembered always. Glad to have known him.
Erica Villanova-Hill

Madelaine Kaiser

May 18, 2017

From the early 1950's, my family and I (at the age of 4 yrs) became regular patients at the Tanaka Medical Clinic. Dr. Roy Tanaka then introduced us, proudly, to his younger brother, Dr. Francis Tanaka sometime in 1957 or 58. They remained our doctors (uncles, more like) until the deaths of my father and my mother and our moving away from San Diego. Dr. Francis delivered my two nephews into the world and saw them both into manhood, as well. This lovely man and wonderful doctor was a very important figure in our lives. We all loved the Tanaka family and send our condolences and sympathy their way.

Anna" Peralta" Chertkow

May 18, 2017

Dr Tanaka was the family Dr when we lived in Logan Heights, he delivered my Brother Frank " kiko" Peralta son of Julia and Carlos Peralta! Sorry for your Loss Tanaka Family! Every time we would pass the medical Center I would remember going there as a little girl with my Mother. Thank you Dr Tanaka for your medical services to the Logan Heights Community! God Bless you RIP! Anna " Peralta" Chertkow

Jane Tanaka

May 17, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the Tanaka Family.
Dr Francis Tanaka was a great role model
to the younger generations of Asian -American
physicians here in San Diego. Dr Francis Tanaka and Dr Lawrence Tanaka
in the elevator at Mercy Hospital more than 30 years ago when I was a medical student at UCSD. Many of my patients have been his former patients and have spoken very fondly of him.

Norma DeSaegher

May 17, 2017

Aloha Family!

Your Dad, Dr. Tanaka was a special blessing to me while I pastored Ocean View United Church of Christ many years ago.
One year we had a homeless man who needed a complete physical to be eligible to receive some government assistance. When I called your Dad he said, bring him over for the exam, no charge. He took such meticulous care in checking our homeless friend from head to toe. His assistant announced that Mr. X had arrived, a millionaire. But Dr. Tanaka, did not skip any part of the examination as I watched with deep respect for this wonderful doctor.

We enjoyed lunches together when time would allow as we were both from Kauai. I know he is resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Faithfully,
Rev. Dr. Norma Nomura
Desaegher - Hawaii

Isaias Salazar

May 17, 2017

Dr. Tanaka was our family doctor when I was growing up, he was a great man with a big heart. I'll always remember a Christmas in the early 60's when my Dad had injured his back and had been off work for months. My Dad was the sole provider of our Family. If it wasn't for Dr. Tanaka we wouldn't have had Christmas that year. Dr. Tanaka came to our house a few days before that Christmas with gifts and food for Dad, Mom, me and my four Sisters. May you Rest In Peace, the world could use more good people like Dr. Tanaka.
Isaias