Michael Katsuyoshi "Mike" Takaki

On Wednesday, March 16, 2016, Michael Katsuyoshi Takaki passed away in the loving arms of his wife and four children at the age of 97.

Mike was born to Zentaro and Satoyo (Morioka) Takaki on January 31, 1919 and was raised in North Kohala, Hawaii. Growing up, he fished, skin dived and was an all-around athlete and boxing champion. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and after leaving the islands for Chicago, Illinois, to attend school, earned his bachelors degree in electrical engineering. When he returned home to Hawaii to teach/coach at Kohala High School and help out at the Takaki family Store in Niulii, he met his one and only love; Kikue.

Upon a marriage that would last almost 64 years, the adventurous couple moved to Chicago. Mike owned and operated his own business, pioneering in television electronics sales and service while Kikue continued her teaching career. An ingenious problem solver, if he couldn't fix a television through standard means, he would actually make the parts and systems to get it working, often unbeknownst to his customers. Mike's big heart showed up in many ways, when his customers had difficulty paying for his services - he would work with them, through bartering and would come home with some of the most unusual items!

He loved traveling, camping, golfing, vegetable gardening, "talking story" and playing the Hawaiian steel guitar and ukulele. Family time was filled with summer road trips to world fairs, national parks, fishing in Wisconsin and home improvement projects. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix or make. There wasn't any sporting event he didn't love to watch. He was a man of few words, but had a large presence and acted out of kindness and generosity his whole life. Mike was a healer, who was taught Reiki when the Japanese Master Dr. Chujiro Hayashi visited his parent's home in Hawaii and gifted him with this ancient hands-on healing energy. Many people benefitted from his exceptionally strong Ki.

Mike was a long time resident of Park Forest, Illinois, and in later years, Cape Coral, Florida and Woodinville, Washington. He enjoyed an active retirement, cooking, baking, oil painting, making furniture, gardening, and woodworking. He specialized in creating wooden "honu" - sea turtles - which he often gave to friends and loved ones, or complete strangers to make their day brighter. This passion for honu was fitting, as in Hawaiian and Japanese culture, the turtle is symbolic of long life.

Mike is survived by his wife, Kikue, his four children; Lynn Takaki (Gene Gerrard), Lisa Takaki ( Ken Ramirez), Mike Takaki and Lani Takaki, four grandchildren; Niko, Kiana, Kala and Quinten, sister, Margaret (Raymond) Ohara and dearly loved extended family originating from Hawaii. He was an inspiration to all of us in enjoying each day through the simple things; the beauty of nature, preparation and enjoyment of a good meal, never complaining and always finding a way through inner strength. Aloha...until we meet again.

A private celebration of Mike's life will be held. In lieu of flowers, please donate or purchase a koa tree to restore a koa forest through The Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative.

 

 

 

Born: Jan 31, 1919 in Kohala, Hawaii

Died: Mar 16, 2016 in Woodinville, Washington

About: WWII Veteran "Chowhounds"