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BORN
1916
DIED
2015
Elmer Tazuma Obituary
Elmer Shizuto Tazuma was born in Kure, Japan, on March 30, 1916. He graduated Franklin High in 1934 and, decades later, earned an AA from N. Seattle Comm. College. He helped his parents run the Tazuma 10-Cents store on the corner of 12th and Jackson until they were relocated to Camp Minidoka due to the war.
He ran several hotels and apartments, including New Central, Eclipse, Roosevelt Apts. and Helen V Apts. (with late brother Noboru). In retirement, he studied watchmaking and took over John's Watch Shop in W. Seattle. When not fixing watches, he wrote poetry and was active at Kokoro Kai, where he often played harmonica.
Elmer is survived by brothers Junkichi (Frances) and Yukio (Kimiko), sister-in-law Miyoko, his 6 children - Frances (Marvin Hamanishi), Laurie, Tom, Ron (Lyly Fisher), Stan and Larry (Sofia Kim) - and 5 grandchildren - David, Kristen, Sara (Basqui Enriquez), Jordan (Lori) and Trissi. Elmer died peacefully in his sleep on February 5, 2015, under the kind care of Seattle Keiro, predeceased by wife Masako.
A memorial service will be held at Seattle Buddhist Church on March 29 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nikkei Concerns or Seattle Buddhist Church. Please sign Elmer's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elmer Tazuma
Sponsored by The Family.
4 Entries
Elmer Tazuma
Ron Tazuma
March 27, 2015
teri and wayne lau
March 24, 2015
dear frances, marv..laurie and entire tazuma family..
please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your father..dear frances i had no idea..when i spoke with you this morning that your father had passed..i am so very embarrassed and sorry..i am happy that you all were able to say goodbye and that he passed in such a peaceful manner..much love to you frances..teri and wayne lau
Wayne and Teri Lau
March 24, 2015
Your dad lived a wonderful and full life, Frances. I still remember playing at the Eclipse when we all lived in Chinatown and went to Bailey Gatzert.
Our sincerest thoughts are with you in your loss.
Joni Fulton
March 23, 2015
Dear Frances and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about your dad. We remember him as a kind, creative, and industrious man. Your mom and he achieved so much in this life and have passed their values to their children, their children's
children and to future generations. We are thinking of you with love.
The Fulton Family, Kitty, Joni, Bob and Rob
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