Takao "Tak" Aoki

Takao "Tak" AOKI December 13, 1923 ~ December 25, 2010 Takao 'Tak' Aoki passed away peacefully on December 25, 2010 with his family at his side. He was an ever loving and patient hus band, father, grandfather, uncle, and steadfast, supportive friend. The son of Hideko (Kubota) and Sasuke Aoki, Tak was born and raised in Seattle. After the start of WWII, he was interned at the Minidoka War Relocation Center in Hunt, Idaho with his family. Within a year, he enlisted in the United States Army and served with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) as a translator of Japanese during the reconstruc tion of Japan. After the war, Tak met and married Ruth Miye Suzuki, with whom he enjoyed 61 years of marriage. Together they estab lished several small businesses, including the East Pike Cleaners, Marcel's Swiss Pastry Shop, Mignonne Swiss Pastry Shop & Restaurant in Westlake Mall, and Aoki Japanese Sushi Bar & Robata Grill on Broadway. Through the years, Tak was a com munity volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, MIS North west Association, Nisei Veterans Committee, Seattle Betsuin Bud dhist Church, and Seattle Keiro. Tak is best remembered as a patient listener who loved to engage and share in his family's and friends' lives. Everyone with in the orbit of Tak's magnanimity was always treated and welcomed as a member of the family. Tak touched and influenced many; his wise counsel and silent advice have influenced the course of many lives over the years, like ripples on the water of life. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Miye Aoki; his children, Paul Aoki (Michele); Elaine Aoki (Dennis Yamashita); Sarah Aoki-Fordham (Mark); Carol Aoki-Kramer (Michael); his grandchildren, Ante Hoath and Natalya Aoki; Emily Aoki Yamashita; Sophie and Giovanni Aoki-Fordham; and Miye and Chiyo Aoki-Kramer; his broth ers, Yoshio of Seattle and Nobuo of Salt Lake City, Utah; and scores of other close family mem bers and friends, all of whom will miss his warmth, charity, engag ing smile, and hearty laugh. A memorial service will be held in January - to be announced. The family is very grateful to Aegis Living at Northgate, Faerland Terrace, and Seattle Keiro for their care and support over the past three years. Remembrances may be made to the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Church, NVC Foundation, Alzheimer's Associa tion, Seattle Nikkei Concerns, or a charity of your choice.