Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Taylor Tomita passed away May 17, 2018, at Hood River Care Center in Hood River, Ore. Taylor was born Feb. 17, 1922, and was 96 years of age at the time of his passing.
Friends are encouraged to stop by during his viewing Friday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River. A private graveside committal with military honors will be held at Idlewilde Cemetery, 980 Tucker Road, Hood River.
Taylor was born in Hood River to Chiho and Matsuyo (Osawa) Tomita. He attended several different grade schools in the valley and graduated in 1940 from Odell High School.
Subsequent to the start of World War II, Taylor and his family, along with other local families, were uprooted from their homes and their farms and sent to far off relocation camps with short notice.
While in camp, Taylor enlisted in the United States Army. Taylor received The Japanese American Nisei Congressional Gold Medal in 2010. This medal was awarded for his bravery and courage in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal is the most prestigious award given to civilians in the United States for achievements and contributions.
After his discharge, he returned to Hood River and his life on the farm. He farmed until retirement in 1989. In addition to being a life-long orchardist, he enjoyed mushroom hunting, traveling and bowling. He also enjoyed sports — especially his Portland Trailblazers and Seattle Mariners. He was a member of the Japanese American Citizens League, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Diamond Fruit Growers Association.
Taylor is survived by his sister Ruth Akiyama of Hood River; brother Lewis Tomita of Portland, Ore.; two nieces, Joanne Kumagai and Nancy Kumagai, both of Maple Grove, Minn.; and three nephews, Gary Akiyama of Vancouver, Wash., Wesley Akiyama of Yakima, Wash., and Mitchell Tomita of Happy Valley, Ore. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Barbara Kumagai and Bonita Tomita.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Meals on Wheels or to a charity of your choice in memory of Taylor (gifts can be sent c/o Anderson’s).
The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Hood River Care Center and Hearts of Gold for their loving care Taylor received during his final days. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) entries
Sign the guestbook.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.