OBITUARY: Kenge Takahashi

Takahashi, Kenge, 89, passed away on July 28, 2010 in San Mateo, Calif. He was born on November 24, 1920 in San Mateo. Dearly beloved husband of the late Sachiko Takahashi. Devoted father of Gene (Phylis), Norma (Charles), Jack (Karrie) and Anne (Wilbur). Loving grandfather of Stacy, Bobby and Samantha Takahashi. Predeceased by brother Noboru Takahashi and sisters Tsuya Takahashi and Masa Oida. Also survived by nephew Yukio Oida and cousins Shig (Best) Takahashi and Moto (Tazu) Takahashi.

Growing up, he helped his father and sister by working at the family market, which began his lifelong service to the Japanese community. Like other Japanese Americans, he was interned in various camps during World War II. During the war, Kenge volunteered and served in the all-Nisei 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat team.

He returned to San Mateo after the war to reopen the family market, and in 1950 he married Sachiko Miyahara of San Francisco. She began helping at the market and worked for over 30 years alongside her loving husband before retiring. Kenge was an avid fisherman and ham radio operator, but he will be remembered mostly by family and friends for his strong work ethic and his devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, 2010 at Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home, 977 So. El Camino Real in San Mateo. (650) 343-1804