OBITUARY: Theodore Kiyoshi Ono

Theodore Kiyoshi Ono

ONO, THEODORE KIYOSHI, 93, resident of Kensington, Calif., passed away at his home on February 26, 2015. Ted Ono was born on June, 22, 1921 in Oakland, Calif. He attended Fresno High School and UC Berkeley but his studies at UC were cut short due to Executive Order 9066 (Relocation of Japanese Americans). Ted left the Bay Area and enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., where he received a BA in Economics. Ted was an Army Veteran, serving as Captain in the Counter Intelligence Corps during the Korean War, 1944-1952.

Theodore married Barbara F. Ono in 1945, and after resigning his commission, settled in Berkeley, Calif.. Together they opened The Gift Basket, which he and Barbara ran for 42 years, finally closing in January, 1994. In 2009 Ted received his honorary degree from UC Berkeley. When he was not traveling worldwide, Ted continued to be an active member in the Albany Kiwanis Club and the “CAL Nisei Lunchers, classes of ’39-’43.”

Ted was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara. He is survived by daughters Carole Ono, Kathryn Ono, son Peter Ono and grandson Gavin Rice.

A Memorial Service will be held on May 9 for family and close friends.