Mutsuo “Mik” Kitagawa

Aug. 3, 1934 – Feb. 7, 2020

MUTSUO “MIK” KITAGAWA, passed peacefully at home, sporting his beloved 49ers tee on Feb. 7, 2020 at the age of 85.

Born and raised in SF’s Japantown, he called the City his home—not counting the 3 years at the Topaz Internment Camp in Utah and 2 years in the US Army. Mik was a newspaper boy for the Nichi Bei Times, worked at Uoki’s market and was a boy scout with Troop 12. He was a proud member of the Barons social club and often helped organize the all-clubs J-town reunions.

Mik attended Lowell High School, City College and the SF Academy of Art and went on to become an award-winning advertising art director for 35 years. After retiring, he found his true passion: painting and sculpting. His work can be found at miksculpts.com and one of his paintings is part of the collection at the Topaz Museum.

Mik will always be remembered for his vibrant outgoing personality, big heart and great sense of humor. His family & friends will remember his ability to light up a room with his quick wit, infectious laugh, and his timely antics, no matter what the situation.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hiroshi & Misao, siblings Ichiro, Jiro, Sab, Yosh, Pete, Naomi, and daughter Mia. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rickie, daughter Megan (Paul), son Paul (Aki), grandchildren George, James, Ryo & Rei, and countless relatives who knew him as “Uncle Mik”.