[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE LATE TOM TAKEHARA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 1999

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Mr. Tom Takehara 
of Sacramento, California. A memorial service will be held for him in 
his hometown. I respectfully ask all of my colleagues to join with me 
in saluting a truly great citizen, father, and friend.
  Mr. Takehara founded Takehara Landscape Inc. which grew to become one 
of the largest businesses of its kind in the Sacramento area. As a 
landscape contractor, he handled landscape duties at many of Northern 
California's most prominent public and private buildings.
  As the past president of the California Landscape Contractors 
Association and an active Rotary Club member, Mr. Takehara earned a 
reputation for civic involvement. His membership in Bocho Doshi Kai and 
Wakayama Kenjin Kai, two Japanese American heritage organizations, is 
especially noteworthy.
  Having grown up on a farm in Sacramento County, Mr. Takehara was 
well-versed in the strong work ethic associated with agriculture in 
Northern California. He was known for always working hard to build a 
successful business and to provide for his loving family.
  During World War II, Mr. Takehara was forcibly interned with 
thousands of other Japanese Americans. Yet this social and legal 
injustice never prevented him for excelling in his chosen professional 
pursuits.
  As a successful entrepreneur, he started a variety of enterprises 
before founding his own landscape construction business in Sacramento. 
Yet commerce wasn't Mr. Takehara's sole focus.
  Family was also a major force in the life of Tom Takehara. He was 
married to his wife Toshi for 51 years. They had three children: Brian, 
Walton, and Denise. He is also survived by seven grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Tom Takehara led a unique life in Northern California. 
He will be remembered as a loving family man, successful entrepreneur, 
and a great citizen of Sacramento. I ask all of my colleagues to join 
with me in remembering him as he is eulogized today.

                          ____________________