[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1409]]
               A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF YOSHITO TAKAHASHI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
a special man, Yoshito Takahashi of Fresno, California. Yoshito 
recently passed away at the age of 88 years old. He leaves behind his 
loving wife of 61 years Yoshiye, three children and three 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Takahashi was born on June 16, 1920 at his family farm in Clovis, 
California where he lived all his life. He was the eldest son of eight 
children of Yoshibei and Shizuyo Takahashi, Issei immigrants from 
Japan. He attended Clovis Grammar School and graduated from Clovis High 
School.
  During the outbreak of World War II, Yoshito and his family were sent 
to a U.S. Internment camp in Poston, Arizona, where they remained until 
1945. Upon returning home to Clovis, Yoshito and his brother Ted went 
into farming together. Takahashi Farms was born, becoming a recognized 
brand in the Fresno-Clovis metropolitan area. In addition to raising 
stone fruit, melons, vegetables, and berries, the brothers were also 
engaged in a custom grape harvesting business. Yoshito continued to 
farm with his brother until 1992 when he retired. Yoshito was a member 
of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, the Central California Freestone 
Peach Association and Treasurer of the Nisei Farmers' League. He was 
also a supporter of the Central California Nikei Service Center for 
seniors.
  Yoshito was an active member of his church, the community, and many 
professional and civic organizations. He served as president of the 
Fresno Buddhist Church, Secretary-Treasurer of the Clovis District 
Coordinating Council, the Clovis High School Agriculture Advisory 
Committee, Director of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, and he served on 
the Board of Directors with the Fresno County Cancer Society, Fresno 
Community Hospital, Community Medical Foundation and the Clovis Rotary 
Club. He was the Founding Director of the Community Hospitals of 
Central California and Co-Chairperson of the Clovis Unified School 
District Foundation.
  Yoshito's community involvement was felt throughout the valley and 
was recognized by many. In 1977, he was named Clovis ``Citizen of the 
Year'' and, in 1979 he was inducted in the Clovis Hall of Fame for his 
longstanding support and service to the community at large. Yosihto's 
strong community ties and service-centered activities led him to 
receive regular recognitions by numerous local leaders as well as state 
and federal representatives.
  It goes without saying that Mr. Yoshito Takahashi was a humble man 
and as well as a forever farmer at heart. His love for the outdoors led 
him to places such as the nearby Sierras and many destinations abroad. 
I am honored and humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of 
this amazing man. His presence will be missed in our community and by 
many others whose lives he so graciously touched.

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