Samuel Masami Takahashi of Modesto, CA passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2010 in his home. Sam was born on November 11, 1916 in Oakland, CA. He was one of five children to Terumi Takahashi of Chiba, Japan and Kiyo Nobe of Yokohama, Japan. During WWII, he and his family were forced to sell everything and become imprisoned in the Japanese internment camps. Despite this racism, Sam proudly served in the United States Army during World War II as a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most highly decorated regiment in the history of the United States Armed Forces. Because of his service in the Field Artillery Battalion from 1943-1946, his hearing was almost completely gone in his old age. After the war, Sam graduated with a BA degree in Biology. He worked as a biochemist for 27 years at NIH (National Institute of Health) in Washington D.C. and retired in Ceres, CA in 1977 when his wife Lily had a stroke.
Sam was a unique, caring, humble, generous, fun-loving, laugh out loud kind of guy. One of his passions was his garden; he grew grapes, almonds, kiwis, white peaches, nectarines, pomegranates, cucumbers, plums and much more. He really enjoyed the outdoors. Three of his favorite spots were Kauai, Monterey, and Lake Tahoe.
Sam is survived by Lily Takahashi, his wife of over 67 years.
Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 3828 Marigold Lane Modesto, CA 95356. Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.