Thomas Tsuda Obituary

THOMAS TAKETO TSUDA (TAKE) 92, of Kailua, passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2024. Take was born in Honolulu on May 29, 1932. Take was drafted into the Marine Corps in January 1951, 6 months after the beginning of the Korean War. He served in Korea for sixteen months, of which ten months were in combat zones. During his 7 years of service, Take received numerous awards and ribbons, including the purple heart. Take met his future wife, Jane Yagi, soon after returning from military service. Take and Jane had many happy years raising their dogs, going on golf trips to the outer islands, traveling to Japan, Alaska, South Korea and many trips to Las Vegas. Take retired in 1994 from the Hawaii Newspaper Agency, after a successful 34 year career. Every November, Take eagerly anticipated a reunion in Las Vegas with his Korean War buddies from Virginia, Washington State and California. Take often mentioned how he was especially grateful for the courage of John Penick. John saved Take's life on the battlefield, making it possible, as Take often said, for the rest of his life. An avid golfer, some of Take's happiest memories were the outer island golf trips with friends. Take also cherished his memberships in the Dawn Patrol and the PL Golf Club. He served as the Advertiser Golf Chair for several years. Take joined the KWVA (Korean War Veterans' Association) #1 in 2005 and regularly met with other Korean War veterans at the Vet Center and the weekly Tuesday breakfasts at the Like Like Drive Inn. As a proud member of Chapter #483 MOPH (Military Order of the Purple Heart), he and other wounded veterans gathered monthly at Keehi Lagoon. Take and Jane shared a love for dogs and over the years, had seven dogs ranging from Stubby, a rascally little mixed breed, to five German Shepherds, Christopher, Samson, Erik, Buck, and Monty. Take found Cally (Calloway), a miniature Rottweiler wandering the streets. As someone who could not turn away from a needy animal, Take adopted Cally and the homeless stray became a well-loved family member. Take was preceded in death by his father and mother, Toshio and Hamayo Tsuda and sisters Doris H. Tsutahara and Lilli T. Fukumoto. He will be truly missed by his devoted wife of 59 years, Jane Yagi Tsuda, many good friends, in-laws and nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Nu'uanu Memorial Park and Mortuary on Saturday, December 14th, 2024. Visitation will be at 3:00 p.m. and services will begin at 4:00 p.m. No koden please. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC